Life on the tools is tough. From managing the endless list of jobs to dealing with unpredictable hours, it can sometimes feel like you’re running on fumes. But there are ways to ease the load.
Simple habits and strategies can save you time, reduce stress, and let you focus more on what you do best – getting the job done. Here’s how you can make your day-to-day a bit smoother.
Keep your van stocked with essentials
As a tradesperson, you know how much time can be lost just running to the shop for supplies. You’ll waste hours if you’re constantly heading out for something basic like screws, tape or fasteners. Take a bit of time at the start of the week to stock up on the things you always need.
Keep your van organised so you can grab what you need without digging through boxes. Regularly check your stock to make sure you’ve got enough of the right materials for your upcoming jobs. If you’re fitting new boilers or doing any installation work, have the specific parts for these jobs ready to go.
Build strong relationships with reliable suppliers
Getting quality materials at a good price is key to keeping your business running smoothly. Work with suppliers you trust, those who understand the demands of the trade and deliver on time. Build a relationship so they’ll keep you updated on any product changes or better deals.
It’s worth asking if they can set you up with a trade account for discounts or priority orders. Not only will this save you money, but it’ll also cut down on last-minute panic when you’re halfway through a job and realise you’ve run out of something important.
Embrace digital tools to stay organised
Gone are the days of scrappy notes on bits of paper. You’ve probably got a dozen jobs on the go at any one time, and keeping track of them can be a nightmare if you’re not organised. There’s a whole range of digital tools that can help you manage schedules, quotes, invoices, and even customer communications.
These apps and platforms can help you stay on top of everything in one place. You can create quotes, track time, schedule work and even invoice clients straight from your phone. If you’re handling jobs for clients remotely, using a simple scheduling tool can help them book slots that work for you, avoiding any mix-ups.
Plan ahead for big jobs
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget to plan ahead for bigger projects. If you know you’ve got a large job coming up, take time in advance to map out the stages. This gives you the chance to make sure everything goes more smoothly.
You’ll hopefully avoid the stress of suddenly realising you’re missing an important part or tool. And you’ll be able to order materials in bulk to save time and avoid last-minute sourcing. Don’t forget to double-check job specs to ensure everything’s in line with the client’s expectations.
Once you start implementing a few of these changes, you’ll find the workload becomes more manageable and you’ll have more time to focus on doing what you love – working with your hands and getting jobs finished to a high standard.
