How organize your shop stuff?

[DJ in WA]

I've now accumulated enough stuff that I need to organize better. Takes the fun out of projects when you spend most of your time looking for stuff, or you go buy it and find out later you already had it. I used to think if I just owned 15 hammers, I'd be able to find one, but somehow that isn't working.

Since my memory isn't so great, I can't just throw things in a drawer like my wife. I need an organizational scheme. Maybe like a hardware store. Is that how you do it? I'm thinking a section for tools (power and hand tools), fasteners (screws, nails, bolts/nuts/washers), plumbing/hose, electrical, automotive, chain/rope, fencing, etc.

Big stuff out on shelves, little stuff like nails in a box on shelf, with small tubs inside with the most common sizes. Maybe a miscellaneous tub for the many odd sizes.

So, how do you all do it?

[Columbia,SC.]

In my work truck I have sections for hand tools, I have those big plastic kitty litter tubs for 'screws' electrical' pvc fittings, light bulbs ect. I reformat it everyday before I leave a job and everything has a place. I can go out there in the dark and put my hands on anything I need,, K says I am OCD but I like it where I know it is.
Not sure if this is any help but I just set things that are of a need or want in area, container,label it and remember where it is by need of use. the more I need it, the higher on the stack.

[clovis]

Here is what helped me, even though it isn't rocket science:

I got two cardboard boxes, and filled them with the smaller boxes of screws, bolts, nails and any misc. hardware I have.

I bought a plastic tool box, and filled it with anything that has to do with plumbing.

I have one box for nothing but drill bits, and another box for auger bits.

I found that just getting the nails and screws into two boxes has helped shop organization tremendously!!!

Clove

[cfabe]

I'm not good at organizing or finding tools but I've been getting better. What I do is try to sort out tools and materials into their intended usage. For example, I have a box for electrical, that has specialty electrical tools like cable crimpers, wire cutters, fish tape, long flex drill bit, and also has any material I have on hand romex, wire nuts, boxes, etc. I also have a box for plumbing, painting, and "walls" which includes drywall and tile tools. Big pieces of material obviously don't go in the box but get stored elsewhere. Then a toolbox with general hand tools, I keep my sockets and wrenches in their own cases, and power tools like drills, saws, sanders on an open shelf.