From Possession to Use: Tulu’s Lending Cabinets Make it Possible

Why should urban living and compact city space have to mean that products and services are inaccessible to city dwellers? Founded in Israel and headquartered in New York, Tulu is a startup that provides living solutions to change how urban populations consume household products. Tulu manages tool libraries for different types of residential, office or hospitality buildings — smart lending cabinets full of things you only need occasionally or for a short time, such as tools. This saves the residents a lot on purchase costs and reduces CO₂ emissions at the same time.

Access is the new possession. Why buy a drill when you can borrow one in the comfort of your own home? Tulu makes this process very easy through their app. Residents can reserve and pay for an article online, and collect them from a wall cabinet that uses sensors and cameras to measure when the item is taken away and put back. Through Tulu, students are able to access basic solutions for a healthy, and more self-sufficient lifestyle without having to buy everything themselves. In this way, the tools are used more intensively, which is a welcome result when you consider that the average drill is only turned on for thirty minutes in its entire lifetime.

But there is more to these lending cabinets than just tools. Think for example of a robot hoover, a sewing machine, virtual reality glasses, gadgets for the weekend, a beamer and folding chairs. A print service and electric steps are also part of Tulu’s offer. The range of cabinets varies per residential complex and changes with the needs of the residents. Ultimately, residents determine what items are available in the cabinet.