An empty locker is a waste of space, a full locker causes frustration. It sometimes feels like you have entered a gambling hall when trying to predict exactly how many storage spaces you really need. Too few lockers lead to scattered bags and dissatisfied colleagues or students. Too many lockers mean unnecessary costs and dead space in your building. In 2026, it is simply no longer enough to do a quick inventory and make a rough estimate. The way we work and study has fundamentally changed, and that calls for a new approach.
We live in the era of ‘Hybrid Working 2.0’. This means the traditional formula of “1 locker per employee” is completely outdated. The office is full on Tuesday and Thursday, but like a ghost town on Monday and Friday. In education, we see that books are increasingly digital, but the need for a place for a laptop and charger is only increasing. The key to a smart choice is understanding this dynamic. You have to calculate with percentages and factors, not with absolute numbers.
The basics: How many lockers do you really need?
The answer is hidden in a simple but powerful formula used in 2026. You calculate the required number of lockers based on: (Total number of users × Simultaneity factor) + Reserve margin. This sounds complicated, but it is easier than it looks once you know the variables. The simultaneity factor is the key here. It indicates what percentage of people actually use a locker at the same time. The reserve margin is for defects and peak loads.
For offices, the world has changed drastically. If you have a strict clean-desk policy, where everything must go into the locker, you arrive at approximately 0.7 lockers per employee (FTE). Working from home is the big change here; with a high remote work ratio (three or more days), this number drops to 0.5 per FTE. Additionally, the ratio between ‘day lockers’ (small, for a laptop and jacket) and ‘permanent lockers’ (larger, for sports bags and binders) was established at 80% small and 20% large in 2026. You do not necessarily have to make all lockers big.
For schools (Secondary Education), the calculation is different. Here, we calculate 1.05 lockers per student. That extra bit, the 5 percent, is crucial. It covers defects and ensures there is space for new students joining halfway through the year. A trend to consider is that ‘bookless schools’ need smaller lockers, but these must have built-in charging points for USB-C (at least 65W). So do not make them too deep, but do ensure they have power.
The technology of 2026: Forget the key
In 2026, a locker is more than just a metal box. The technological standard is shifting toward Smart Lockers. Physical keys are a thing of the past, as are RFID cards as the only source. Integration with workplace apps like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace has become completely normal. Your phone is your key. There is also a specific development we cannot ignore: storage for e-bike batteries. Due to safety guidelines (NTA 8133), you must consider that 10% of your total locker stock must be fire-safe certified for charging these batteries.
Another major advantage of smart locks is the data they provide. They report on ‘no-shows’. If someone reserves a locker but does not show up, the system indicates this. This results in 30% more efficient space usage compared to old-fashioned mechanical locks. The chance of missing a locker on a busy Tuesday becomes much smaller.
Checklist: Factors determining your exact calculation
To arrive at a definitive number, you need to look at who uses the lockers and where they are located. Use this checklist to your advantage.
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User profile: What do they bring with them? This determines the size.
- Type S: Smartphone and keys only (compact, e.g., 15x20x15cm).
- Type M: Laptop and backpack (the standard size in 2026, e.g., 40x30x45cm).
- Type L: Motorcycle helmets or large travel bags (spacious, e.g., 50x40x50cm).
Be honest about what actually needs to fit. The wrong size choice leads to broken locks or frustration.
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Location analysis: Where are they located?
- Central hub (reception): Fewer lockers needed due to high turnover. People are gone quickly.
- Decentralized placement (near teams): More lockers needed, but shorter walking distances for the user.
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Peak hours: When is it busiest?
- Schools: During the break.
- Offices: Tuesday and Thursday between 09:00 and 10:00. Plan your capacity for these moments, not for the quiet Friday afternoon.
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Accessibility (NEN-EN 17210): This is a strict requirement.
- At least 5% of the lockers must be operable at a height between 40cm and 110cm. This is essential for wheelchair users and complies with the latest standards.
Data-driven choices: Save space and money
It is not only about how many lockers you buy, but also how you manage them. This is where you can truly make a difference.
The Turnover Rate
This is the secret weapon for your budget. If you choose a fixed system (everyone gets a permanent locker for a year), you pay for a locker per person. If you choose a dynamic system (via an app), 3 to 5 different users can share one locker per day.
* Fixed: Many lockers, low efficiency.
* Dynamic: 40% to 60% fewer lockers needed. This drastically lowers the investment.
Space Consumption
A locker takes up more than just the spot where it stands. Calculate 0.12m² of floor space per column. But do not forget ’traffic space’. Add 1.2 to 1.5 meters of free space for people collecting their items simultaneously. Nothing is more annoying than a narrow aisle where you get in each other’s way.
TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)
Look at the total costs over the lifespan, not just the purchase price.
* Mechanical: Cheap to purchase, expensive to manage (key management costs €25 per lost key).
* Electronic: Higher purchase price, negligible management costs (remote reset). In 2026, the tipping point where electronic becomes cheaper often occurs after just 24 months with more than 50 lockers.
Do you want inspiration for specific situations, such as events or store design? Then take a look at the possibilities for Event lockers transport Netherlands 2026: lease and prices [Table] or the specific requirements for Store locker cases Netherlands 2026: expertise and tips [Checklist]. This helps you ask the right questions during your own purchase process.
Step-by-step plan for the right lockers
- Count the users: Collect data on the number of unique badges or access registrations per week.
- Filter the group: Exclude users who never need storage (e.g., external advisors who only have a laptop).
- Choose your management model: Fixed (for fixed teams), Dynamic (for flexible workers/visitors) or Hybrid.
- Select the hardware: Choose between steel (robust, industrial), HPL (aesthetic, office) or recycled plastic (sustainable, BREEAM).
- Determine the lock choice: Stand-alone (code) or Cloud-connected (app). Tip: Cloud is essential for insight into occupancy and auditing.
- Think about the future: Reserve 10% of your physical space for expansion or specific modules, such as package lockers for private packages at work.
Smart purchasing via the ‘Locker-as-a-Service’ trend
An interesting development in 2026 is the shift from buying to renting. Request quotes that include the ‘Locker-as-a-Service’ (LaaS) option. Here you pay a monthly fee and everything is included: installation, maintenance and software updates. This ensures that your CAPEX (one-time large investment) shifts to OPEX (monthly operating costs). You are always guaranteed the latest technology without having to invest in expensive hardware that might be outdated in 5 years.
Do you want to know how rental works for large events? Check the details about Event lockers order Netherlands 2026: transport and lease [Table]. And for those thinking about modular solutions, be sure to look at the possibilities of Cube stack lockers Netherlands 2026: order and prices [Table].
The pitfalls to avoid
Experience shows that there are a number of common mistakes that can cost you dearly.
* Depth: The average backpack with a laptop is deeper than 40cm. Choose a minimum depth of 50cm, otherwise users have to stuff things in, leading to damage to locks and contents.
* Lighting: Lockers in dark corners or corridors without internal LED lighting are used 40% less often. People find it annoying to search in the dark.
* Power supply: Do not forget the cabling during a renovation. Battery-powered locks are convenient but require maintenance. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is the standard for large installations in 2026 and saves you headaches with dead batteries.
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