Your van isn’t just how you get to work. It’s where your tools live, where jobs start, and where time is either saved or wasted.
As vans carry more cordless tools, fixings, and specialist kit than ever, organisation has become a genuine productivity upgrade rather than a tidy-up job.
Done properly, it saves minutes on every task and protects tools that cost serious money to replace.
Here’s how to organise your van for 2026 using modern storage thinking that actually works on site.
Start by Clearing the Mess
Before any new storage goes in, everything comes out.
Not a reshuffle. A full reset.
Empty the van, clean it down, and separate what you use every day from what only appears once in a blue moon.
This is often where tradesmen realise half their van space is being eaten by “just in case” kit that never earns its keep.
Once you’ve cleared it, you’ll have a far better idea of what storage you actually need rather than what looks good online.
Organise the Van Around Movement, Not Appearance
The smartest van layouts aren’t the neatest ones. They’re the ones that let you grab what you need and get straight to work.
Daily tools should be closest to the doors. Heavier items should sit low for safer lifting. Job-specific kits should stay together so you’re not hopping in and out of the van all morning.
This is where modern box systems start to make sense. Instead of loose tools on shelves, complete kits live in dedicated boxes that lift straight out and go onto site with you.
Why Modular Storage Has Taken Over
Traditional shelving works until it doesn’t. Once your work changes or your tool collection grows, fixed layouts become a problem.
Modular systems solve that by letting storage adapt to you.
A stack of toolboxes can be rearranged as jobs change. Organisers can move from van to site without being emptied Boxes open while stacked so you’re not dismantling half your setup just to reach one tool.
Systems like Milwaukee PACKOUT or Makita MAKTRAK aren’t popular because they look tidy. They’re popular because they save time and reduce frustration on real jobs.
A Look at the Storage Ranges Trades Are Using in 2026
Milwaukee PACKOUT – Maximum Flexibility Across Van, Workshop, and Site
Milwaukee PACKOUT has become a go-to option for trades who want one storage system that does everything. Its strength lies in how easily it moves between environments, working just as well in a van or workshop as it does out on site.
Stackable toolboxes, organisers, rolling bases, and wall-mount options allow complete kits to stay together from transport to task.
Boxes open while stacked, meaning tools remain accessible without dismantling the entire setup.
PACKOUT is particularly popular with trades who carry a wide range of tools and want the freedom to reconfigure their storage as work changes.
Makita MAKTRAK – Horizontal Storage with Faster Access
Makita MAKTRAK takes a different approach to modular storage, focusing on horizontal box layouts rather than vertical stacking. This makes it easier to store longer tools and access kit without lifting multiple boxes off each other.
The system is designed around quick access and visibility, with boxes that open from either side and rolling bases built for site movement.
It suits trades who want everything reachable at once and prefer a layout that feels more like a mobile drawer system than a stacked tower.
MAKTRAK has become popular with users carrying awkward or bulky tools who value speed over compact stacking.
Makita MAKPAC – Simple, Reliable Storage for Makita Users
MAKPAC remains a familiar sight in many vans, particularly for trades already invested in Makita power tools.
Its straightforward, stackable design makes it ideal for storing individual tools and accessories neatly and securely.
MAKPAC boxes integrate well into van racking systems and are often used to keep power tools protected while still being easy to remove for site work.
While it’s not as modular as newer systems, its simplicity and compatibility keep it relevant.
DeWalt TSTAK – Lightweight, Modular Storage for Everyday Tools
DeWalt TSTAK continues to be a popular choice for trades who want modular storage without the bulk of heavier duty systems.
Its lighter construction makes it easy to lift in and out of vans, especially for users who regularly carry tool kits onto site rather than relying on wheeled storage.
TSTAK works well for everyday power tools, hand tools, and accessories, with stackable boxes that keep kits together and easy to transport.
It’s commonly used by joiners, installers, and maintenance trades who want a flexible setup that doesn’t add unnecessary weight.
While it isn’t designed for the roughest site conditions, TSTAK suits trades who value portability and simplicity over maximum ruggedness.
Dewalt TSTAKDeWalt ToughSystem – Built for Hard Site Use
DeWalt ToughSystem is often chosen by trades who prioritise durability above all else.
The boxes are designed to handle rough handling, heavy loads, and demanding site conditions without compromising tool protection.
With strong latches, reinforced construction, and weather-resistant designs, ToughSystem suits trades working in harsher environments or moving tools frequently between jobs.
It’s a practical option for those who want robust storage that can take a beating and keep going.
Bosch L-BOXX – Clean Integration with Van Racking
Bosch L-BOXX systems are commonly chosen where clean, modern van integration is the priority, with the latest generation bringing noticeable improvements in durability, usability, and overall system compatibility.
The updated L-BOXX design builds on Bosch’s proven standardised sizing, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of vehicle racking systems while offering stronger latches, improved stack stability, and smoother handling in daily use.
This new generation of L-BOXX storage is designed to create tidy, professional setups where tools are protected, organised, and quick to access, both in the van and on site.
It remains a popular choice for trades who want a structured van layout that looks sharp, works efficiently, and reflects a more refined, modern approach to tool storage.
Trade Tidy – Fixed Van Storage Built Around Real-World Use
Trade Tidy takes a different approach to van organisation, focusing on fixed storage solutions that stay in the vehicle rather than moving on and off site.
Its systems are designed specifically for van interiors, making use of wall space, doors, and awkward gaps that modular boxes often can’t reach.
Trade Tidy storage is commonly used to keep hand tools, fixings, and consumables permanently organised and visible inside the van.
It pairs particularly well with modular box systems, allowing daily-use tools to stay mounted while job-specific kits are lifted out when needed.
For trades who want a clean, professional van layout with everything clearly laid out, Trade Tidy provides structure without overcomplicating the setup.
Mixing Systems for Smarter Van Setups
Rather than relying on one solution, many of the best-organised vans now combine fixed racking with modular box systems.
This hybrid approach allows everyday tools to stay mounted while job-specific kits move in and out as needed.
The result is a van that stays organised, adapts to different jobs, and works as part of the workflow rather than against it.
Fixings and Consumables Without the Chaos
Screws, plugs, and fixings are usually the first thing to turn a tidy van into a mess.
Clear-lid organisers make it easy to see what’s running low without opening every box.
Adjustable compartments stop everything blending into one unusable pile.
Stackable organisers mean you can carry fixings onto site without tipping half of them onto the floor.
Keeping fast-moving consumables near the doors and bulk stock deeper in the van saves time and stops overbuying.
Power Tools, Batteries, and Charging Done Properly
With most trades now fully cordless, battery management matters more than ever.
Dedicated boxes for power tools stop them being knocked around in transit.
Keeping batteries together makes charging easier and avoids half-dead packs getting forgotten.
A tidy charging setup in the van reduces downtime and protects expensive cells.
Dewalt and Makita now offer charging boxes that safely house multiple batteries while they charge, and Milwaukee takes a different approach with a six bay charger that clips straight onto PACKOUT boxes to keep everything in one place.
This is where box systems earn their keep – tools, batteries, and accessories live together, ready to go.
Storage That Works On Site Too
The real advantage of modern storage isn’t how it looks in the van. It’s how well it works once you get to site.
Rolling boxes mean fewer trips. Stacked organisers keep everything in one place. Whole kits move together instead of being carried piece by piece.
The less you transfer tools between containers, the longer your van stays organised.
Final Thoughts: Organisation That Pays You Back
Organising your van for 2026 isn’t about being tidy. It’s about working faster, protecting your tools, and reducing daily frustration.
Modern storage systems have made it easier than ever to build a van setup that adapts to how you actually work rather than forcing you into fixed layouts.
Think van organisation isn’t worth the hassle? These short clips show just how quick and easy it can be to transform your setup with the right system in place.