How to organise a workshop or garage

A messy workshop wastes time and energy. You spend a quarter of an hour looking for the right bit, trip over an extension lead or buy a pair of pliers you actually already had. A well-organised workshop or garage is more pleasant and safer to work in, and makes your tools last longer. In this blog you will read step by step how to set up your workspace clearly.

👷 If you want extra sockets, fixed lighting or a separate circuit for heavy machines in the garage, have them installed by a qualified electrician. For heavy wall cabinets or a storage loft, advice from a professional is never superfluous either.

Step 1: clear out first

Start with an empty space, or at least an empty workbench. Take everything out and make three piles: keep, give away or dispose of, and repair. Be honest: tools that are broken or that you have not used in years only take up space. Empty paint tins, old sealant tubes and leftover chemicals go to the recycling centre.

⚠️ Never put leftover paint, sealant, solvents or batteries in the ordinary rubbish. Store what you keep in its original, tightly closed packaging.

Step 2: divide the space into zones

Think about how you work. A practical layout has fixed zones:

• Work zone: the workbench with the most-used hand tools within reach.
• Storage zone: cabinets and cases for tools you use less often.
• Materials zone: a place for timber, boards and long profiles, preferably upright or on a rack.
• Garden and bikes: a separate corner for garden tools, the lawn mower and bikes.
• Walkway: a clear route from the door to the workbench, without cables or items on the floor.

Step 3: a fixed place for every tool

The secret of a tidy workshop is simple: everything has a fixed place. Hang frequently used hand tools on a perforated board above the workbench. A screwdriver set, a combination wrench set and a water pump pliers set each get their own hook. Draw the outline of each tool on the board, so you can see at once what is missing.

💡 Put the things you use most at eye level and within arm's reach. Heavy items belong at the bottom, light and small items at the top.

Step 4: choose smart storage systems

• A tool cabinet with seven drawers keeps tools dust-free and organised drawer by drawer. With a double hook on the side you can hang extra items on it.
• A system tool box with two drawers and a stackable system case are stackable and easy to take to a job elsewhere in the house.
• A workshop trolley with three shelves brings materials and tools to where you are working.
• A magnetic bowl catches screws, nuts and bits while you work.
• cable ties keep cables and hoses neatly together.

Read more about choosing hand tools in our blog on screwdrivers, bit sets and screw extractors, our combination wrench guide and our buyer's guide to water pump pliers and pipe wrenches.

Step 5: make sure you have good light

In a garage the light is often weak or in the wrong place. A rechargeable LED workshop lamp gives extra light exactly where you need it, without a cable across the floor. Read more about choosing a work light in our blog on work lights. Have fixed lighting or extra sockets installed by a qualified electrician.

Step 6: keep it up

• After each job, put the tools straight back in their fixed place.
• Vacuum up dust and sawdust with a construction vacuum cleaner, so it does not end up in machines and drawers.
• When setting up, measure the space carefully with a tape measure with auto-lock, so cabinets and racks fit and doors can swing freely.
• Check a few times a year that tools are still intact and sharp.

Working safely in your workshop

• Keep floors and walkways clear of cables, boards and loose items.
• Store sharp and toxic products out of reach of children, preferably in a lockable cabinet.
• Wear safety goggles when sawing, drilling and grinding, and work gloves with nitrile coating when working with rough or sharp materials.
• Fix heavy cabinets and racks to the wall so they cannot tip over.
• Make sure there is good ventilation when you paint, glue or work with solvents.

Common mistakes

• Throwing everything into one big box, so you still have to search.
• Storing heavy items high up, where they can fall.
• Letting cables run across the floor, creating a trip hazard.
• Buying too much before you know what you really need.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I start if my garage is completely full?

Start small, for example with the workbench or one wall. Clear it completely and set it up before moving on to the rest.

How do I prevent rust on my tools in the garage?

Keep the space dry and well ventilated, clean tools after use and store them in a cabinet or case.

Can I install extra sockets in the garage myself?

Leave that to a qualified electrician. That way you know for sure the installation is safe and suitable for your machines.

How do I store long boards and profiles?

Preferably upright in a rack against the wall or lying on sturdy supports, well secured so they cannot fall over.

Read also: Fixing into concrete, brick and aerated concrete: the right anchor

Read also: Safety footwear: S1, S1P, S2 and S3 explained for professionals

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.

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