Being a handyman requires a versatile approach to different gigs. You have to be physically strong, resilient, handy (duh!), and, above all else, able to manage all the tools you need optimally. After all, you’ll need those to be within your hand’s reach, so to speak, as you may never know which tool from your arsenal you will need in the first place.
At AroundWire, we understand how important it is to organize your tools effectively, so we’ve prepared a quick checklist for you to follow. So, let’s dive headfirst into the article and learn how to stay productive as a handyman without sacrificing your time or energy trying to find that one screwdriver you so desperately need!
The Price of Inefficiency
A recent study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that handypersons spend up to 20% of their workday searching for the right tools. Needless to say, this results in serious productivity deficiencies. If we transform this into financial losses, disorganized tools may cost up to $2,400 annually per handyperson!
Hence, by not organizing your tools, you risk losing a significant cut of your annual earnings, all because you couldn’t find the right tool on time.
Storage Solutions for Mobile Workshops
Your work vehicle isn’t just the right means of transportation – your mobile workshop should also be equipped accordingly. Customizing your van in a way that would help you streamline your daily operations can reduce the time spent searching for tools by a whopping 30%!
Another great way to optimize tool organization is to order portable toolboxes with foam inserts and modular systems. Studies show that tool retrieval time can be reduced by as much as 50% with the right toolbox, which is easy to carry around and doesn’t take up much space in the van.
Color-Coding and Labeling
The Journal of Applied Psychology includes a study that demonstrates that colo-coding your tools will boost visual management. It may result in improved tool retrieval time by 20% and reduced cognitive load, automating your tool management and streamlining your daily routines.
Furthermore, another study conducted by OSHA demonstrates that labels and barcodes for tool identification can improve tool retrieval time by 15%. Using a combination of barcodes, labeling, and color-coding can prove to be a winning strategy if you’re aiming to reduce the time wasted searching for the one tool you need most.
Custom Tool Holders
Some tools are way too valuable to be left hanging on the walls of your van. You’ll want them always to be there for you, and crafting custom holders can potentially skyrocket your efficiency. The internet is full of comprehensive guides and DIYs that will help you design a custom holder for just about any tool that comes to mind.
A productivity improvement case study has shown that custom tool holders can boost your time management by 25%, allowing you to reach for all the right tools without hesitation.
Digital Transformation
With so many handy apps out there, finding the ones that help you keep things in order is as easy as 1-2-3. Check the App Store or Google Play for apps like ToolWatch or Sortly. These come fully equipped with special features, including tool tracking, maintenance scheduling, and performance monitoring.
If you want to take the extra step, try implementing RFID tags or QR codes for effective tool tracking. Integrating cutting-edge digital solutions can improve your efficiency by up to 30% and reduce lost tools by about 40%. Considering how expensive some of the tools you use might be, it’s a huge win for any handyman in the business.
What’s Next?
Organized tools mean increased safety on the job. Staying safe is pivotal, and following safety guidelines and regulations is, therefore, a MUST when thinking through your go-to tool organization strategy. OSHA provides all the information a service provider like you may need to ensure their daily operations comply with the best safety practices.
If you’re looking to maximize your tool organization efficiency, you may want to consider enrolling in certain workshops and courses that will help you excel within the shortest amount of time feasible. Check Trade Schools and Community Colleges to find the perfect fit and apply for a training program that would fully satisfy your needs!
Organized Tools = Happy Handyman
Now that you’re well-versed in some common tool organization techniques, it’s time to apply those practices in full. At AroundWire, we understand how time-consuming some projects may be, so we leverage a digital platform designed to help you streamline your job-hunting efforts as much as possible. In the meantime, you could focus on streamlining your tool organization, taking courses, or analyzing the job market to see what’s in demand.
Organize your tools, sign up with AroundWire, and thrive today as a friendly neighborhood handyman!
