Six Tips for Organizing Tools in Your Garage

According to The Spruce, your first course of action should be taking a careful inventory of your current collection. The more thorough you are in checking your inventory, the easier it will be to keep your tools organized.

Once you've gone through your inventory, next you should begin to group the items together. Sort them into different categories, such as hand and power tools, nails, and more. If you like, you can even break those categories down even further into hammers, screwdrivers, drill bits, or whatever else you desire. Keeping your tools grouped together will help you visualize the best ways to store them.

Since you've already grouped your tools together, you should have an easier time creating zones. For smaller tools that can get easily lost, keep those locked away in cabinet drawers. For larger tools that you use more often, keep them in an area that's easier to reach. For instance, hang lawn tools such as rakes and shovels from hooks on the walls.

One option to better keep your tools organized is to invest in a set of cabinets. However, make sure you take note of the size of the drawers and openings to determine which tools to store in what cabinet.

You can also utilize more do-it-yourself measures in order to better organize your tools. One such measure is to install hooks or holders on the end of blank cabinets or workbenches. Since these blank spots are just taking up space, why not use them to work for you instead? You can store smaller tools in these areas.

The experts at HGTV also offer up several other DIY ideas such as utilizing storage totes, hanging caddies, and stand-up racks. With the right accessories, transforming your garage into a well-stocked workshop with be much easier.

Why not put those tools to work? Building your own custom workbench may sound complicated, but as Bob Vila describes, you can easily craft one using everyday items. For example, you can upgrade a "rolling tool cabinet" into a mobile workbench.

If you're feeling extra crafty, try building a workbench from scratch. The Family Handyman offers instructions on how to build a workbench using 2x4s, plywood, and some drywall screws. The best part about building your own bench is that you will be able to fit it into any space in your garage.

If you have any tools that you don't use often, or that you've never used at all, consider selling them. Make some extra money instead! Take advantage of mobile apps such as Nextdoor or OfferUp to sell those items. Or, if you're feeling generous, give the tools away to people in need. Doing so comes with its own rewards.

More often than not, garages become overcrowded and cluttered making it harder to locate items, especially your tools, at a moment's notice. Take inventory of your tools, group them together, and place them in zones. Consider even installing cabinets to better keep your tools organized. Follow these tips and you'll be well on your way to a cleaner, more clutter-free garage.