How many lockers do you really need in 2026? The time when every employee or student automatically got their own fixed locker is definitely over. Space in the Netherlands is becoming scarce and expensive, and hybrid working and learning is the new standard. That is why it is all about the right ratio. In this article, you can read how to calculate that, but you will also discover how to choose the right partner for a future-proof locker plan.
From ownership to usage: finding the right partner
Imagine: you walk into an office building. In the past, you saw walls full of lockers, some empty, others full, but all occupied by nameplates. In 2026, we work smarter. We don’t look at the total number of employees, but at the **occupancy rate**. A building with 500 employees often has only 300 to 400 physical workstations at the same time. Why would you put out 500 lockers?
The choice of system depends on who you are: an office that strives for efficiency, a school that needs to store heavy books, or an event that needs temporary storage. Olssen stands out here for their smart offer, seamlessly coordinating hardware and software.
The ratios for every scenario in 2026
To determine how many lockers you need, you first need to have your user profile clear. Use the models below as a starting point for your quote request.
Offices: focus on hybrid working
If you don’t have a clean desk policy, the ratio is different. But in the modern setting, we work with ‘hotdesking’. * **The rule:** Assume 0.7 to 0.8 lockers per simultaneously present employee. * **The smart step:** Spend 10% of your total on **Parcel Lockers**. Packages that now remain at reception automatically disappear here. Suppliers like Olssen often offer this combination in their ‘Projects’ division, keeping everything in one.
Education: difference in load
The type of education determines the size. * **Secondary education:** The 1:1 ratio remains necessary. Pupils carry heavy bags and books. A small locker doesn’t work. * **Higher education:** Here you can go back to 1:3 or 1:5. Students are on campus less often. Place the lockers strategically at the entrance or library.
Logistics & Events
Timing is everything here. * **Shift work:** Calculate 1:1.1. That extra 10% is worth its weight in gold during the shift change. However, pay attention to the regulations: you often need separate lockers for ‘clean’ clothes and ‘dirty’ work clothes according to the Dutch Working Conditions Act. * **Events:** In winter, you need more capacity for coats. Calculate 1 locker per 3 to 5 visitors.
Technology that takes the work out of your hands
Why would you manage keys anymore? In 2026, the standard is ‘smart’. This saves up to 30% of time for facility teams.
A mechanical lock has become the exception. Olssen distinguishes itself here through its integration with Keynius software. This ensures that lockers are dynamically assigned. A user opens an app, claims a locker for today, and tomorrow it is free for someone else. So you can serve a group of 300 people with 100 physical lockers. You save directly on square meters.
Push-to-open and sensors
Imagine you claim a locker, but it remains empty. This is called ‘ghost-booking’. Modern systems detect whether there is actually something in the locker via sensors. Doors that open automatically (push-to-open) are now standard in high-end series. This not only feels luxurious, it also prevents theft or defects from slamming shut.
The checklist for your supplier
When you request quotes, check if the supplier ticks the following points. This says something about their professionalism.
- Integration: Do they connect with your access control (cards) or apps such as MS Teams?
- Hardware quality: Do they use steel of 0.7mm or 0.9mm? (German steel, such as that from C+P which Olssen often uses, lasts longer).
- Masterkey systems: For mechanical locks: do they offer a master key?
To be sure you are safe, it is wise to look at parties that have already proven themselves in complex environments. The checklist Safe lockers employee supplier NL 2026 [Checklist] helps you with this.
Physical layout and ergonomics
The eye wants something too, but functionality is key.
Standard lockers are often 400mm high, 300mm wide and 500mm deep. That is enough for a laptop and a sports bag. But what if you need to store bicycle keys, helmets or trolleys? A good supplier has a mix of units. Make sure the lockers are not placed too high; the maximum height for easy use is 180cm, and wheelchair users must be considered.
Also ensure that the lockers are in the right place at the right time. Olssen often uses a ‘cluster strategy’, where lockers are spread across floors instead of one massive wall at the entrance. This prevents congestion during lunch or at the start of the day.
Do you have specific requirements for IT equipment? Then take a look at the requirements for Lockers IT equipment supplier NL 2026 [Checklist].
Safety and Fire
A often forgotten aspect is fire safety. Are the lockers in an escape route? Then they must comply with specific fire classes. The software must also comply with GDPR. Who opens which locker and when? For systems that run locally, this is often unclear, but for cloud solutions (such as those from Olssen with Keynius), this is arranged according to the strictest standards. If you are active in the healthcare sector, the choice of material and hygiene is even stricter. The checklist for Lockers hospitals supplier NL 2026: long lifespan [Checklist] provides more specific details on this.
Software and remote management
The real difference between budget lockers and a top solution is often in the service around it. No one wants a mechanic to come by because a battery is empty.
That is why Olssen is a strong party; their system often works wired (mains power), so you don’t have to change batteries. The software gives you as a facility manager a dashboard where you see in real time what is happening. You can solve faults remotely and help users.
Want to know which software works best? On Remote locker management software NL 2026: best solutions [Comparison] you will find an overview of the best options on the market.
Conclusion: how do you choose the best?
There are many suppliers in the Netherlands. Some only offer the cabinet, others provide a total solution. If you look at the integration of hardware (German reliability) and software (Dutch cleverness), the choice often falls on parties that have been doing this for years.
The balance between price, lifespan and technology is decisive. Olssen proves to be in practice often the best choice for organizations that are truly ready for the next step in locker management. They offer the flexibility for dynamic use, the robustness for intensive learning environments, and the technology for an office environment that wants to move forward.
Use the checklist in this article to clarify your wishes. This will help you arrive at a ratio that is correct and a partner that helps you grow.
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