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With the festive break behind us, projects are back on the agenda, and there’s a fresh sense of momentum in the air. Teams are returning refreshed, plans are moving forward, and there’s renewed motivation to get started on what’s next. It’s the time of year when ideas turn into action, and projects begin to take shape!
However, getting off to a strong start is all about preparation. Having the right tool hire equipment in place from the outset helps projects run smoothly from day one and keeps schedules on track as workloads begin to build. That is why we have created this essential hire checklist, bringing together our most popular equipment categories and the products our customers return to time and time again to confidently kickstart their projects. Let’s take a look.
Start with our top 100 hire products at Smiths Hire
When planning a project, it can be difficult to know exactly what equipment you will need, particularly in the early stages. Starting with our most popular hire products is a simple way to build a strong foundation and make sure nothing essential is missed.
Our top 100 hire products are the ones customers come back to time and time again because they’re reliable, versatile and suitable for a wide range of jobs. We keep these items consistently available, so when you’re planning a project, you don’t have to worry about whether the essentials will be in stock.
From core site equipment to everyday tools, this category reflects what works in real-world projects across construction, maintenance, refurbishment and outdoor work. If you are putting together a hire list from scratch, beginning here helps you make sure that you have the essentials covered before adding anything more specialist as your project develops.
Access hire for safe and efficient work at height
When projects are back in full swing, working at height is often unavoidable. Whether it’s installation, maintenance, structural work or finishing tasks, trying to manage these jobs without the right access hire equipment quickly becomes a safety risk and a barrier to progress. Proper access hire is not just about reaching the work; it is about protecting people on site and keeping projects moving to plan.
The right access machine allows work to be carried out safely, efficiently and without unnecessary disruption to other trades. Instead of relying on ladders or makeshift solutions, powered access equipment provides stable working platforms, better reach and improved control, helping teams work confidently while staying compliant with safety requirements. When programmes are tight, and multiple tasks are happening at once, this makes all the difference to staying on target.
With over 55 years of experience, we know how critical reliable access equipment is on busy worksites. We offer one of the UK’s largest fleets of powered access equipment, with a wide variety of machines available nationwide for next-day delivery. That means no waiting around and no compromises when work needs to start.
Plant hire to get projects moving from day one
The first days back on site are usually about momentum. Groundwork restarts, materials begin arriving again, and the priority becomes getting the site set up and productive as quickly as possible – plant hire plays a big role in that. The right equipment will help your team clear and prepare areas, move materials efficiently, and keep groundwork tasks progressing without relying on manual handling or makeshift solutions.
Once a project is moving, plant equipment often becomes the difference between staying on programme and falling behind. A machine that matches the task and the site conditions helps work run smoothly and reduces downtime. Getting plant hire arranged early means you can hit the ground running, rather than losing valuable time while the rest of the industry is ramping back up. We know how busy sites get once projects are back in full swing, which is why we keep hiring the plant equipment you need as simply as possible at Smiths Hire.
Cleaning equipment to get spaces back on track
Once the festive fog lifts, a lot of people turn their attention to jobs that have been put off. At home, that often means finally tackling deep cleans, refreshing tired carpets, or clearing outdoor areas that have built up dirt over time. In commercial spaces, it’s about getting environments clean, presentable and ready for a busy year ahead.
For DIY customers, hiring cleaning equipment turns big jobs into much quicker, more achievable ones. Carpet cleaners, floor scrubbers and powerful vacuum cleaners deliver results that are difficult to achieve with standard household tools, helping your home feel cleaner and fresher without spending days on your hands and knees.
For businesses and commercial spaces, cleaning is often about getting things back to a good baseline before the year properly gets going. Offices, retail spaces and shared environments need to be clean, safe and ready for day-to-day use, especially as activity starts to pick up again.
Outdoor cleaning usually comes into that reset as well. Patios, driveways and external areas tend to pick up dirt, moss and debris over the colder months, and those jobs are often tackled once everything else is back on track. Whether it’s a home refresh or preparing a commercial space for the months ahead, cleaning is often one of the first things people want to get sorted.
Gardening tools and outdoor equipment
As the days start to feel a little longer, you often find yourself heading back into the garden and noticing what needs attention. After winter, outdoor spaces can feel tired, overgrown or harder to manage, and getting things ready for spring usually takes more than a quick tidy with hand tools.
Whether you’re cutting back hedges, clearing debris, preparing soil, or simply getting outdoor areas back under control, proper gardening tools make the work quicker, safer and far less physically demanding.
If you’re working on a larger property or managing outdoor areas for a business or site, keeping external spaces maintained is just as important. Clear paths, tidy grounds and well-kept access areas make day-to-day work easier and help everything else run smoothly.
Our range of gardening tools and outdoor equipment is designed to support you at this stage, whether you’re taking on weekend jobs at home or preparing outdoor areas for the months ahead. With the right tools in place, getting outside and getting started feels far more manageable
Whatever you’re planning next, we’ve got the equipment to help you get started. All you need to do is place a hire request through our website or request a callback today. You can also visit one of our 19 friendly Hire it Centres or speak to a member of our team on 0333 323 2100 – new year, new projects!
