Lots of our trade and business customers use secure storage for their tools, materials and equipment. Drop tools off at the end of the working day, while others store equipment they only need occasionally. This is also a great option if you need a place to leave your tools on the days you're not working. Choose a storage space to suit your business, from a locker to a warehouse unit, with flexible contracts and no additional fees. Many stores also offer drive-up access, trolleys and forklifts, and all stores can accept deliveries for you.
Protecting tools: The wider cost implications of van theft
Tools left in a van can be an attractive target for thieves, particularly when the vehicle is parked overnight. Losing the tools you rely on can also disrupt jobs and take your van off the road if it is damaged during a break-in.
There’s the cost of your insurance excess and the subsequent hike in your van’s motor insurance if you decide to make a claim, but more immediately there’s the cost of your lost business. If you don’t have tools, you can’t work. For an industry largely dominated by self-employment, that means lost income for however long it takes to replace your lost equipment.
How to prevent equipment theft from your van
There are a number of steps you can take to protect your tools and van.
1.) Secure parking location
Parking in well-lit areas covered by CCTV may deter opportunist thieves, but planned or organised thefts will still take place if the thieves are determined to take your tools.
2.) Van security
Tinted windows, an alarm and an immobiliser can deter thieves. Consider storing your van inside your garage if possible, or at one of our secure parking facilities mentioned above.
3.) Proof of loss
If the worst happens and your tools are stolen, it will make an insurance claim much easier if you have proof of what has been taken. A photo of the inside of a fully-laden van might be sufficient if you don’t have proof of purchase of the individual tools - a photo of each tool is even better. Date stamp the photos if you can, and take fresh pictures every six months or so (or more frequently if you make a significant purchase).
4.) Insurance
You can take out separate tool insurance, which can be easier to claim against (and have a lower excess) than claiming against your motor insurance. If you decide not to take out this insurance, double check your motor insurance to make sure that the value of your van’s contents would be covered in the case of theft.
Why store your tools with Safestore?
Reducing the amount of equipment left in your van is another practical step you can take to safeguard against theft. Take high-value tools out only when you need them and keep an inventory of your equipment. Tools and equipment you don’t need every day can be kept in secure storage rather than travelling with you.
Our units are highly secure - they're covered by 24 hour recorded CCTV and monitored intruder alarms. Units are ambient-temperature to protect your kit from the elements.
Our contracts are very flexible - you can stay for as little or as long as you want. You can choose to rent any size of unit from a locker to a warehouse depending on what you need to store. Our video guides can help you to decide how much space you need, or our helpful staff can assist.
Tools you can and cannot keep inside storage units
You can store: hand and power tools, ladders, materials, trade stock, PPE and workwear.
You cannot store: anything hazardous, flammable, illegal, perishable or likely to leak, including fuel and gas canisters. Remove batteries and fuel from equipment before storing.
Standard units have no electricity supply, so you cannot charge batteries or run tools inside. A unit is for storage, not a workshop. Plan to do cutting, assembly and repairs elsewhere.
Get a quote today
So if you're looking for somewhere to store equipment that you use infrequently but cannot work without, then Safestore has the solution for you. First find a store and use our quick quote tool or talk to the team today for your quote.
Trade use |
Typical items |
Suggested unit size |
|---|---|---|
|
Hand and power tools only |
Toolboxes, drills, ladders |
Locker or 10 sq ft |
|
Single-trader van overflow |
Tools, fixings, small materials |
15 sq ft |
|
Materials and stock |
Pallets, boxes, flooring, fittings |
20 - 35 sq ft |
|
Larger equipment and full van contents |
Scaffold, plant, bulk materials |
40 - 50 sq ft |
How should you pack your tools in self storage?
- Clean and dry tools before storing.
- Use labelled boxes or cases.
- Keep heavy items low.
- Leave a walkway to the items you need most.
Access and loading your equipment
Our stores are open 7 days a week and you can get to your unit during opening hours. Many of our stores provide trolleys and forklifts to make moving your tools quick and easy. Drive-up access and dedicated loading bays allow you to load from your van at the unit door.
One of our main benefits is that our staff can accept deliveries on your behalf, meaning that you won’t need to wait around for materials or stock to be delivered. Continue running your business as usual and we’ll keep them safe until you can visit and move them into storage.
Managing several sites
Nationwide storage can be managed under one account manager, and the National Accounts team supports larger business customers who want to use multiple Safestore locations.
To reserve your secure unit at a small weekly cost, call us or click for a quote today - no deposit is needed to secure your unit, and many of our sites offer a 20% discount* for long-term stays for extra savings.
Let us help you to keep your tools safe and your business up and running.
Tool Storage FAQs
Is a self storage unit safer than leaving tools in a van?
Keeping tools in a storage unit gives them more protection than leaving them in a parked van, although no storage option is completely risk-free.
Our stores are staffed and have controlled site access with extended hours, CCTV and alarm monitoring. Your unit is secured with your own padlock and you're the keyholder.
The main thing to consider is when you'll need your tools. You should also check whether your insurance covers tools kept in storage and ask us about cover for your stored belongings.
Can my employees or subcontractors access my storage unit?
Employees or subcontractors can access your unit if you add them to your contract as an Authorised Access Person. This allows them to enter the unit without giving them permission to manage your account.
You remain the keyholder and choose who gets the padlock key or code. If your team needs to collect equipment early in the morning or later in the evening, speak to your store about extended access.
Can I store tools for just a few days or a single job?
Our minimum billing period is one week. This can suit a short job or project, and you can keep the room for longer if your plans change. You can also book in advance and move to a different room size if you later need more or less space.
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