Workshop organization advice / tips

[DuckDogDr]

Have a basement workshop / woodworking area .. that disorganization has gotten the best of me. Relatively small space .

Have some whole slabs of walnut, a new table I’m finishing, bandsaw and dust collector

 

[dtrkyman]

Invite a friend over that is organized, he stays long enough he won't be able to help himself and will clean it up for you!

 

[hh76]

I'm pretty bad about keeping organized, unless I force myself to keep on top of it.

I don't leave the shop until I put everything away.
I don't bring something home, unless I already have a place to put it.

 

[rickjames80]

I don't leave the shop until I put everything away.
I don't bring something home, unless I already have a place to put it.

I wish I had your self control. Sometimes I just can't help myself.

 

[hh76]

I wish I had your self control. Sometimes I just can't help myself

I talk a big game, but don't always follow through.

I know myself, and how disorganized I can become if I don't stay on top of things. I've realized that I need to force myself to stay organized by following those rules.

 

[displacedtexan]

I've got what I'm guessing is a little more space... A 30x60 shop.

But I try to fairly regularly spend an afternoon in it. Not on a project, just have a few beers and organize and neaten.

Also, money spent on storage/organization is money well spent.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

#1, get rid of anything you have not used I some time. #2, make a wood rack for all your spare wood. #3 build some wall shelves to store all your tools. #4 do a good field day to get rid of the mess you have made and don't let it get out of hand again. Make sure to clean up and store tools in there proper place after every use.

 

[KBC]

I have the same issue. I think my biggest problem is not taking the time to put everything away when I'm done. Time is precious and I try and work on the project as long as I can, especially when the little ones aren't hanging around.

I don't have this issue at work since we always stop 15 minutes before quitting time to clean up. I need to start doing the same at home.

 

[displacedtexan]

I have the same issue. I think my biggest problem is not taking the time to put everything away when I'm done. Time is precious and I try and work on the project as long as I can, especially when the little ones aren't hanging around.

I don't have this issue at work since we always stop 15 minutes before quitting time to clean up. I need to start doing the same at home.

It's a great policy, but sometimes hard to follow at home!

I always clean up at work, but at home it's tempting to just walk away.

 

[Blockcaver]

Buy $100 worth of hangers, magnetic strips, etc. Helps a ton to get everything hung up.

Also pick up a used set of kitchen cupboards...the entire ktichen, upper and lower cabinets for free or low $ from a remodel. Put new formica counter tops on them to fit the new layout. Trash the leftovers or give them away. You'll be so organized you'll smile every time you go into the workshop!. It'll also keep your stuff in the cupboards cleaner.

 

[lak2004]

My brother in law has a 40x80 shop that is an absolute mess. I've helped him many times clean up and put things away and try to come up with a plan. I gave up now. He is just a messy person that can't be helped. If you want to get organized, spend some serious time every day doing it and then once it's done, put everything away every time you are done with it.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

[Bratch]

We’ve become huge fans of wire shelving and plastic tubs of various sizes. I have a tub for tape, work gloves, electrical parts, etc. Wife just a bought a new label maker so I will probably go through and label all the tubs on the ends so I don’t have to pull them out to see what’s in there.

I do the same thing with my shooting/hunting gear have a tub of black power supplies, a tub of 1911 magazines, a tub of M&P magazines, a tub for archery, etc.

Not the same as the garage but here is our pantry to get an idea

 

[displacedtexan]

Buy $100 worth of hangers, magnetic strips, etc. Helps a ton to get everything hung up.

Also pick up a used set of kitchen cupboards...the entire ktichen, upper and lower cabinets for free or low $ from a remodel. Put new formica counter tops on them to fit the new layout. Trash the leftovers or give them away. You'll be so organized you'll smile every time you go into the workshop!. It'll also keep your stuff in the cupboards cleaner.

I don't know, or want to know how much I've spent on tool storage and organization over the years. Many thousands.

I almost always cringe making the purchase, but am always very glad to have it... I've never actually regretted a penny.