Workbench Organization Ideas to Try Today

Pegboard is the tried and true workbench organization solution. Not only does it save you space on the table itself, but it makes the most of an area that you wouldn't otherwise get to use. Plus, it lets you quickly scan your work area to ensure that the tools are where they should be.

So, now that you know what tools go on your board, it’s time to get them all in order. These pegboard organization ideas make it simple to keep your workbench ship-shape.

• Put the tools you use most often at eye-level where they’re easiest to grab.
• Place your next most-used tools toward the bottom of the board and the tools you use least at the top.
• Group similar tools in the same section of the board and arrange them by size. It’ll be instantly clear which tools go where when you’re done working.
• Hang duplicates on the same peg to save room. Better yet — donate or toss the extras.
• Leave enough space between pegs to remove the tool you need without knocking others down.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative

• Install pegboard shelves to hold jars or tools that are difficult to hang.
• Use binder clips to hang a pocket organizer or tool pouch for things like brushes, zip ties and other miscellaneous objects.
• Attach tape and wire spools to carabiners and slip the clips over a dowel rod. You won’t have to slide everything off the rod to get what you need.
• Slide a length of PVC pipe over a peg and use the open space to organize and store extension cords, rope, bungie cords etc.

• Decide how much workspace you really need. Do you want plenty of room for cutting and tinkering? Or is your workbench mainly for storage?
• Add a few inches to your work station as a buffer and tape off the area. Don’t forget to leave room for permanent features like a grinder or vice.
• Use tin cans or glass jars to hold nails, bolts, nuts and other small objects. Simple and thrifty, it’s a classic for a reason!
• Line up the jars or cans you use most often along the back of your bench across from your work area. Use a spice rack or other stackable organizer if you’re short on room.
• Use another stackable organizer to corral jars filled with infrequently used hardware at the end of your bench.
• Store power tools and their accessories in workbench drawers. If you don’t have built-in drawers, use plastic or metal ones.
• Use any remaining drawers to store hand tools that wouldn’t fit on your pegboard.
• Glue short pieces of PVC pipe to your workbench in an easily accessible area to organize pencils, markers, rulers, levels and similar objects.
• Attach tool aprons or pocket organizers to the front or sides of your bench if you still need more storage. Just make sure they won’t get in the way of opening any drawers.
• Store materials like motor oil, lighter fluid and WD-40 underneath your workbench. If there’s room, put them in milk crates you can easily slide out to grab what you need.

Working on decluttering more than just your workbench? Check out our complete home decluttering guide for tips and tricks to tackle any spot in your house.