Imagine: you start a new project or renovate your office. You know you need lockers, but how many exactly? And what type? The days of simply buying a locker for every employee are truly over. Nowadays, it is all about flexibility, smart software, and the right logistics. In 2026, the choice for the number and type of lockers is decisive for your daily operation. In this article, we help you on your way to find the perfect balance between space, use, and costs.
To help you immediately, we have listed the most important factors for you. We look at the latest trends, such as hybrid working and smart hubs. You will discover how to make a watertight calculation and what to look out for when buying. We compare different options and methods, so you know exactly what is going on. Ultimately, you want a solution that lasts for years and fits the needs of your users perfectly.
Calculating is key: the right formula for 2026
Determining the number of lockers starts with a simple, yet effective calculation. We look at three factors: the total population, the simultaneity, and a demand factor. By combining these, you arrive at a realistic number. This prevents you from having too many empty lockers (cost item!) or having a shortage during busy days. The beauty is that this formula can be applied to almost any sector, from office to school.
The formula we use is: Number of Lockers = (T x S) x D.
- T (Total population): This is the total number of unique users. Think of all employees or students.
- S (Simultaneity): Here you look at the percentage of people that are there at the same time. With hybrid working, this is often lower than 100% (e.g., 60%).
- D (Demand factor): This is a correction. For example, if you add 10% for visitors or growth? Then your factor is 1.1.
A calculation example for an office in 2026:
You have 500 employees. Research shows that an average of 60% are present. Because guests sometimes visit or there is growth, we include a small buffer (5%).
The calculation is then: (500 x 0.6) x 1.05.
This results in 315 lockers. Such a specific calculation helps you enormously to justify the investment.
The right size and functionality: big enough?
Now that the number is known, it is time to think about the content. A locker must of course be practical. In 2026, the standard size for laptops and backpacks is often slightly larger than before. Many modern backpacks with laptop compartments no longer fit in the older, narrower models. A depth of at least 500mm is often necessary.
Furthermore, technology is indispensable. Where we used to use a key, a smart locker is almost standard in 2026. Think of locks that you operate with a card (RFID) or an app. This makes management more flexible. You can assign lockers dynamically; they are ‘claimed’ for a part of the day instead of being fixed to one person. This significantly reduces the required number of lockers, sometimes by as much as 30%. You no longer need to reserve a locker per FTE.
Table: Suggestive dimensions for modern lockers
| Type Locker | Dimensions (H x W x D) | Ideal content |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (Laptops) | 400 x 300 x 500 mm | Backpacks, laptops (15-17 inch), documents |
| Wardrobe | 1800 x 300-400 x 500 mm | Coats, work clothes, helmets |
| Small (Valuables) | 150 x 150 x 500 mm | Phones, keys, wallets |
| Package Lockers | 600 x 300-400 x 500 mm | Modern packages, shoes, large folders |
Note: These are indications. Depending on your specific target group (e.g., with large sports bags), the choice may be different.
The impact of the sector: what to look out for
Every sector has its own dynamics. The choice for the number of lockers strongly depends on how and where they are used. Different rules apply to a school than to an office or a gym.
Offices (Hybrid Hubs):
For offices, a ratio of 0.7 to 0.8 lockers per FTE is often chosen. This is due to hybrid working; not everyone is there every day. A trend for 2026 is the integration of package reception. Employees are ordering more and more items for work. Therefore, part of the lockers must be suitable for parcel services (PUDO functions).
Education (Secondary & Higher):
Schools often have a legal right to safe storage. A 1:1 ratio (one locker per student) often applies here. The size is important; they must be large enough for heavy book bags including a laptop. For higher education (MBO, HBO, University), the ratio is lower (0.3 – 0.5) because students are more flexible, but during exam periods, there is a huge peak load.
Logistics & Industry:
Here, the 24-hour economy plays a role. Due to shift work, use overlaps. The ratio here is often 1.1 lockers per employee. Specific points of attention are the materials. Ventilation is crucial for work clothes to prevent odors. Separation between clean and dirty clothes is also a must. In this sector, heavy industrial cabinets that meet strict standards are often chosen.
Smart management and technology: the key to success
The physical locker is only half the story. The software behind it determines how smoothly the process runs. In 2026, users expect a seamless experience. They open their locker with their phone or their employee pass. When they release the locker, it becomes available to someone else immediately.
This dynamic system requires a good back office. Administrators must have real-time insight into which lockers remain unused (so-called ‘ghost lockers’). This allows you to optimize occupancy and save on costs. Also think about integrations. Can the locker software link to your personnel system? If someone leaves the company, their access must stop automatically. If you are looking for specific solutions for temporary situations, such as events, it is good to know that there are various providers. Parties that focus on rental for festivals, such as Festival lockers delivery NL 2026: rental & prices [Table], often offer specific models that are suitable for large groups of people for a shorter period.
Spatial planning and ergonomics
Determining the number of lockers is one thing, being able to fit them in is another. The location of the lockers is essential for user-friendliness. Place them in ‘hubs’ near entrances or coffee points, so they are easy to reach. Avoid narrow corridors where open doors block the passage.
A often forgotten aspect is the free space. To open a locker and pass other people, you need at least 1.2 to 1.5 meters. Accessibility is also becoming increasingly important. Ensure that at least 5% of the lockers are at sitting height (between 400mm and 1100mm), so that wheelchair users can easily reach them. Finally, the floor is important. A closed plinth of about 100mm high prevents dirt from accumulating under the lockers and makes cleaning easier.
For specific sectors, such as retail, other requirements often apply regarding appearance and customer access. If you want to know more about the specific needs in that sector, you can look at Retail locker projects NL 2026: experience & advice [Checklist]. There you will find more details on how to integrate lockers in a store environment.
A handy checklist for your project
To be sure that you don’t forget anything, we have compiled a clear checklist for you. Go through these points step by step to clarify your wishes before you request quotes.
- Target group analysis: Who uses the locker? (Guest, student, permanent employee, shift worker).
- Content determination: What must fit inside? (Laptop, coat, helmet, sports bag, small packages).
- Identification method: How do you open the locker? (QR code, App, RFID, pin code).
- Power requirement: Are USB ports needed to charge devices? (At least 15% of the lockers is a good standard in 2026).
- Safety: Do the cabinets meet the correct fire class requirements, especially if they are placed in escape routes?
- Management model: Who resets forgotten codes? Is a link with the HR database needed?
- Circularity: Are the lockers built modularly? Can parts be replaced to extend the life?
- Look & Feel: Do the lockers need to function as a room divider? Is an acoustic back wall needed?
- Package flow: Is integration with external couriers desired (PostNL, DHL)?
- Software licenses: What are the recurring costs for the smart-lock platform per year?
Pitfalls and choice of material
There are a few known pitfalls that you can easily fall into. First, the underestimation of the depth. As mentioned earlier: a depth of 50cm is the new standard for backpacks. Second, static management on flex desks. One-to-one assignment leads to 60% vacancy during hybrid working; dynamic allocation is the solution. Finally: ventilation. When storing clothes or sports equipment, an open back wall or ventilation grid is crucial to prevent moisture and odor.
The choice of material is also decisive. Do you go for steel or wood? Steel lockers are often the basis for industrial or sporty environments. They are extremely strong and meet standards such as DIN 4547. Wooden lockers (HPL) give a warmer, luxurious look and are perfect for offices and lobbies. In terms of lock systems, there are also many possibilities. From simple mechanical combination locks to advanced electronic systems from brands such as Digilock or Ojmar.
If you are specifically looking for modular steel solutions that you can easily expand, it is wise to look at the possibilities of Cube lockers stacking NL 2026: buying & prices [Table]. This gives you an insight into the flexibility of stackable systems. For events, other requirements are often needed, such as fast distribution and high wear and tear. Similar overviews for separate units can be found under Event lockers buy NL 2026: delivery & rental [Table]. By comparing the different options, you arrive at a well-considered choice.
Conclusion: the best choice for 2026
Determining the number of lockers for 2026 is a strategic consideration. It is not just about metal, but about logistics, software, and user-friendliness. The market offers many options, from simple rental for festivals to complex smart-locker systems for companies. Companies that focus on integrating these techniques, such as Olssen, often have an advantage here because they have both the hardware (such as the robust C+P lines) and the software (such as Keynius integrations) in-house. They understand that a locker in 2026 is a dynamic hub.
By asking the right questions and following the checklist, you ensure that your locker project not only meets current requirements but is also future-proof. Whether you choose a static system for permanent employees or a dynamic system for flexible use, the basis remains the same: ensure the right calculation, the right size, and the right support. This way you can be sure that you won’t be faced with surprises later and that everyone can store their things safely and easily.
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