You’re running a contracting, trades, or service business. Your truck holds the day’s tools, but everything else — backstock materials, larger equipment, seasonal items, project leftovers — needs somewhere to live. Renting commercial warehouse space is overkill for your size; storing at home strains your garage and your spouse’s patience. Forward Storage handles the in-between for thousands of trades businesses across our 12 states.
Who uses contractor storage
We see consistent demand from:
- General contractors — tools, equipment, materials between projects
- Electricians — wire spools, fixtures, conduit, panels, test equipment
- Plumbers — fittings, copper, PVC, fixtures, tools
- HVAC technicians — refrigerant tanks, ductwork materials, parts inventory, specialty tools
- Landscapers — equipment, mulch, fertilizer, seasonal items (snow blowers, leaf vacuums)
- Roofers — material backstock, leftover shingles, tools, equipment
- Painters — sprayers, ladders, drop cloths, leftover paint (sealed properly)
- Concrete and masonry — forms, hand tools, smaller mixers, leftover materials
- Handyman businesses — diverse tool sets, parts inventory
- Drywall and finishing — tools, leftover materials, equipment
Sizing for contractor storage
| Business size | Typical unit |
|---|---|
| Solo operator with truck | 5×10 to 10×10 |
| 2-3 person crew | 10×10 to 10×15 |
| Growing trades company (5-10 staff) | 10×15 to 10×20 |
| Established multi-truck operation | 10×20 to 10×30, or multiple units |
Sizing depends heavily on whether you store full equipment or just materials. Smaller for materials-only; larger if you’re parking trailers or specialty equipment.
What contractor storage protects
The right storage situation protects your tools and materials from:
- Theft — facility security is meaningfully better than residential garage
- Weather damage — materials stored in unsealed garages degrade
- Truck theft — high-value tools in a parked work truck overnight are vulnerable
- Family interference — kids playing with tools, materials disappearing
- HOA complaints — many HOAs prohibit visible commercial equipment, multiple vehicles
Climate-controlled or standard?
Trades businesses typically need standard storage for:
- Tools and equipment (in cases or hard storage)
- Most building materials (lumber, wire, conduit)
- Outdoor equipment
Climate-controlled may be worth it for:
- Adhesives, sealants, caulks (extreme temp affects shelf life)
- Electronic equipment, test gear
- Some specialty materials sensitive to humidity
For most trades businesses, standard storage works fine and saves 20-30% over climate-controlled.
Drive-up access matters
For trades work, drive-up units are nearly essential:
- Truck pulls up to door — no carrying through halls
- Trailer storage and access
- Forklift or pallet jack maneuvering
- Faster morning truck-load cycles
Forward Storage offers drive-up access at most facilities. Specify when you reserve.
24/7 access for trades
Trades work doesn’t fit normal storage hours. Early morning grab-and-go for 6 AM job starts, late evening drop-off after a long day — these are routine for contractors.
Forward Storage offers 24/7 access at select facilities (call to verify which). Standard hours at most facilities are 6 AM to 10 PM, which covers most trades schedules.
What NOT to store
Even for contractors, storage facilities prohibit:
- Gasoline, diesel, propane (drain equipment before storage)
- Compressed gas cylinders (acetylene, oxygen, refrigerant)
- Hazardous chemicals beyond minor amounts
- Ammunition (most facilities)
- Flammables generally
For these, use a dedicated equipment yard or your truck/trailer (with appropriate transport regulations).
Insurance for contractor storage
Standard tenant insurance covers basic tool and material storage but with limits. For high-value tools (specialty equipment, large tool sets, expensive testing gear):
- Commercial general liability policy typically extends to stored equipment
- Tools and equipment coverage specifically for trades
- Inland marine policies for portable equipment
Talk to your commercial insurance broker about coverage. Don’t rely on facility’s tenant insurance for $10K+ tool inventory.
Multiple units for organization
Many trades businesses use 2-3 units at a single facility for organization:
- Unit 1: Daily-use tools, current project materials
- Unit 2: Backstock materials, parts inventory
- Unit 3: Seasonal equipment (snow removal, leaf vacuums)
This costs more than one larger unit but pays off in efficiency — no rummaging through 10×20 of mixed contents to find one specific item.
Forward Storage’s trades-friendly policies
- Month-to-month — scale with project pipeline
- Drive-up access at most facilities
- 24/7 access at select facilities
- Climate-controlled when needed at most properties
- 50% off first 2 months for new customers
- 10% off the first month for military (relevant for veteran-owned trades businesses)
- No commercial activity prohibition for storage of legitimate trade materials
Frequently asked questions
Can I run my trades business from a storage unit?
Storing tools and materials is fine. Operating a full business (customer visits, employee work, signage, advertising the address) crosses into commercial use that’s generally prohibited. For full operations, you need commercial/flex space.
Can I store gas-powered equipment?
Yes — drain fuel before storage. Lawn equipment, generators, pressure washers all need fuel drained or stabilized before storing.
What about my trailer?
Some facilities have outdoor trailer/vehicle storage spots. Check with us — availability varies.
Is contractor storage tax-deductible?
Yes — fully deductible as a business expense. Keep receipts.
How much does contractor storage cost?
5×10 standard: $50-90/mo. 10×10 standard: $80-140/mo. 10×20 standard: $170-260/mo. Our 50% off first 2 months promo reduces first-quarter cost substantially.
Ready to set up?
Find your nearest Forward Storage location → or call 888-684-4933 to discuss sizing for your operation.
