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When your tool shed or garage is organized, it can make tackling a new project so much easier. Rather than searching for the drill, hammer, screwdriver, or other tool you need, you will know exactly where to look to find what you need. This leaves more time to focus on the project at hand and can eliminate unnecessary stress.
Whether you’re looking to create a DIY tool organizer or purchase something ready-made, these tool storage ideas should provide you with the inspiration you’re looking for.
1. Two-Level Tool Box
The Trusco 2-Level Toolbox features a spacious interior with multiple compartments that help to keep tools and hardware organized and easily accessible. This tool box, which earned the “Best Overall” award in our guide to the best tool boxes, features durable all-metal construction with a blue enamel finish and a comfortable handle for carrying.
What our tester says: “It isn’t often that a product surprises us enough to take the top spot during a hands-on review, but we very much liked the Trusco. Compared with other boxes of its size, it’s made with much higher-quality metal, and the fit and finish were spot on. With the box fully loaded, the metal handles were remarkably comfortable to hold.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer.
Get the Trusco ST-350-B 2-Level Toolbox on Amazon for $75.99
2. Cordless Drill Organizer
If you’re looking for tool organization ideas for your cordless drills, consider this drill organizer from Late Night Wood Shop. You can customize the number of slots to fit your needs, and a “combo version” is even available to add a slot for storing a cordless circular saw. Above the slots that hold the cordless drills, there are two shelves for storing batteries, chargers, or other small tools.
Get the Cordless Drill Organizer on Etsy, starting at $90
3. Tool Chest with Drawers
This Craftsman Tool Chest offers three shallow drawers to help keep tools easy to find. Additionally, the top of the chest features a hinged opening that provides extra storage space. This tool organizer, a top pick in our researched guide to the best portable tool boxes, has drawers that can hold up to 25 pounds when fully opened and includes a padlock hasp to keep your tools safe and secure.
What our tester says: “Those who are looking for a handy portable tool box to stow a growing collection of sockets and wrenches need look no further than Craftsman’s chest-type model. It’s perfectly suited to the home mechanic. The bright-red enamel coating resists rust, and we were able to wipe off greasy fingerprints with a spritz of all-purpose cleaner and a soft rag.”—Bob Beacham, Product Reviews tester and writer.
Get the Craftsman Tool Chest on Lowes for $65.98
4. Garage Shelving Unit
If you’re looking for the best garage shelving solution for your space, consider using the Fleximounts overhead garage storage rack. This kit makes it easy to install overhead storage for your garage, with a maximum weight capacity of up to 600 pounds due to the heavy-duty rolled-steel construction. Additionally, this garage shelving unit has adjustable height brackets so you can set the height to hang low in a spacious garage or adjust it to sit higher if you want to install it over a refrigerator or parking space.
What our tester says: “The space above a car or workbench doesn’t have to go to waste. Designed for stashing seasonal gear and occasional-use equipment, these ceiling storage drop-down units are 96 inches long by 48 inches wide by 22 to 40 inches high (adjustable, depending on the space). This model installs into ceiling joists rather than wall studs, so it worked out well for our garage application.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer.
Get the Fleximounts Overhead Garage Storage Rack on Amazon for $131.09
5. Wrench Organizer Tray
Another essential for tool organization is this wrench organizer from Ernst. The organizer, which will fit in most tool chest drawers, includes labeled spots to hold up to 20 wrenches sized ¼ inch to 1 ½ inches. The organizer, a featured selection in our guide to the best tool box organizers, has a modular design that makes it easier to set up and break apart for custom wrench sets. This organizer also comes with identification labels, so you can quickly see wrench sizes and spot missing tools.
What our tester says: “Wrenches can get mixed up in an open drawer, but this wrench organizer keeps them in check. The Ernst Manufacturing Wrench Pro modular organizer is designed to work with most wrenches, separating and aligning them so that you can quickly find and pick out the one you need.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer.
Get the Ernst Wrench Organizer on Amazon for $16.10
6. Waterproof Outdoor Storage Box
PROMOTED PICK
If you don’t have a garage or shed where you can store your yard tools, consider the waterproof Vevor outdoor storage box. The box is constructed from a durable vinyl tarpaulin material that holds up well against the elements and won’t warp, crack, or leak. Three size options are available to accommodate your storage needs: 100-gallon (48 inches by 24.8 inches by 29.5 inches by 20.5 inches), 150-gallon (61 inches by 25 inches by 30 inches by 21 inches), and 230-gallon (57.9 inches by 33.9 inches by 42.5 inches by 30.3 inches).
Get the Vevor Outdoor Storage Box on Amazon for $48.99
7. Overhead Wall Cabinet
Adding a garage cabinet, such as this one from Itbe, can increase your available storage and keep your tools safe and within easy reach. This overhead cabinet features two adjustable shelves to let you customize the layout to match your storage needs. It offers high-quality steel construction and has a 66-pound overall capacity (44 pounds per shelf). You can also lock the cabinet to prevent others from accessing your tools.
Get the Itbe Small Wall Cabinet on Amazon for $164.99
8. Mop and Broom Holder
Rakes, shovels, brooms, and other long-handled tools can take up a lot of space in a shed or garage. This Imillet tool-racking solution for long-handled tools mounts to the studs on a wall and will help keep all your tools organized and off the floor. The holder is made of sturdy AVS plastic and features positive spring closures that can secure tools weighing up to 6.5 pounds each, including brooms, rakes, pruning nippers, mops, and more.
What our tester says: “This was the simplest storage product we tested, it was highly effective because many garden and outdoor tools come with pole handles. We installed both racks end to end, but they could also be installed one above the other or even on different walls.”—Bob Beacham, Product Reviews tester and writer.
Get the Imillet Mop and Broom Holder on Amazon for $16.98
9. Zippered Tool Storage Case
Protect your meters, sensitive devices, and other tools with this zippered case from Klein Tools. The soft interior lining prevents your tools and devices from getting scratched, while the hard outer shell protects them from getting bumped or broken. The case’s zipper goes all the way around its perimeter, ensuring a tight seal to prevent small pieces or parts from falling out.
Get the Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Large Hard Tool Case at The Home Depot for $23.97
10. Socket Organizer
PROMOTED PICK
Keep all your sockets arranged by size with this socket organizer from Olsa Tools. The organizer features three sizes of spring ball bearing clips to hold ¼-inch, ⅜-inch, and ½-inch drive sockets. The socket organizer fits into tool box drawers and can accommodate up to 80 sockets.
What our tester says: “My socket set originally came in a blow-mold plastic case that kept things organized but made the sockets hard to pull out, and it took up too much space. The Olsa Tools portable socket organizer holds them securely, lets go when needed, and lets me store everything in one tool box instead of carrying a separate case.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews writer and tester.
Get the Olsa Tools Socket Organizer on Amazon for $37.99
11. Slatwall Panel Organizer
The Proslat Garage Organizer offers a spacious 8 feet by 4 feet space where you can hang all your tools and accessories. Each square foot can hold up to 75 pounds. Be sure to also purchase the Proslat Steel Hook Kit, which will allow you to customize the layout of this homemade DIY tool storage solution.
Get the Proslat PVC Slatwall Garage Organizer on Amazon for $199.99
12. Tool Box Organizer
The KeFanta Tool Box Organizer comes with 42 tool trays, including 24 small tool trays measuring 2.9 inches by 2.9 inches by 1.9 inches, 12 medium tool trays measuring 9 inches by 2.9 inches by 1.9 inches, and six large tool trays measuring 9 inches by 6 inches by 1.9 inches. The trays fit neatly inside tool box drawers to organize driver bits, fasteners, screwdrivers, craft knives, and more. Since the trays are designed to hook together, you can create a variety of combinations to suit the size and layout of your tool boxes or workbench drawers.
What our tester says: “Organizing small tools and components can be challenging, and it’s easy for them to end up in a confused jumble. KeFanta’s 42-tray set can be used to create an effective tool drawer organizer for screwdrivers, drill bits, pliers, Allen wrenches, and so on, all at an affordable price.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews writer and tester.
Get the KeFanta Tool Box Organizer on Amazon for $20.87
13. Hardware Drawers
Keep hardware, small tools, batteries, and other tools organized with this 44-drawer cabinet from Iris USA. The cabinet includes 12 drawers measuring 4 inches by 6 inches by 2 inches and 32 drawers measuring 1.75 inches by 6 inches by 1.5 inches. You can choose to mount the cabinet to a wall or place it on a table. Multiple cabinets can even be securely stacked thanks to their interlocking grooved design.
Get the IRIS USA 44-Drawer Hardware Cabinet on Amazon for $39.99
14. Rolling Tool Bag
With this rolling tool bag from DeWalt, you will be able to take your tools with you without carrying them. One of our favorite tool bags, the 18-inch rolling design has a molded plastic base to prevent water from seeping through the fabric. It also has a wide, zip-open top, featuring 28 compartments and an assortment of small pockets to keep your tools organized and easy to find.
What our tester says: “We found this to be a great all-around work bag, and we felt it was well-suited for particular DIY tasks, such as organizing and storing a collection of wiring tools and accessories. The wheels and extendable handle made it super portable when carrying heavy items.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews writer and tester.
Get the DeWalt Rolling Tool Bag on Amazon for $124.99
15. Metal Garage Storage Shelf
PROMOTED PICK
The Husky Metal Garage Storage Shelf offers reliable freestanding storage for all your tools. This five-tier shelving unit is designed to hold a variety of items, including tools, sports equipment, totes, and more. Each shelf is capable of supporting up to 1,800 pounds, and the entire unit able to support a total of 9,000 pounds. Clear assembly directions are included, making it easy to put together.
What our tester says: “This is an excellent shelf for anyone who needs lots of storage. Despite being so large, it was very easy to put together, and locking just the first set of supports in place made it extremely sturdy. And since it’s so tall, we were able to stand on one of the shelves to assemble the top shelf without the unit feeling shaky or rickety.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews writer and tester.
Get the Husky Metal Garage Storage Shelf at The Home Depot for $349.00
The prices listed here are accurate as of publication on [date].
