For many people, a garage equates to a toolshed. If you’re an avid DIYer, it wouldn’t be a surprise that your garage is usually a mess. And of course, you’d love for everything to get organized, so you can work on your projects with ease and not waste time hunting for certain tools.
Here are some tips on organizing your tools in the garage:
- Maximize space. First and foremost, if you want your tools and garage to be organized, you must prioritize creating space. Forget about having an organization in your life if you live in a small room. Most of the following tips will be more about creating space, so be ready.
- Get pegboards. This is a must-have for a messy garage and a boatload of tools. All you need to do is stick them to the wall, put some pegs in, and then hang up your tools. Even if you don’t organize or arrange your tools, having them on the pegboard makes it so much easier to find the tool that you need as soon as possible.
- Outline your tools on pegboards. If you choose to get the pegboards, you can make the tools you place there more organized by drawing outlines. Place the tool where it’s supposed to be. Get a marker, and draw around the edges of the tool. This way, you will always know where tools are supposed to go and which ones are missing.
- Install screws on boards or walls. A good and inexpensive alternative to pegboards is using screws. You can just plant two or three of them on the wall, and you can use them as a makeshift hook for some of your equipment: hammer, wrenches, pliers, etcetera.
- Use wire shelves. They are lightweight, cheap, and easy to install. Aside from that, you can easily see the items that are placed on them. Get wire shelves and mount them on your boards or walls, or you can just use some rope and hang them from the ceiling. You can place your power tools on them.
- Convert a storage chest into a workbench. The good thing about storage chests is that they are sturdy, solid, and can store items. And if you don’t have a workbench yet, it is best that you convert one or two of your storage chests into workbenches. Little modifications are needed and you will be efficiently using the space in your garage that way. And to help you become even more organized, label the storage chest — list down all the tools it holds and pastes that list on one side of the chest so you can tell at a glance which tools are in there.
- Get a used and cheap locker. If you browse around CraigsList, Etsy, or eBay, you will find at least two or three lockers for sale. They are excellent storage locations for your tools and all you need to do is place them in your garage. And as with storage chests, make it a point to “inventorize” the tools inside the locker for easy, hassle-free access.
- Store items vertically if possible. It is common for people to neglect vertical space. When your garage or room is already cramped, look up. If there is still space between you and the ceiling, that means the room isn’t full yet and you can take advantage of that space for storage.
- Use a slat wall. This is a nice and good looking alternative to pegboards. A number of tools you can hang on it depends on how big or narrow the gaps are between the pieces of wood or plastic.
- Recycle jars, bottles, and plastic containers. If you’ve already used up all your coffee, don’t throw away its container. You can still repurpose it in your garage. These bottles and canisters can be a nice place to store screws, nails, bolts, and nuts.
- Acquire some old pallet. Pallets have become one of the most used and sought-after DIY materials. And it doesn’t hurt to use one as a tool container or holder in your garage. Just like with the pegboard, pallets can be just placed on the wall. You can place your big tools on the pallet, especially your garden tools.
- Make a storage tower. If your garage still has an empty corner, then it is best that you make a storage tower, and place it in that empty place. Make sure to build the tower as high as possible to maximize vertical space.
Authors Bio: Jon works for Acron Garage Doors Ltd – Garage doors kent . Helping clients in complex situations is what he loves most about his job. If not working, Jon can be found behind any new romantic novel. He also loves to blog about his experiences & challenges he faces at work.
