Hey there, In this “HOW TO” article, We will discover how to organize a workshop. I know it seems hard to do. but here are simple solutions to at least give you a head start.
Quick and Affordable Storage Ideas
If you’re looking for an economical solution to enhance your workspace, consider using electrical boxes. They offer a quick and effective way to create a storage compartment on the edge of your workbench.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive solution to keep your workspace organized, consider using a pitcher hanger. Simply hammer it into the side of any shop surface, and you’ll instantly have a designated spot for your tape. This handy little addition can help streamline your workflow and reduce clutter in your workspace!
Small Parts Storage
Want a convenient compartment to hold small parts without being on top of your workbench? PVC end caps just need a hole and one screw to become a very handy parts tray that’s quick to deploy but just as quick to stow away.
Tool Storage Solutions
Here’s a quick solution for a drill. Drill a hole in the side of a workbench, then thread in a large hook that’s coated in rubber. There—a very quick holster to keep your drill off the surface of your work area but still within reach.
Are you like me and keep misplacing your drill press chuck key? Throw a magnet on the side, and you’ll never have to wonder where you put it this time.
Organizing Larger Items
When it comes to organizing larger items like a shop vac hose or extension cords, a practical solution is to drive an eyelet hook into the wall. By using a short length of chain, you can easily secure any rolled-up items. Simply thread the chain through the item and hook the other end to the eyelet to keep everything neatly in place.
Another clever idea is to repurpose an old paper towel rack. Mount it on your wall to store all your rolls of tape efficiently.
Additionally, if you have an old towel rack, consider screwing it into the wall to create a convenient storage spot for hand clamps. This simple approach can help you maintain a tidy and organized workspace!
Innovative PVC Hacks
For a wide range of hand tools, grab some PVC pipe and use the miter saw to cut two 45-degree angles on the ends. Punch a hole through one end so that you can screw it to your wall and have a place to quickly place your hand tools.
Same concept for this hack, but using larger diameter PVC and mounting it to the wall with the angle facing the wall. Now you have a quick storage spot for tubes of caulking.
Or, a slightly more involved way of storing tubes of caulking, but still simple enough, would be to make a wooden shelf from two scraps. Punch some holes with the Forstner bit, then mount the shelf to the wall. Now the tubes can go in upside down. The same shelf can be made to store glue bottles as well.
Multi-Purpose Storage Ideas
This one isn’t the most elegant looking—although I guess PVC isn’t that elegant either—but a large shoe compartment is cheap, easy to install on the wall, and will hold a large assortment of items that are easy to see and grab.
Pegboard Storage Upgrades
Instead of hanging things the traditional way on pegboard, a different way is to slip a piece of PVC onto the peg holders, then store a variety of items in the center.
Another unique but cheap solution for pegboard storage is shower curtain hooks. I particularly like these for Sawzall blades. Your whole collection can be stored on one ring, then hung up for easy visibility and grabbing.
Wall-Mounted Solutions
A straightforward solution for organizing everything from pencils to a router wrench is to attach a single tool pouch directly to your wall.
For a versatile option, consider these affordable plastic J-hooks. Priced at under a dollar each, they are incredibly simple to mount and can be used to securely hold a broom, neatly rolled-up cords, or even welding hoods.
Even if these aren’t your permanent solutions, getting things up and off the ground or off your workbench is a great use of time. Hopefully, you’re able to at least put to use one of them.
Smart Storage Systems
One of my personal favorite storage tips is to use Smart Jars. This innovative system has rapidly become one of my go-to methods for organizing hardware in the shop. The Smart Jars system consists of docks that fit perfectly into any standard pegboard. Within each dock lies a plastic container. You can either leave the container inside the dock and easily grab what you need, or you can completely detach the plastic container and take it over to your workstation for convenience.
I highly value visibility and accessibility in the workshop, and Smart Jars provides both. All the containers are positioned so that their faces are directed toward you, making it easy to see what you have inside at a glance. Additionally, if you prefer extra organization, you can add a labeling system to each container instead of relying solely on your eyesight.
Another advantage is that these containers are 100% made in the USA. If traditional pegboard isn’t your style, they also offer plastic pegboard options. While this system shines in the workshop, it’s equally effective in the kitchen as a spice rack or for organizing arts and crafts supplies or Legos—its versatility is nearly endless!
