LONDON AREA TRADESPEOPLE: KEEP YOUR TOOLS SAFE WITH SELF STORAGE.

Keeping your tools safe and secure when not in use is something that almost every tradesperson worries about. Investing in a large van that can accommodate all of your equipment might seem like the most straightforward solution but it can often be far from the most secure. Storing your tools in a work van around the clock puts your expensive equipment at serious risk of theft. It’s a classic case of putting all of your eggs in one basket and tool thieves are very much aware of the easy pickings to be had. With tool thefts on the rise, choosing to use a self-storage unit is a more effective way to protect your tools and and your trade. In fact, according to the Self Storage Association, more than 70% of those who use the facilities own a business with ten employees or less, proving how useful they have become for tradespeople, sole traders and small businesses.

Rising Crime

Van tool security is a major concern for tradespeople in London. A report by Simply Business claimed that 98% of those working in a trade were worried about the potential for theft from their unattended vans. It was estimated that in 2016 alone, tool thefts cost UK workmen a total of £94,521,600 – money that most honest, hard-working traders can’t afford to lose.The staggering figure was discovered by Trade Direct Insurance, who claimed that tool theft was more of an issue for the self-employed than late payments and tax rises. They also estimated that around 215 tradespeople were a victim of theft each day in the UK.

Alternative Solutions to Van Tool Security

Self-storage units – such as the ones provided by Flexible Storage – are the most secure solution. With security features including CCTV surveillance, industrial strength locks and access-controlled gates, our service offers excellent peace of mind for those workers who require maximum protection for their expensive equipment. They also have some other great business benefits too...

London’s New Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

For example, from 8 April 2019 April, vans in London emissions zones will be subject to even tighter restrictions in the city than have previously been enforced. If you don’t have to use your van to store your entire tool catalogue, you should consider downsizing your work vehicle to one that meets the new emission standards, so that you won’t have to pay a daily charge to travel between jobs in the City. Smaller businesses may even be able to take part in the Mayor of London’s new scrappage scheme, which has funding in place to enable those workers who regularly drive vans in London emissions zones to switch their heavily polluting vehicles for electric cars. In the new ULEZ rules that are attempting to reduce the pollution levels in the heart of the city, vans with high pollution emissions will have to pay £12.50 a day. This poses a significant potential financial hit for many tradespeople who spend the majority of their time in London. However, if successful, the new scrappage scheme will benefit both London’s tradespeople and the wider environment, which can only be a good thing.

Easily Accessible for Tradespeople in London

Another great advantage of self-storage is that it gives you an accessible place to pick-up your tools at any time of the day or night. Coded access gates allow customers to access their tools 24/7 while water and fireproof units keep them protected from the elements, which is essential in order to keep them in the best working order. From electricians and plumbers to builders and decorators, most tradespeople do not require all of their tools on every job they do. As such, tradespeople require quick and easy access to their equipment while also knowing that any tools in storage are safe and maintained in the best possible condition. When you do need to grab your tools for a job or store them away for the night, you can drive your vehicle right up to your unit and load it up, making the transition easy and fuss-free.

A Cost-Effective Tool Storage Solution

While it is impossible to put a price on the safety of your livelihood, renting a storage unit might not be as expensive as you think. Most contracts are flexible, so that you can upgrade and downsize your unit as necessary, depending on the seasonal demand or the growth of your business. You might even choose to team up with another tradesperson, hiring a unit together in order to keep costs down. Cheaper than building your own version of Fort Knox in your back garden and safer than keeping tools in your van, contact the Flexible Storage team today to receive a quote for your tools.

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Using Self Storage in Chelmsford or Aveley During Life Changes

By James Coxon • August 15, 2025

Discover why our storage facilities in Aveley and Chelmsford are great options for when you are going through life changes like moving home.

Indoor Storage vs Container Storage: What’s the Difference?

By James Coxon • August 3, 2025

When it comes to finding extra space for your belongings, storage units are a reliable and flexible solution, whether you're moving house, renovating, running a business, or simply need to clear a bit of room at home. There are a few different types of storage to choose from, depending on your needs. But one of the first choices you'll come across is whether to go for indoor storage or container storage. You might have seen both options online and wondered what the difference actually is. Do you really need climate control? Is one more secure than the other? And which one offers better value? Let’s take a closer look at how the two compare and why container storage often comes out on top. What is Indoor Storage? Indoor storage units are based inside a large warehouse or purpose-built facility. You usually access them through a main reception or loading bay, then navigate your way through internal corridors (sometimes using lifts or trolleys) to get to your unit. These kinds of facilities are sometimes climate-controlled and can be a good option for anyone storing delicate or temperature-sensitive items, like vintage furniture, valuable artwork, or sensitive electronics that need extra care. They tend to offer a wide range of unit sizes, and security is usually high, with PIN codes, alarms and staff on-site. The trade-off? You’ll often pay more for the added features, and access isn’t always as quick or easy as you might like — especially if you’re trying to move larger items in a hurry or during busy hours. What is Container Storage? Container storage takes a simpler, more practical approach. The units are steel containers set in a secure, outdoor storage location, the same kind you might see on construction sites or at docks, but ours have only ever been used for personal or business storage. The biggest benefit? You can drive straight up to the door of your unit. No trolleys. No tight corridors. No lifts. Whether you’re loading a sofa or unloading stock for your business, the ease of access is a game-changer. Container storage units are also fully weatherproof and incredibly secure. At Flexible Storage, we use CCTV-monitored sites with PIN-coded gates, and all units are lockable with heavy-duty padlocks. Many of our customers also appreciate the extended opening hours or 24/7 access we provide, especially for tradespeople, business owners, or anyone with a busy schedule. How Do You Choose? It all depends on what you’re storing and how you plan to use your space. If you're storing particularly delicate or valuable items, like antiques or anything sensitive to temperature or humidity , some people may consider indoor units. That said, don’t discount container storage; many customers safely store a wide range of items with no issues. It really comes down to what feels right for you. But for most everyday storage needs like furniture, tools, excess stock, seasonal equipment, or items in between moves, container storage is more than up to the task. It’s easier to access, more cost-effective, and gives you plenty of space without the added frills (or fees) of an indoor facility. Why We Offer Container Storage Only We’ve focused entirely on container storage because we believe it gives our customers the best balance of value, convenience, and security. We’ve helped homeowners during renovations, supported students moving between terms, and provided local businesses with extra stock space — all through reliable, easy-to-access container units. You don’t need a fancy building or high-tech climate control to keep your items safe. You just need something that’s clean, dry, secure, and easy to get to. That’s exactly what we offer. If you’re not sure how much space you’ll need, check out our Unit Size Guide or speak to a member of the team; we’re always happy to help. You can also pop by one of our sites in Aveley , Grays , or Chelmsford to take a look at the units in person. When comparing indoor storage and container storage, it’s easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles. But sometimes the most straightforward option is also the most effective, but of course, not all container sites are the same. Flexible storage goes the extra mile. We operate clean, tarmacked or concrete yards. They all have monitored CCTV & lights. They all have PIN-coded gate access. If you want secure, no-fuss storage with the freedom to come and go when it suits you, container storage could be exactly what you need. Get in touch with us today to book a unit or ask us any questions; we’ll help you find the right solution, at the right size, for the right price.