Running out of space? No matter how big you built it, it just never seems quite big enough. Machine sheds, cold storage barns, workshops… they all tend to fill up faster than we expect. Unfortunately, we can’t always justify spending money on an addition or a second brand new shop. If you’re feeling the squeeze, here are a few tips to help you maximize the space in your existing building.
#1 – Declutter
The fastest (thought not always the easiest) way to make better use of the space that you have available is to clear out what you don’t need and don’t use. Not only does this give you a little extra room to move around, but it also makes it easier to find what you need the next time you’re in the middle of a repair job. Starting here will also make it easier when it comes time to reorganize the items that you decide to keep.
There are hundreds of methods and strategies to help with the decluttering process, so don’t be afraid to find what works best for you. The simplest option though, is to choose one small area and begin there. Once you’ve finished that section, choose a new location and start again.
Evaluate each item, throwing away broken items that can’t (or won’t) be repaired, setting aside items that can sold or donated, and getting ready to reorganize what you are keeping so that it’s easily accessible. (More on that in the next section.)
How do you decide what should stay and what should go?
Other than the obvious – broken items or garbage – it can be difficult to decide what’s worth keeping and what should go. For tools and equipment, or repair parts and other materials, here are a few questions to consider:
- When is the last time you used it?
- Is it easily replaced?
- Do you have another one? And if you do, do you really need two?
#2 – Intentional Organization and Storage
There’s not much that’s more frustrating than looking for something that you know you have… but can’t find anywhere. Organizing and storing your remaining items in a way that’s easily accessible will save you time and countless headaches during your next project.
Another advantage to a well organized building is that clean-up is far easier. The key is to keep it easily accessible, which makes putting things away where they belong a simple task.
Implementing shelves, racks, and hooks on your walls is a great way to free up floor space. If you can, invest in some industrial grade shelves to store large, seasonal items. Put items that you rarely use higher up, like the snowblower, lawnmower, or whatever else the season doesn’t call for. This saves room down below for items that you’ll use more often.
Shelves and drawers beneath workspaces are another great way to use dead space. Use these spaces to store the tools and supplies that you use most often, like wrenches or screwdrivers.
Storage Solutions that are Actually Useful
Rolling Toolboxes
Workbenches are handy, but you can’t always move the project to a table. Rolling toolboxes allow you to move the tools right to where you need them. Keep the essentials close at hand and, of course, easily accessible.
Retractable Hose Reels
Retractable hose reels make cleaning up a breeze and prevent your hoses from tangling. Be sure to invest in a high quality reel so that you can be sure it will last.
Storage Totes
Storage totes are a good choice for storing smaller items that are more easily damaged, or that you need to keep clean. Choose a durable material that will last through temperature changes and rough handling.
#3 – Invest in a Bigger Door
Now that your tools, supplies, and miscellaneous items are organized and stored away, it’s time to move in with your big equipment. But what do you do when it starts to feel like a life-sized game of Tetris?
Upgrading your door can offer that extra space that you need to easily move your large equipment where you need it. Here’s how a Diamond bifold door can help.
Bigger Clear Opening
Bifold doors offer a larger clear opening than many other door styles, like overhead doors and even many sliding doors. They are installed to the face of your building, which means they can be designed to cover the entire width of the wall. This also means that they don’t take up any valuable headroom or storage space inside your building.
Low Maintenance Reliability
Diamond doors are also known for their low maintenance reliability. They are designed with fewer moving parts, which eliminates many common points of failure. With a Diamond door, you spend less time on door maintenance and more time where it matters most.
How do you stay organized?
We’d love to hear some of your best tips to stay organized – whether that’s in the shop or the hangar. Share your thoughts with us by email at info@diamonddoors.com or by phone at (866) 325-7600.
Have questions?
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