How to organise tools in a storage unit

There are a few different ways to store your tools such as tool chests, or something as simple as a tool bag, but if you have run out of room there and don't know where to put your wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers or bolts then a storage unit can be a great way to store your tools, especially if your work space, garage, or vehicle gets too cluttered.

Just throwing boxes in the unit and locking the door will only lead to a more frustrating experience. The true benefit is treating the unit like a clean workspace and a storage space. This space makes it easy to grab the tool you need when you need it, keeps everything working condition, and spaces used efficiently.

Start with a plan

Before bringing anything into the storage unit, think clearly about the structure.

You would be surprised at how many people overlook this step and regret it afterwards.

Take a few minutes to visualize the floor space being a workspace as opposed to shed. Decide on where you plan on placing the heavy equipment or chest of tools, laid out the shelf locations, and where you will leave a walking path. The walking path is important so that you can access items at the back without moving everything in the front.

Its helpful to designate several zones as well. Put all of your woodworking tools in one extending area, all gardening tools in a separate area, power tools together, smaller tools in one place etc, and consumables such as screws, nails, and sandpaper will be separate. After you decide on where each group will stay, you can prevent any confusion of boxes being stacked all over the unit.

Don’t forget about vertical space

The floor of a storage unit fills up fast, it’s good to think of the space in an upwards direction.

Wooden shelves or metal shelving, or even strong wooden frames allow you to take full advantage of the height of the unit rather than just the floor. You always want the heaviest boxes and items on the very bottom for safety. The lighter boxes and cases should go on the higher shelves. This way you don’t have to unstack everything to get what you need.

In terms of using wall space, pegboards or slat boards may be a good option. Mounting hand tools such as hammers, spanners, clamps and measuring tapes on the wall allow you to quickly see and grab at a glance, as well as keep them off the floor where moisture and dust can affect them.

Use the Containers Right

Containers make the difference between organized neat, and a chaotic mess. Good, stackable toolboxes can be worth their weight in gold because they keep and protect the tools. Clear plastic bins also help on smaller things like drill bits, fasteners and accessories in that you can see what you have without dumping the entire container.

Whenever possible, use the same shaped containers so you can stack them together more uniformly. Varying box sizes waste space, mess up the organization system and can easily topple or fall over.

For smaller items such as consumables, it’s ideal to use each compartment in a compartment tray or tackle box style organizer to keep everything separated and easy to find.

Large power tools often survive best in their original container, or specific box to keep them from bumping, or becoming dusty.

Label, label, label. Buy a label maker or use some other labelling system, or diy your own labels. Clear labels are must in every box.

If you are patient, you can number each one and maintain a simple list on your phone or in a notebook indicating what each number is. This makes finding the right tool when you are in a rush much quicker.

Group by Function and How Often you Actually Use It

Not all tools you use equally.

Think about how often you actually use each category and group them accordingly.

Leave you most commonly used tools at the front of the unit or shelves you can easily reach. Every so often used tools can lay back toward the back, or upper level of the unit. Speciality saws, and other seasonal devices should be stored somewhere where they don’t use a lot of space when not in use.

Group by function to also save time.

Group all your cutting tools together, group all your drilling equipment together, etc. When your working on a project you should be able to go to one section instead of looking through a bunch of boxes.

Consider Work Zones if Size of Your Storage Unit Allows

If your storage unit has enough space, consider creating a simple work zone.

A sturdy folding table or bench can give you a space to check your tools or clean tools without hauling everything home. Of course check with your storage company (some storage client contracts are for storage only, not to use for active work). A small work area also allows room for repackaging tools while also keeping them organized rather than tossing tools into boxes when you are in a hurry.

Keep Cords, Hoses, and Long Tools Organized

Long items like rakes, spades, clamps, levels, and even extension cords can become a jumbled mess if you set them down on the floor. You can hang them on wall hooks or brackets. You can hang coiled cords and hoses neatly so that they do not kink or crush. This allows your tools to stay off the floor while eliminating other damaged items.

Protect Against Dust and Moisture

Tools will last longer if they stay dry and clean. Dust will typically settle in most units so a closed container, a lid, or even a simple cover such as a cloth sheet will do wonders. If the storage unit is not climate-controlled and is damp or temperature-fluctuating, be mindful as usual.

Moisture is a leading cause of rust. Utilizing silica packs or moisture absorbers such as Containers can significantly reduce humidity in toolboxes, etc. If you have an extensive and valuable tool organization, consider a small, portable dehumidifier for the space. Finally, by keeping tools off the floor with pallets, elevated racks, or shelving, they will be protected against accidental water damage from leaking containers or condensation.

Safety and Accessibility First

Heavy tools and machines should always be stored low to avoid dropping them on someone or on an expect shaft as you move. Lighter and more fragile tools should be placed higher up, out of the way where they should not be touched.

The main walkway should always be clear. If you constantly have to move things in storage to access the item you need, you will want to leave tools on the ground, and that leads to clutter. An organised storage unit means walking in, picking up a tool, and walking out without moving everything out like the first time.

Regularly Review Storage Unit

A storage unit is not a one-time organizational session. You will change your working habits over time, add new tools and retire old tools. Schedule a check of a storage unit every few months. Verify that there is no rust; verify that there are no moisture issues, that all the containers are labelled accurately, and that zones can be re-arranged if necessary.

It is also worthwhile clearing items that are no longer used. Holding onto items that are damaged or discontinued wastes valuable space and efficiency. You can donate items you never use, utilize them, or recycle items you no longer want.

Step Up Your Storage Unit

Most lists end at boxes and shelving, but there is more.

Some people place magnetic strips on walls for small metal tools (screwdrivers and chisels) so they can be hung up. Others add drawer liners to organize tools from sliding when the drawers open/move. If your storage unit permits, you can add battery-powered LED slim lights to the interior, which helps you see tools, especially the deeper the storage unit is away from natural light.