November 2, 2020, 10:03 am | Read time: 3 minutes
DIY Enthusiasts with a Workshop Are Fortunate DIY enthusiasts who have a workshop can consider themselves lucky. It’s a place where they can store their tools and carry out DIY projects. However, when space is limited, clever organization and storage solutions are necessary. So, how do you proceed?
Whether in the garage, basement, or tool shed–a personal workshop is a favorite spot for many DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists. However, this is only true if it’s tidy and everything is in its place. Otherwise, you might not find anything in the chaos, and the fun of tinkering suffers. Here are some tips to keep your workshop organized.
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Tips for Organizing Your Workshop
There should be enough space, typically around 100 square feet. Natural light is ideal, though not always available–just like a window for ventilation. The latter is especially important when working with paints and varnishes. Many DIYers use bright fluorescent lights for illumination, and a portable work light is also useful. A space heater provides some warmth on cold fall or winter days.
In addition to having enough outlets for electrical devices, it’s also advantageous to have a water connection and a small sink in the workshop. You should also include a trash can to avoid running to the garbage bin every time. Here’s what else you need to ensure order and storage space in the workshop:
1. The Right Workbench
A workshop isn’t complete without a workbench. Ideally, it has enough workspace to separate different tool areas. For example, woodworking tools like saws and sanders go on one side, while wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, and pliers are on the other. A small rolling cabinet under the workbench also provides additional storage space in the workshop.
Tip: Label all drawers to quickly find what you’re looking for. A strip of masking tape labeled with a marker is sufficient.
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2. Wall Mount for Tools
Since the workbench doesn’t offer unlimited space, tools can be moved to the wall. A pegboard with mounts, attached to the wall, is ideal for this. For smaller tools, a wooden strip and Velcro can be used. The counterpart goes on utility knives or combination pliers. Magnetic tools like knives, files, or wrenches can also be held on a magnetic metal strip on the wall.
3. DIY Solutions for More Storage in the Workshop
Old shoe boxes, fruit crates, PVC pipes, metal buckets, or plastic canisters–all these containers can be repurposed in the workshop. For instance, pipes can store long items like threaded rods, and old screw jars can hold loose screws. It can also be worthwhile to label the containers. An old box is great for collecting leftover wood.
Tip: A tape dispenser for all kinds of tapes–such as duct tape–is easy to build yourself. The rolls sit on a rod, with a metal strip in front for tearing.
4. Storage and Organization in the Workshop–Stackable and on Wheels
Stackable toolboxes in various sizes can save a lot of space. With carrying handles or on wheels, the tool cabinet becomes mobile and can easily be used outside the workshop.
Tip: To store wood or wood-based panels properly, you can stand them between two metal rods on the wall. This way, you have a good overview and can quickly find what you need. However, make sure they don’t warp in the process.
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5. Heavy-Duty Shelving for Heavy Equipment
Modular heavy-duty metal shelves offer plenty of storage space for larger power tools like stationary saws. If space gets tight, they can be easily expanded.