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Hello!

As the title says, I'm looking for a toolbox-type storage solution that can replace my current one, best described as "In plastic tubs all over the place". One that doesn't look like an eyesore, but preferably one that isn't overly expensive either, that I can pop down under the table when I'm not painting.

I'm just getting started with miniature painting, so at the moment I only have about 20 citadel paints, a couple of cans of primer, a set of basic tools and glues, some basing supplies (cork sheets, balsa wood, basing grit, tufts), and that is about it.

In other words, I don't need the largest toolbox money can buy. What I do need, however, is a good solution in terms of storage compartments. I've trawled through B&Q's selection of tool boxes, and it's damned hard to work this sort of thing out from their pictures and descriptions alone. Don't really live near any hardware stores, don't have a car, so I need others' experiences to guide my choice.

If you think that another solution than a toolbox is better, lay it on me. Any tips and anecdotes are appreciated, of course!

20 paints and some basic tools shouldnt be taking that much space up.

why not something along the lines this from Stanly


they also have mobile workstations on wheels like this


they are usually something like 60-70 usd or less.

If perhaps the above is a bit too big/pricey, (That mobile box seems perfect TBH, I might need to get me one!) have you considered fish/tackle boxes? I use mostly those for bits, tools and paints, even transporting armies! Another alternative I've seen is a traincase otherwise used to store women's makeup and jewelry. It's cube-shaped box with shelf-like compartments, which are pretty handy.

The one with wheels is massive overkill for me, but the first picture there looks decent. The thing I want to make sure is that they actually have trays in them that suits my needs. Most toolboxes I've had experience with are really just that; For tools, thus having, at most, one shallow tray inside, and a huge compartment underneath for larger things. What I'm looking for is something more akin to... I don't know what they're called. They look like toolboxes, but are designed with storing screws, nails and other small things that easily end up all over the floor in mind.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Lazzamore wrote:
If perhaps the above is a bit too big/pricey, (That mobile box seems perfect TBH, I might need to get me one!) have you considered fish/tackle boxes? I use mostly those for bits, tools and paints, even transporting armies! Another alternative I've seen is a traincase otherwise used to store women's makeup and jewelry. It's cube-shaped box with shelf-like compartments, which are pretty handy.

Yeah, a proper sized tackle box might do the trick. If you have experience with any particular brand or model that you think would fit my criteria, please do share!

https://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/Citadel-Project-Box

I use one of these, it was only $14. I had to cut two compartments so I could join them and fit brushes and stuff in that spot, but for the price it works great.



I bet you can find something like this in the UK.

All of these options are an eyesore imo.
What is your, or more importantly your missus's, personal style/interior design like?
Find a nice old chest, Victorian bureau, picnic hamper, vintage biscuit tins, ammo crate, an old guitar case, Georgian tall boy, modern ottoman, crocodile skin suitcase, minimalist bookshelf, gym locker, farmhouse settle or whatever suits the style of your home.
Most of these things can be found inexpensively in 2nd hand stores or car boot sales.
Get something bigger than you currently need as you collection of stuff will indefinitely grow. Even if you can't fill a huge cabinet or wardrobe now you will be able to soon.
Take this item and modify it to you needs or just fill it with icecream tubs, tackle boxes or whatever smaller boxes from pound land as you need or take the time to source some nicer boxes.
In my experience having your stuff immediately to hand in the room that you will be working in is a godsend. If you don't mind looking at the storage in your home 24/7 then it'll never find it's way into the understair cupboard, garage or under the bed when guests come round and be more likely to come out more often.

 Alex Kolodotschko wrote:
All of these options are an eyesore imo.
What is your, or more importantly your missus's, personal style/interior design like?
Find a nice old chest, Victorian bureau, picnic hamper, vintage biscuit tins, ammo crate, an old guitar case, Georgian tall boy, modern ottoman, crocodile skin suitcase, minimalist bookshelf, gym locker, farmhouse settle or whatever suits the style of your home.
Most of these things can be found inexpensively in 2nd hand stores or car boot sales.
Get something bigger than you currently need as you collection of stuff will indefinitely grow. Even if you can't fill a huge cabinet or wardrobe now you will be able to soon.
Take this item and modify it to you needs or just fill it with icecream tubs, tackle boxes or whatever smaller boxes from pound land as you need or take the time to source some nicer boxes.
In my experience having your stuff immediately to hand in the room that you will be working in is a godsend. If you don't mind looking at the storage in your home 24/7 then it'll never find it's way into the understair cupboard, garage or under the bed when guests come round and be more likely to come out more often.

Maybe I wasn't specific enough. When I said eyesore, I was referring to buying beaten-up second-hand metal toolboxes from the 80's and that sort. I live alone, and I don't have any problems with having a plastic toolbox for my stuff, as long as it's not unnecessarily massive or kitted out in weird colors (yes, in my browsing google for it, I've actually come across high vis coloured toolboxes).