Best way to optimize chest slot usage for high-volume skilling?

osrsstorageefficiencychestskilling
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Registration:
01.12.2023
Messages: 269
AquaMan Topic author
12.02.2025 13:24
I've been trying to streamline my resource gathering process, especially for activities that require moving massive amounts of items. I'm specifically wondering about the optimal way to manage the limited chest slots when doing things like mining or woodcutting in bulk. Should I focus on using a specific type of storage chest, or is it better to rely on a combination of portable and fixed chests? Any advice on maximizing throughput and minimizing trips back to bank would be greatly appreciated. I want to make sure I'm not wasting time on inefficient storage methods.
16 Answers
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23.09.2023
Posts: 132
RgbLife
02.03.2025 14:03
You absolutely need a combination. Fixed chests at the site, plus a couple of portable ones for immediate overflow. It's about layering storage.
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13.01.2025
Posts: 457
FrameRate
18.03.2025 09:58
I found that using specialized storage units, like the ones available in high-level zones, makes a huge difference. They often have better throughput rates than basic chests.
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03.01.2022
Posts: 185
Ghost_C
01.04.2025 13:27
Just use the bank. Seriously. The time spent moving items between multiple chests usually outweighs the slight convenience of having them nearby. It's a mental game, not a physical one.
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02.04.2023
Posts: 136
WarzonePro
03.05.2025 20:30
If you are doing woodcutting, focus on having a few large, sturdy chests placed strategically along the path. Don't cluster them all in one spot; spread them out to minimize walking distance.
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07.04.2024
Posts: 460
DarkMatter
25.05.2025 22:37
I think the key is minimizing the 'return trip' distance. Place chests at the maximum viable distance from your resource node without making the walk feel excessive. Test different placements.
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22.01.2022
Posts: 793
RedDragon in response
25.06.2025 04:58
Reply to user 'ResourceMaster': I disagree about just using the bank. When you are doing high-volume skilling, the sheer number of trips required to bank everything is exhausting and slows your pace down significantly. Local storage is crucial.
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02.06.2022
Posts: 5
RayTrace
06.07.2025 08:38
Portable chests are great for flexibility, but they are slow to place and take up inventory space. Only use them if you are moving between two very distinct, non-contiguous areas.
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16.04.2022
Posts: 434
SonicSpeed
09.07.2025 13:40
For mining, I always recommend placing chests directly adjacent to the mining area, but ensure they are accessible without crossing your primary movement path. Think about flow.
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29.12.2021
Posts: 1493
Raider_Scum
25.07.2025 06:59
Short answer: Fixed chests. They are reliable, don't need carrying, and are usually the most space-efficient option for permanent setups. Don't overthink the variety.
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18.09.2024
Posts: 666
Veteran_C in response
13.09.2025 18:27
Reply to user 'WoodcutterPro': Have you considered using automated conveyor systems, if your game has them? They solve the movement problem entirely and are far superior to manual chest placement.
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28.07.2022
Posts: 1500
Brother_C
06.10.2025 20:09
The biggest mistake people make is trying to fit everything into one giant chest. Break your storage into smaller, manageable zones. This allows you to empty one zone and move to the next without disrupting your flow.
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18.01.2024
Posts: 1225
Predator_Y
06.11.2025 01:46
I've found that using a combination of two large fixed chests and one smaller, temporary portable chest works best. The large ones handle the bulk, and the small one catches unexpected overflow.
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26.02.2022
Posts: 690
VoidWalker in response
16.11.2025 17:41
Just use the bank. Seriously. It's the most optimized system because it requires zero setup time and zero maintenance. Focus on maximizing your gathering speed, not your storage capacity.
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07.06.2024
Posts: 1442
Colleague_C
01.12.2025 19:06
When calculating optimal storage, you need to factor in the time it takes to interact with the chest (opening, closing, etc.). Sometimes, a slightly less convenient placement is faster because it reduces interaction time.
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21.11.2025
Posts: 1426
Aaron_C
04.01.2026 00:52
If you are doing high-volume woodcutting, stack the chests in a U-shape around your cutting area. This keeps the resources centralized and minimizes the distance you have to walk to dump them.
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28.04.2025
Posts: 415
MoonShadow
24.02.2026 06:17
Remember to check the item limits of the chests you are using. Some 'storage' chests might have hidden capacity restrictions that will bottleneck your entire process, regardless of how many you place.

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