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Nov 09, 2023

Organize Your Workshop

Gain shelving and storage space by discarding these items from your workshop. If

Gain shelving and storage space by discarding these items from your workshop.

If you are running out of storage space in your workshop, it may be because you are piling the stuff you use on top of the stuff you don't. Instead of adding more shelving, do an audit of your belongings and cut the cord on the stuff you don't need.

If you're a contractor on the go, then plastic molded tool cases are required to transport your tools safely from one jobsite to the next. But for most DIYers who don't stray far from their home workshops, tool cases and bags take up much needed storage room in closets or on shelves. Resale value might take a hit if you don't have the original storage case, but otherwise if you store your tools and chargers on shelves, then you can dump those cases and save some space.

Over time we begin to acquire more tools than we actually need or use. Multiple socket sets, adjustable wrenches, and screwdrivers are the main culprits. As you take inventory of what tools you already have, set aside the ones you don't need and either sell them or donate them to make room for the tools you use.

That timing light you used 20 years ago on your classic Bronco—a car that you no longer own—can probably be donated to a local vocational school along with the other automotive gear that's just not relevant to todays modern vehicles. When is the last time you changed your oil? If you can't remember then it's time to get rid of the pan and filter wrench that are just taking up space.

There is something nostalgic about old tools. They remind us of the deck we built on our first house, or they were passed down to us by our parents or grandparents. Quality hand tools are meant to be cherished and can be used for many years to come, but older power tools have a limited lifespan and as they get near the end they can become dangerous to use. Always check for fraying cords and anything that feels loose before using an older power tool. If something doesn't look right, then just don't use it. The risk isn't worth it, and there's no reason to keep a power sander from the Carter adminstration around for sentimental reasons.

Is there any good reason to keep old skateboards and baseball bats that haven't been touched in 20 years? Get rid of them. If you get inspired to start skating again, then buy another one. Sporting goods are often awkward things to store and they can take up a lot of space. Donate them to Goodwill or sell them on Craiglist or a sports resale store.

Books are beautiful, but they also take up a ton of storage space. If you can part with books you've already read or have no intention of, then donate them to your local library or school for someone else to enjoy.

Painting is the most popular DIY project that we all take on at some point. Whether we need a gallon or a quart we usually end up with a bit of extra paint that we no longer need. It can be wise to save it for touch ups later, but usually the paint ends up in a closet along with the ten other cans we have from previous projects. To dispose of paint that you no longer need, call your local paint retailer and ask if they recycle paint (most do). After that, just drop it off and enjoy your new found storage space.

If you buy quality paint brushes and clean and care for them after each use, then they will last a long time. But when you don't clean your brushes and let them dry with paint on them, it's difficult to bring them back to life, especially if they are of cheap quality. If you've got a bunch of old paint brushes that are past their prime, or pans that are no longer serviceable, it's time to toss 'em.

The garage is where CDs and DVDs go to die, or at least to never been seen again. Reclaim those boxes and shelves by donating these items to charity. It's unlikely you'll be needing these relics ever again, which is why you put them in a box to be forgotten in the first place.

Many of us collect things, often times very obscure things. Regardless of street value your collection may have a lot of personal value to you. If you've got the room to keep your collection, then by all means display them proudly and enjoy. But if your Hard Rock Cafe shot glass collection is just collecting dust, then donate it to your local fraternity or Goodwill.

Are you holding onto your old TV because you hope to one day use it in a guest room, or you need your VCR for those spontaneous viewings of wedding video? Those are not good enough reasons to clutter your home with outdated technology. Donate them and then convert your precious media into digital format for future safe keeping.

Timothy is a lifelong DIY enthusiast who is fixated on smart home tech, beautiful tools, and wrenching on his FJ62 Land Cruiser. He's the DIY editor at Popular Mechanics and also the founder of the home improvement site, Charles & Hudson, the Webby-nominated family site, Built by Kids, and Tool Crave. When not working, you’ll find him on his board or bike enjoying the LA weather with his family and friends. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

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