Figuring out how to store, transport, and organize my ever-expanding kit has been an ongoing endeavor since I first started. I tried everything from scrap booking totes to a folding crate on wheels, luggage sets and train cases. Nothing I tried seemed to offer the right combination of organization, size, ease of transport, cost, and durability.

Until I found the Stanley Fat Max Mobile Work Station. That’s right…a  tool box. I wish I could take credit, but my makeup artist friend Elizabeth deserves all the fame for this incredible find. Let’s have a look at the official specs:

Features and Benefits

• 4 storage solutions in one includes toolbox, part bins, portable tray and oversized lower bin for larger items
• Patented tiered cantilever multi-level rolling system allows easy access to all 4 storage areas at the same time
• Durable Structural Foam construction
• Telescopic handle for easy maneuvering
• Easy latch system includes a quick push to close feature
• Large front latch that locks the entire unit
• Ball bearing slides for smooth operation even under heavy load
• V-groove on top of lid holds materials such as lumber and pipes in place for cutting
• Extra large, heavy duty metal latches with pad lockable eye lets
• Extra heavy duty rubber-coated 7” wheels – for maximum stability
• Height 29″,736.6mm
• Length 17″,431.8mm
• Width 22″,558.8mm

“That’s all well and good, but what does it mean for me?”

Four tiers of storage goodness with varying organizational options:
 The oversized lower bin fits large items (paint pallets), the part bins organize small items (business cards, pots of glitter), and the tool box fits medium sized items (baby wipes, sponges). Another bonus that isn’t mentioned in the official specs – the walls of the part bins are removable! You can easily slide these babies out and customize the size of the compartments to suit your needs.

Easy to clean interior & exterior:
“Durable Structural Foam” is fancy-talk for thick black plastic. Ever spilled glitter in your kit, or break a powder pallet? The smooth, rigid compartments wipe down easily, with the baby wipes you probably already have stored in there.

Maneuverability and ease of transport:
With a retractable handle and heavy-duty wheels, this thing treks easily up driveways, across fields, and down streets. It rolls around with you like a large piece of luggage, but remains stable through grass & rocks.

Heavy duty everything:
Think about it, this was designed for big burly men who like tools. It was built to store heavy things, and take a beating at construction sites, get covered in sawdust & dirt, then get tossed back into a pickup truck. Everything from the wheels to the snap-front-locks is rugged, and built to last.

Cheap Cheap Cheap Cheap:
I was able to find professional makeup cases online, with comparable size & organizational options, retailing from $150-$900. The Stanley Fat Max was about $80, a fraction of the cost. I bought mine at Home Depot, Elizabeth bought hers at Lowes. There is also a smaller version for about $40.

The Stanley Fat Max Workstation has two major drawbacks:

It’s not pretty:
It only comes in one color, and it’s not decorative or polished looking. Understandable; I don’t think Stanley’s target market cares about color-coordinating. Elizabeth spruced hers up with fancy duct tape.

It’s hefty, in every sense of the word:
 Large and filled to the brim with supplies, it’s not easy to lift into my car, or haul up stairs. Fortunately, there are handles on the sides if you need some leverage. I’m no Hulk, and Elizabeth is a skinny-minny, but we’ve made it work. Lift from your legs!

Finally, a kit as tough as you are!

-Caitlin