The most vital elements of contractors and tradesmen’s daily routines are the tools they use to ply their specific trades – they need the appropriate tools to do their jobs! In many cases this equipment may be substantial – and expensive – and it is an unfortunate fact of modern life that in recent years instances of tool theft have risen quite alarmingly!
Between 2022 and 2023 tool theft in the UK rose by 5% resulting in a massive £98 million value of stolen items! The effect of these equipment losses can damage a business in many ways – here are some observations of the negative effect tool loss can have, and some reasons to consider renting a self-storage unit to protect and safeguard your valuable work equipment:
Vans
Many tradesmen will use a van to transport both themselves and their tools to get to their job locations – but many also risk their important assets by using the van as overnight storage of their equipment and in between jobs! This is a less than effective way to secure the tools and equipment that are vital to their livelihood and so it is advisable to find a more practical and secure storage method and environment.
Effects of Lost Tools
The loss or theft of your tools can hinder your business in numerous ways – firstly, the inability to fulfil your work obligations will cost you money for the days you cannot work until the tools are replaced. Secondly, there is the cost of replacement before your insurance pay-out for the lost tools – that is, if you were properly insured against the theft!
On top of that, if you are part-way through a project when your tools are lost, there will be an inevitable delay to the completion of the work which may result in dissatisfied customers and perhaps a financial penalty, as well as the ‘knock-on’ effect of your next project facing potential delays to start – none of which enhances your professional reputation and standing within the industry and can lead to lost opportunities when bidding for future projects.
Self-Storage
If you work on the basis ‘prevention is better than cure’, taking steps to secure your valuable work equipment rather than having to replace them in the event of loss or theft, then renting a business self-storage unit can offer the perfect solution! Consider these aspects in which a self-storage unit can protect your business:
Theft
As mentioned, keeping your valuable tools in your van overnight is not a viable option – thefts from trade vans is very common as potential thieves are aware that the contents of a van may well be valuable and not too difficult to access! Even vans equipped with alarms do not offer much of a deterrent to a committed thief, and the loss of your tools and equipment can be far more costly to you and your business than the simple replacement of the individual items. Storing your valuable work equipment in a business storage unit will keep it safe and secure – most storage unit developments have state-of-the-art security systems such as 24-hour CCTV, personal access codes to each individual unit, and the relevant locks and protection.
Damage
It is not just the loss or theft of your tools that you need to consider – along with the security aspect, business storage units offer protection against damage to your work equipment. Storing all your equipment in your van means that ALL your tools travel with you to and from each job location and risking damage in the process – keeping your tools in a business storage unit means you can select only the tools you need for that specific job, leaving the rest of your valuable equipment safe and sound in your storage unit until specifically required for a different appointment.
Space Saving
Storing your tools in a self-storage unit can provide an important space-saving element – if your business grows, so will the likely necessity for further or added equipment. Again, if storing your tools in your van then additional items will only increase the likelihood of damage or lead to a greater monetary loss if lost or stolen! Likewise, if you store your work equipment at home, that may lead to reduced space and inconvenience around your property – renting a business storage unit is a much more cost-effective way to both save space and maintain the condition of your equipment!
Insurance
If storing your work equipment in a non-secure location – your van or maybe an outhouse or shed at your home – thennot all business insurance will provide cover for your tools in overnight storage. Any subsequent theft or damage may leave you having to cover the cost of replacement yourself – again damaging both your pocket and your business! Keeping your work equipment in a business storage unit will offer you valuable peace of mind that your important items are safe and secure. Most self-storage facilities are insured for the unit itself on the premises, offering greater overall protection.
Other Tool Security Tips
Keep photos of your tools and mark them with your postcode in UV pen to help identification in the event of your tools going missing. Applying other identifying marks can also help or consider using your tools’ product serial numbers to register them on a national database so that, in the event of loss or theft and later discovery in a different location, they will be easily identified as your property and returned.
Renting a self-storage unit is a practical and cost-effective investment – business storage unit prices are not necessarily prohibitive and the overall savings to your business, as well as the knowledge of its security, make it a viable and sensible option for storing your important work equipment. Speak with a reputable, established business storage facility for advice and guidance on professional storage solutions for any business.
