If you have a messy workbench, chances are you always have a headache trying to look for your tools. Admit it: The more you search, the more you get lost in the pile of debris on the surface. The solution to your problem is having a storage area where your tools are organized and within plain sight. But the cost of installing storage might be stopping you. If that is the case, don’t worry! We have plenty of DIY ideas so you can save money and still get the storage that you need for your tools. Just prepare to roll up your sleeves and get ready to build an organized workbench that will encourage you to work on more projects. Get inspiration from these projects
- Upgrade your pegboard -- Your pegboard is where you can hang the tools that you always use like your hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, and the like. Now if you have accumulated more tools over the years, you might need to change your pegboard to a bigger size. You can be creative and try different layouts before installing it. A pegboard is always handy as you can easily move tools around and make sure that everything has its place.
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Caption: An organized pegboard is a refreshing sight and can encourage you to work on a new project ASAP! Source:
[/caption] Other tips for your pegboard organization:
- Place the tools that you frequently use at eye-level so you can grab them easily and not disrupt your work;
- The other tools can be placed toward the topmost or bottom part of the board;
- You can group your tools by function and size;
- Make sure that the spacing is ample so that you don’t disarrange things when you remove one tool;
- You can use also use a fold-up cabinet like this to maximize whatever space you have; and
- You can also create pegboard shelves to keep your varied tools.
2. Use drawers or jars for extra storage -- If your workbench has no built-in drawers, you can use metal or plastic drawers so you can easily organize accessories and favorite power tools.
Another idea is to use tin cans or Mason jars to hold small objects such as nails, bolts, and nuts. It looks classic and acts as effective storage. You can either line them up on a bench or screw them to a steady surface so you can easily see them. 
Caption: Use the bottom part of your shelf as the foundation of your jars. Source
3. Use milk crates-- These are cheap and easy storage materials that you can easily put underneath your workbench. Some things that you can put here are knickknacks as well as your motor oil, lighter fluid, and WD-40. You can also pick in different colors but black is always a safe option to hide scratches.
4. Use wire shelves -- Wire shelves are really handy, too! They can hold your things on its main shelf. Power tools fit there quite snugly because their pointy tips can fit through the gaps. Additionally, you can also use the spaces in between to hang light tools. Just attach hooks so that you can hang your paintbrushes, cords, or even different kinds of tapes. Get more architect-approved ideas from this site.
5. Use bins with labels -- Labeling is everything! Even if you use containers, you can improve your storage space by labeling everything so you won’t get confused. It might take some time but this will work for you in the long run. Just make sure that the adhesive is strong and that you will follow the labels when you store the accessories.
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Caption: Labeling will help you locate the things you need when you need them! [/caption]
6. Do an inventory -- Okay, so you have organized everything but still, realize that you still have a surplus of tools to organize. There are two ways to handle the remaining tools that you hardly use:
- Give them away -- Are you sure that you still need those tools? If not, you can always donate them to America’s Veterans or give them away to a friend.
- Install an overhead garage rack -- Pack up your tools in boxes and store them in an overhead garage rack so you can free up more space in your garage.
Are you up for the challenge? With these tips, you will be able to organize your workbench and garage in no time! You will be more inspired to do more weekend DIY projects now that your workstation allows you to work faster and smarter.
