If you are an avid DIY enthusiast then you will be well acquainted with the task of trying to organize DIY tools in a way that doesn't damage them but also get them out of the way.
Unless you are building something every single day, trying to find a spot to hide these essential DIY tools away can be a nightmare – making it harder to get motivated to work on a new project, and risk losing important tools and parts.
Luckily, professional home organizers have worked out the perfect way to keep tools under control, out of the way, and easily accessible so you can get a jump on any project whenever inspiration strikes.
How to organize DIY tools
No matter if you are limited to your home organizing ideas or can afford to organize a garage around your hobby there are several tool storage solutions for you.
1. Use floating storage
A great DIY project to transform your home in a weekend and organize your DIY tools is to build floating shelving with magnetic strips, suggests Melanie Summers, professional organizer and owner of I Speak Organize:
‘Combine function and aesthetics by creating a magnetic tool wall with floating shelves. Use strong magnetic strips to hold metal tools securely in place, making them easy to grab and return. The floating shelves can hold non-metal tools or accessories, keeping everything visible and within reach.’
2. Display tools on a pegboard
In keeping with using vertical storage to save space, a peg board is another great way to keep your most used tools within easy reach near a workbench, continues Tina Priestly, professional organizer and owner of Ready, Set, REFRESH:
‘Pegboards are fantastic for organizing DIY tools. You can customize the layout based on your needs, hanging everything from hammers and screwdrivers to pliers and paintbrushes. It keeps tools visible and easily accessible, preventing them from getting lost in drawers.’
3. Repurpose crates and totes
DIY tool storage ideas don’t have to be fancy. To keep hardwearing tools out of the way and contained, Melanie Summers, a professional organizer, recommends repurposing old crates or sturdy baskets into mobile tool totes.
‘Add dividers inside to keep tools organized and attach wheels to the bottom for easy mobility,’ she suggests. ‘These totes can be stored under workbenches or in closets, and pulled out as needed, providing a flexible storage solution that keeps tools safe and organized.’
4. Group smaller items in clear containers
When dealing with smaller items such as nails and screws, it helps to keep them on display so you can quickly grab them when you need them without having to dig, says Tina Priestly, professional organizer.
‘Clear containers are perfect for storing smaller DIY items like nails, screws, and drill bits. Label each container for easy identification, and stack them neatly on shelves or in cabinets. This way, you can quickly find what you need without rummaging through boxes.’
Remember to keep different-sized screws separate using individual organizers or dividers to further reduce the need to search for the right part.
5. Work with a modular system
If you have a large tool drawer or tote, consider adding in custom modular storage dividers to keep things neat and organized, Meaghan Kessman, a professional home organizer, recommends. This approach has the added benefit of ensuring tools are not accidentally damaged, she adds:
‘Adjustable to your tool collection, modular storage with foam inserts protects tools from damage and misplacement, benefiting electronic tools and smaller accessories.
6. Keep tools mobile with a cart
If your projects happen all over the house, it can help to find a solution that keeps your tools mobile and easy to relocate, Meaghan Kessman, professional home organizer, adds. A three-tier rolling cart such as from The Container Store, are one of these storage products professional organizers can’t live without.
‘Ideal for those working in different locations, a tool cart provides organized, portable storage, enhancing efficiency by reducing time spent searching for tools,’ she says. Consider picking a tool cart with removable shelves so you can grab the layer you need if working upstairs, too.
Keeping your tools neat, organized, and easy to find will instantly make you more likely to finish your home DIY projects as you limit distractions and reduce your frustration when you can't find the right drill bit or your sanding paper.
