8 ways to keep your workshop or garage organized

Workshop and garage chores can be quicker and easier to manage if you keep the area organized. Here's some ways you can keep everything accessible and clutter-free.

Create common storage spots for tools and equipment that you use together, like keeping hammers and nails close by. Other items that go well together include snow shovels and de-icer, or garden tools and potting supplies.

Keep frequently used power tools close at hand. Mount a solid shelf over the workbench, cutting slots along the back for your circular and saber saws, and bore 2.5 centimetre (one inch) holes along the front for your drill, power driver and router.

If the household recycling centre is in the garage, make it as close as possible to the house door so that depositing bottles, cans and cardboard is a simple matter. That way, you and your family won't be tempted to let recyclables stack up in the kitchen before you take them out to the garage.

You can make a tool holder out of scrap wire mesh. Here's how:

• Form the mesh into a handy U-shape with flanges by bending it over the edge of a board.
• Attach the flanges to the wall with screws and washers.
• A mesh with one centimetre (1⁄2 inch) squares holds a variety of tools, including screwdrivers and pliers.

Hold small tools with an old leather or canvas belt. Tack it along the edge of a shelf, leaving small loops between nails. Slip tools into the loops.

Magnetic strips, designed to hold knives and available at kitchen stores, can keep all kinds of hardware items within convenient reach. They can be mounted on the side of table saw's stand and other large stationary tools, or on the shelf above your workbench.

To hold large tools, use hinged handles like those found on metal garbage cans. Mount them so the handle hangs away from the wall. You can slip a hammer or wrench into the handle for safe storage.

• Perforated hardboard works on workshop and garage walls, inside cabinet doors and on the sides of your workbench.
• Lightweight 0.25 centimetre (1⁄8 inch) perforated hardboard is fine for hand tools, but you'll want to use 0.5 centimetre (1⁄4 inch) perforated hardboard for heavier items.
• To keep perforated hardboard hooks from coming loose, put a dab of hot glue on the end that hooks into the board.
• If you need to rearrange items and move the hook, a light tug will usually free it without much difficulty.

A poorly organized workspace can make any task much more frustrating. But with some simple tricks, you can focus more on the task at hand, instead of where to find the tool you need.