Tool storage is a solution to keep tools you do not currently need in good condition, by having them stored in an appropriate environment until you need access to them again.
When your shed becomes too full, or if you do not have one at all, you need somewhere else to store your tools. To keep everything safe and tidy, tool storage is a good alternative. It is quite self-explanatory: you rent storage space where you can keep your tools outside your home.
Tool storage is not only convenient for everyday private users, for example, during renovations, seasonal tasks, and DIY projects. Businesses and professionals often benefit from it the most. When a business location can no longer keep up with growth, or when you simply want to keep everything more organised during a large job, tool storage is the solution. It is flexible, and you still have easy access to your belongings.
How much storage space do you really need for your tools?
Before storing your belongings, it is useful to create a plan. This makes it easier to determine your storage needs.
To make a good estimate of how much storage space, in m² or m³, you actually need, you can prepare the following in advance:
- Sort your tools using the associated kits or sets
- Measure any shelving units and toolboxes
- Convert the load of the van, weight, into surface area
Placing vertical shelving units is very useful to optimally use the usable volume of the storage space. Do pay attention to not exceeding the maximum safe height and load. By using shelving, you can organise your contents better and have easier access to every tool. Ask the provider to inform you about the available options.
How do you store tools to prevent rust and damage?
Simply leaving your tools out in the open is often not a good idea. Especially if the tools are susceptible to rust or easily damaged, you should take proper precautions.
Rust is caused by moisture in the air coming into contact with rust-prone materials, often iron and steel. Contaminated materials or a dirty environment can speed up this process. For ferrous, unpainted tools and precision tools, the risk of rust is therefore much higher if the humidity is not appropriate and the space or materials are not clean.
What air humidity is ideal for tool storage?
Humidity indicates how much water vapour is present in the air. This is expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount of water vapour the air can hold. Relative humidity, RH, takes temperature into account. At higher temperatures, air can hold more water vapour than at lower temperatures.
When RH reaches 100 percent, the air is saturated and excess moisture condenses into water. Condensation also occurs when cold objects, such as tools, are placed in a warm, humid environment. This increases the risk of rust.
The ideal climate for tools is between 40 and 60 percent RH at a temperature of around 20°C (room temperature).
To reduce risks related to moisture and temperature, you can go through this checklist:
- Store your tools in sealed containers with desiccants
- Place a dehumidifier in the space
- Provide some ventilation in the space
- Ensure good insulation to prevent cold surfaces
- Allow tools to acclimate before unpacking and packing
Some storage providers offer the option to store your belongings in a climate-controlled space. Contact them to discuss the possibilities.
How do you safely store electrical tools and batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries, also known as Li-ion, involve risks when storing them. With these batteries, thermal runaway can occur due to damage, overcharging, or a manufacturing defect. In this situation, heat cannot be dissipated quickly enough from the cell, causing it to overheat. The batteries are also very sensitive to climate conditions. If it is too cold, too warm, too dry, or too humid, the quality of the battery deteriorates or a short circuit may occur.
If you want to store Li-ion batteries, check the terms and conditions of the facility and what this may mean for your insurance.
With a few simple measures, though, you can significantly reduce the risk:
- Remove batteries and battery packs from tools and machines
- Do not store batteries fully charged or completely empty
- Shield contacts to keep out moisture and dust
- Never leave tools continuously on the charger
- Keep batteries separate from flammable goods and substances
- Ensure a cool, well-ventilated space
Where should your tool storage be located to have easy access?
To use your time as efficiently as possible, it is convenient to have a storage location nearby and to have immediate access when needed. However, there are more options that prevent you from having to travel back and forth every time, saving even more time and effort.
With full-service storage, your belongings are picked up and returned to your home or business. This can also be done at a project location. After making an appointment, BOXIE24 can often be on site within 24 hours to collect or return your items. A special agreement can also be made for this, where possible, so you have more certainty. The facilities are also climate-controlled, so you do not have to take this into account yourself.
In this way, the full-service storage of BOXIE24 offers the ideal solution for professionals and businesses to store their equipment. Contact us for a non-binding quote.
How do you arrange security and insurance for your tool storage?
The basis for protecting your storage against theft includes CCTV, burglar alarms, motion sensors, sturdy doors, and key or PIN access logs. Before storing your items, check whether the facility has these features.
For insurance purposes, it is necessary to keep important documents on hand, such as the signed rental agreement, relevant insurance terms, and privacy conditions regarding access to camera footage and inventory data. In addition, it is advisable to ask the provider about standard procedures in the event of an incident.
Especially for valuable tools, it is important to carefully review the terms, services, and any additional options related to security and protection of your belongings. When you know what to expect, you can be more confident that your tools will be stored safely.
