Whether you are new to the world of cargo vans or you purchased a more recent model that you are still learning the ins and outs of, organizing your equipment is essential for having a successful workday. Installing shelves in your van is the best way to organize your gear, and it can lead to serious benefits for your business.
Regardless of which industry you are in, van shelving can help make your tools easier to reach and your van cabin more spacious. Also, you won't have to worry as much about breaking your tools since you will secure them safely.
Nonetheless, there are a few things you should know about van shelving before you make your purchase. With that in mind, here are the dos and don'ts of van shelving and organization.
Do Take Note of Your Shelving Needs Before Purchasing
Before purchasing shelving for your van, there are a few considerations you should note so that you can make the right decision. First, you should think about which tools you use daily. Are they easy to reach, or is your rear cabin a cluttered mess of equipment? A good indication of whether you need shelving is if you frequently find yourself frustrated when looking for tools.
Next, think about how much space you require to store all your tools. The most critical pieces of equipment should be in the most accessible places to reach.
Another thing to consider is whether your van has a partition. You don't want to hurt yourself with tools flying into the driver's seat from the rear cabin, but you won't have to worry if they are placed securely on a shelving rack.
Finally, think about the industry you work in and what equipment you regularly use. For example, a plumber will need storage bins to organize all the small parts they use, but the bins will have to close tightly so that they don't open while on the road and scatter the parts everywhere. On the contrary, if you work in the catering business, you will likely need extended shelves to store buffet trays and cutlery.
Do Sketch Out a Plan for Your Shelving Design
When planning out your shelving installation, sketch out the blueprints for how you want your cabin to look so that you aren't guessing when it comes time to get everything ready. Make sure to take measurements of your cabin interior so that you can use approximations in your blueprints.
Carefully consider the location of each part and tool to ensure you have enough space to store everything you need. If you are cautious with where you place the essential tools, you won't have to worry about replacing items later, as they won't get damaged on a shelving rack.
Also, you should think about how you will utilize wall space in your cabin since many shelving units come with hooks that provide additional storage capabilities. For example, if you own a landscaping business, you can use the hooks to store more hoses than you could have done previously. Each piece of equipment will weigh a different amount, so consider how the weight will shift while you're on the road and how that will affect driving conditions.
Finally, think about how much legroom you want to leave for yourself before installing your shelves. Van shelving will open up much more space in your cabin, so you have to decide whether you wish to use this space to walk around in or if you want to store more items.
Do Compare and Contrast Materials for Your Shelving
Van shelving for sale comes in a few types of materials. Depending on your preferences, you will want to consider each type to get the most utility for the best value. Both steel and aluminum shelving systems provide great storage capabilities, but aluminum is lighter than steel.
If you need to carry heavy tools or reduce your fuel consumption, aluminum will put less weight on your van. However, if you need a material that can handle a variety of weights and driving conditions, steel might be a better option.
You can't go wrong with either one. The choice ultimately depends on what your individual needs will be.
Don't Buy the Cheapest Option Available
As the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for." This means that you shouldn't purchase an item just because it's cheap.
There is another saying that says, "Buy cheap, buy twice." Saving a few bucks on your upfront costs will only lead to even greater expenses down the road. This is especially true if your shelves come from shoddy materials that damage your most important tools.
Not only will this mean that you need to replace the equipment, but it could impact your workflow and make you lose customers. You can avoid these problems by investing in long-lasting shelves that can handle anything. Nonetheless, if you want to remain budget-conscious, seek out the assistance of a sales professional who will help you find what works best for you.
Don't Put Too Much Cargo in Your Van
As you continue to prepare for your shelving installation, make sure that you understand the carrying capacity of your van's payload. Calculate how much payload you have left after accounting for the fuel, passenger, and tools in your vehicle. You can then use that information to determine how much your shelving should weigh.
Although you might think you need every piece of equipment in your van at all times, doing so will probably just overload your van. Driving with too much weight in your vehicle can shorten its lifespan and reduce its performance. You need to remember that your van is a mobile office, not a warehouse on wheels.
Don't Forget To Examine the Warranty
Even though shelving is often a one-time or infrequent purchase, you should still look at the warranty in case things go south. After planning out your shelving design, ensure that your shelves will last by reading over the warranty.
If things fall apart prematurely, you will need to use the warranty to recoup your investment. Also, do some research online to make sure the manufacturer honors all the warranties on their products.
Overall, planning a shelving installation for your work van requires careful consideration. Now that you know the dos and don'ts of van shelving and organization, you can make the most informed decision for your business needs.
