The Organized Tool Box

Do you have to dig around for the right tool all the time? There are a lot of hammers, but why are there never any flat-edged screwdrivers? Wouldn't it be great if everything was in one place where it was easy to find? Here are some steps and ideas that will help you get started.

Step 1: Take stock.

First, get all your tools together. Write down the places where you found the tools. The kitchen, the basement, the car, or the truck? Spread them all out on a bedsheet or blanket. Sort your tools by type to see how many different kinds you have.

Next, look at each tool and choose which ones you want to keep.

1. Have I replaced it with a tool that can be used for more than one thing and does the job better?
2. Is it broken? If it can't be used and can't be fixed, throw it away.
3. Have I used it before? Some tools that have been passed down through the family should be kept because they are special, but you can get rid of ones you've never used.
4. Is it a duplicate? How many of this tool do I need if so?
5. Does a neighbour usually let me borrow a better one?

Throw away the broken tools and sell the good ones on eBay. Donate to a local charity to get a tax break, have a "yard sale for men," or help a friend who just graduated from college start their first tool box. Only keep the tools you know you will use again.

Step 2: Come up with a plan.

Think about how and where you use your tools using the list of places you made in step 1. You might decide to put all of your tools in the basement or garage. Start putting your tools in groups based on where you want to keep them. This will help you figure out how much storage space each area needs.

Step 3: Choose a way to store your tools.

The Internet is a great place to look for new ways to store tools. People who are always on the go can keep portable tool boxes in their car or truck. Pickup trucks with tool boxes behind the wheels are a great way to use space in the truck bed that isn't being used. If you have a lot of small pieces, you might want to get some plastic storage cabinets with drawers that slide out. Pegboards are a great way to keep tools close at hand and off the countertops in a garage or basement workspace. You might need new shelves to store your bigger tools.

Step 4: Put your new system for storing tools to use.

If you ordered a new tool box or something else, start putting your tools in order as soon as it arrives. Once everything is where it should be, take the extra time to put things away when you're done with them. If you've added a pegboard, you might want to draw a circle around each tool as it hangs on it to make it easier to put the tool back where it belongs.

You'll be glad you got yourself going. If you get everything in order, you might even have room to buy some new tools.