Organize Tools

Taking the time to organize tools means that whenever you need that hammer, you know exactly where it is...rather than needing to spend 30 minutes tracking it down (or even worse, having to purchase a new one because you couldn't find the one you know you have, somewhere).

I encourage you to take three steps when organizing your tools: start by clearing out your tool clutter, then organize what's left, and finally, create a simple way to maintain the order you have created.

First, Unclutter:

• Gather all of your tools together, from all the places around the house and garage and shed that they've been 'living', and put them in one place so you can look at what you've got
• Sort your tools into two main categories, and then into subcategories:
• Category 1: hand tools 
• hammers 
• wrenches
• screwdrivers
• pliers
• and so on
• Category 2: power tools 
• drills
• electric saws
• routers
• and so on
• Get rid of the clutter
• if you're trying to pare down your tools (I know, some people believe you can't have too many tools!), get rid of the duplicates, broken tools, and tools you don't use

Then, Organize:

Once you have sorted your tools into categories and decided which, if any, you are ready to get rid of, it's time to organize tools that are left.

My favorite ways to organize tools include using pegboards and toolboxes.

I'm a big believer in making organizing really simple. If it's easy, you're more likely to keep things organized. So I use the idea of the silverware drawer (in my opinion, the epitome in simple design) when organizing, and you can use the same concept when organizing your tools.

The idea is to have:

• simple design (of your organizer)
• a home for everything (and everything in its place!)
• easy to maintain 
• looks great

So using the silverware organizer concept (which means you have little dividers to easily keep spoons with spoons, forks with forks, and knives with knives) do the same with your tools.

Rather than tossing all of your hand tools in a tool box drawer, for example, choose a tool box with dividers. Then store hammers with hammers, screwdrivers with screwdrivers, and pliers with pliers.

Keep them separated so you can easily find a screwdriver when you need one. It's also super easy to maintain your tool box...just toss the screwdriver into the divider where you keep screwdrivers. Quick, super easy, looks great, so simple a small child could do it.

If you're using a pegboard to organize tools, use the same idea. Create a section where you keep all of your wrenches, one for pliers, and another section for tape measures, for example.

Store power tools with associated accessories (like drill bits).

Finally, Transform:

The transform step in organizing simply means maintaining the beautiful, organized space that you have created...otherwise, you will quickly be right back where you started.

Because you have invested valuable time, energy, and money (if you have purchased a tool box or other organizing system) to organize tools, it only makes sense tokeep up your good work.

Make a habit of putting your tools away after you use them. If you have created a 'silverware drawer' approach to organizing your tools, it will only take seconds to put the tools away...and you'll easily be able to find them the next time you need them.



And now, visit Organizing Your Garage: Brooms, Snow Shovels, and Maintenance Supplies.

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