Storage system for storing containers, comprising: a grid structure having a large number of grid cells, wherein each grid cell defines a storage column of a container storage structure which is arranged below the grid structure, wherein the storage columns are configured to receive a vertical stack of storage containers in each case, at least one transport robot which is constructed for movement on the grid structure for handling the storage containers, wherein the transport robot comprises means for receiving, transporting and depositing storage containers stored in the container storage structure, and at least one storage container lifting apparatus having a lifting platform which can be raised and lowered for vertically conveying storage containers, at least one working space plane having a working space which is in the form of a loading station and/or a picking station, and at least one transfer plane for transferring storage containers from the container storage structure to the storage container lifting apparatus and from the storage container lifting apparatus to the container storage structure, wherein the storage container lifting apparatus connects the working space plane to the transfer plane and wherein the lifting platform is configured, in a retention position on the at least one transfer plane, on the one hand, to discharge storage containers which are conveyed and, on the other hand, to receive storage containers which are intended to be conveyed, wherein on the at least one transfer plane there are provided conveying devices (14a, 14b) which are configured to receive storage containers from the storage container lifting apparatus or to discharge storage containers to the storage container lifting apparatus. a grid structure having a large number of grid cells, wherein each grid cell defines a storage column of a container storage structure which is arranged below the grid structure, wherein the storage columns are configured to receive a vertical stack of storage containers in each case, at least one transport robot which is constructed for movement on the grid structure for handling the storage containers, wherein the transport robot comprises means for receiving, transporting and depositing storage containers stored in the container storage structure, and at least one storage container lifting apparatus having a lifting platform which can be raised and lowered for vertically conveying storage containers, at least one working space plane having a working space which is in the form of a loading station and/or a picking station, and at least one transfer plane for transferring storage containers from the container storage structure to the storage container lifting apparatus and from the storage container lifting apparatus to the container storage structure, wherein the storage container lifting apparatus connects the working space plane to the transfer plane and wherein the lifting platform is configured, in a retention position on the at least one transfer plane, on the one hand, to discharge storage containers which are conveyed and, on the other hand, to receive storage containers which are intended to be conveyed, wherein on the at least one transfer plane there are provided conveying devices (14a, 14b) which are configured to receive storage containers from the storage container lifting apparatus or to discharge storage containers to the storage container lifting apparatus.