5 Ways to Double Your Workshop Space Without Remodeling
Running out of room in your garage? These organization hacks helped me reclaim my workspace and my sanity.
I work out of a standard two-car garage, and for years, I parked zero cars in it. I was drowning in tools, scraps, and half-finished projects.
The turning point came when I spent 45 minutes looking for my tape measure, only to find it buried under a pile of sawdust. That weekend, I decided to stop hoarding and start organizing.
Here are the systems that actually worked for me.
1. The French Cleat Wall
If you only do one thing, do this. Pegboard is fine for retail stores, but for a woodworker, French Cleats are king.
It’s a simple system: strips of plywood cut at a 45-degree angle. One strip goes on the wall, the other on your tool holder.
Why it wins: It’s modular. If I buy a new set of chisels, I don't have to rearrange the whole wall. I just build a new holder and hang it wherever it fits.
2. Put Everything on Wheels
In a small shop, floor space is premium real estate. My table saw, jointer, and planer are all on mobile bases.
But the biggest game changer was building a mobile lumber cart. Instead of leaning boards against the wall (where they warp and collect spiders), I keep them in a compact cart that I can roll out of the way when I need to assemble a large project.
3. Think Vertical
Most of us ignore the space above eye level. I installed high shelves running the perimeter of my garage. This is where I store:
- Finishing supplies (stains, paints)
- Jigs I only use once a year
- Seasonal items
4. Drawers Over Cabinets
Deep cupboards are black holes. You put a sander in the back, and you never see it again.
I replaced my lower cabinets with deep, full-extension drawers. Now I can pull a drawer open and see every clamp, drill bit, and screw box instantly.
5. The "One-Touch" Cleaning Rule
Organization isn't just about storage; it's about habit. I have a rule: If I pick a tool up, I don't put it down on the bench. I put it back in its holster.
It sounds strict, but it means that at the end of the day, my cleanup time is zero minutes. And next time I walk into the shop, I'm ready to work, not ready to clean.
Small Shop Challenge: Pick one wall this weekend and organize it. You'll be amazed at how much bigger your room feels.