If you’re stopping at this chapter, chances are you’re thinking about squeezing a workshop into your garage, basement, or utility room, or you already have an integrated shop and it’s starting to burst at the seams. Rest assured you’re not alone. Most home hobbyists fight an ongoing battle with space constraints, and general storage is always one of the biggest (if not the biggest) challenges. The problem is that workshops, like kitchens, have to contain not only the tools and materials for work, but also the open spaces and surfaces for getting the work done. You simply can’t have an efficient operation if your tools are in one location and your bench or craft table are somewhere else.

Often, the answer lies in creative problem solving. For example, simple solutions such as rolling carts for heavy equipment and pop-up work surfaces can speed the transition from garage to workshop. As for cleanup, your best bet is to get into the habit of managing the mess as you go. Small shops just don’t have the space to support large scrap piles without tripping you up.