Storage Solutions for Tradesmen

For the tradesperson, tools and materials are more than tools. They are your livelihood, and the basis of your work. And a good storage solution protects your investment, makes it easier to locate your gear, and enables work efficiencies.

The right storage also saves you time, reduces the threat of theft, and keeps your workshops, vans, and job sites clean, tidy and organized. Choosing the correct combination of storage options gives one peace of mind knowing your gear is secure.

On Site Tool Chests

Finally, a solid, weatherproof tool chest is one of the best choices for having tools on-site. Tool chests specifically intended for trade and construction use, are made to withstand the rough conditions and climate, provide some weather protection, and deter against theft.

They are the perfect solution for stowing away your everyday tools and keep key tools safe on site instead of leaving them in the van at night. A reasonably decent tool chest would potentially last you many years, and it’s a great investment for trade persons working at multiple sites.

Many tradesmen supplement their chests with lockable cabinets to store small tools and consumables for a neater organization and quicker access.

This enables you to access your smaller tools with ease and without having to dig through a pile. It surely will expedite your daily work and makes your work feel effortless, and saves valuable time when getting into the groove of your daily work.

Organized Van Storage

Your work van or truck is more than a means of transport, it’s your mobile workspace.

When properly equipped with shelving, drawers, cabinets, or modular boxes, it will make a significant difference. A properly organized van secures your tools from moving around and getting damaged on the road. It also saves valuable time locating tools in an unorganized mess.

Some trades personnel use removable boxes or trays that can be removed at site and returned to the van at the end of the day. Tools and equipment stored in a van (especially for overnight) should be stored somewhere else if it is expensive equipment or does not get frequent use because vans can be targeted for break-ins.

Using Self Storage Units

A storage unit can be a game-changer for trades personnel that have too much tool or equipment to reasonably fit in their van or home workshop. Off-site storage gives you a removed and secure area for your larger tools, extra materials and gear that have seasonal use and not day-to-day use. By having off-site storage you can clean up from van clutter, even increase your floor space and van weight which can improve gas mileage. Some storage units even have lighter and power which would be helpful in checking your tools.

If you are always moving from job site to job site, you can use the storage unit as a central hub or off site base. You can pick up whatever you need for a project instead of carrying everything wherever you go. This way you can access your gear easily without making your van too cluttered. Specialized Units for Trades

Сertain storage facilities do have specialized units designated for trades. These are usually drive up access, wide access doors and sometimes outfitted with electrical outlets. The larger units are large enough to hold other equipment, such as scaffolding, large machines or excess of inventory. Parking your truck right up to the unit keeps your loading and unloading efficient. For the active tradesman who may also be managing a number of jobs, this is extremely valuable.

Storage units have shelves sometimes built in, or if you choose to add shelving with storage, are options, they make storage of tools, inventory and consumables manageable. This order along with convenient access means you can job switch quickly with no down-time wasted.

Shelving & Racking in the Unit

After you have the unit, how you use that storage area inside is just as important. Heavy duty shelving or racking is used to store and stack tools, so your floor space will not be wasted. Store heavier items below, lighter items on top, increase convenience and safety. Also clear bins or labels will enable quick identification. Many tradesmen also use peg boards, hooks or fixed shelving inside the unit to hang or showcase non-grab tool there are using on a frequent basis. This eliminates a tripping hazard and possible damage to the tools.

Storing Large Raw Materials

If your trade involves storing large, odd shaped, or long items, such as lumber, pipes, or panels then pallet racking is certainly an option. Pallet racking keeps the vertical height of the unit and allows you to construct efficient rows of long or heavy bulk items, as opposed to a pile or crazy ‘mountains’ of random item in a corner. This way the raw or bulk items stored are easy to access, in a linear fashion, straight to eliminate warping, twisting or outline damage may occur over time.

Climate Control & Security

Materials and tools can be ruined from wetness, evaporation, rain, humidity, or extremes of heat or cold. A climate controlled storage unit can stop rust, off-gassing or deterioration of material. Always check the security rating of the storage facility. Good facilities should have CCTV, coded access, alarms and site permanent light or staff. These things will secure your assets and give you added peace of mind that your tools are secured at the site.

Combining Different Storage Types

Many tradesmen agree a mix, or hybrid, storage approach is optimal. Daily tools and materials can stay in the vehicle or personal area in a locked box/chest. Excessive gear, seasonal storage, and bulk items can stay at the storage unit. The workspace or rooms at the private property can be for maintenance work and prepping new tools that sometimes require assembly/refurbishing. Moving items in and out of each, and what is used at the facility from the storage unit can create workflow and organization.

Routine Maintenance and Audit

An organized and functioning storage system is meaningless if it is not organized. Clean tools after direct use and convenient check after every storage cycle. Periodically evaluate your current storage area every few months. As you take on newer types of jobs or purchase new tools, your needs will change. Dispose, or discard items you no longer use.