A few years ago, I realized that my growing collection of tools and supplies was becoming untenable. Sure, I could have downsized, but any multidisciplinary creator (or ADHD-er like me) would tell you that getting rid of all of your “just-in-case” supplies is something that’s sure to come back to haunt you. Why throw away several cans of spray paint when I could just build a cabinet around them, right? (Right.)
So my dad and I drafted a plan for a storage cabinet I could build with the tools I had. He put together a model using CAD software and had the large pieces of plywood cut out at work (at a plywood warehouse, conveniently). Then I put the pieces together with pocket holes, painted it, and added little touches like cutout cane doors and semicircle handles. Inside, pre-drilled holes hold adjustable shelves up with plastic clips, so I can raise and lower them as my storage needs change.
You don’t have to build a cabinet from scratch, though. If you have the space, I highly recommend any wardrobe or tall cabinet that has shelves inside, because you can pile up a huge collection of tools and supplies in just this one space—and then close the door on it.
My storage cabinet is 65 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and 20 inches deep—about standard for this type of cabinet. And it holds a lot of supplies, like a sewing machine and heaps of fabric I’ve collected from thrift stores and estate sales. I have three different power saws (miter, jig, and circular), plus two different hand saws, a set of chisels, and a Kreg jig for pocket holes.
I also have 12 cans of spray paint, four gallons of wall paint, an array of wood stains and finishes, as well as paint trays, rollers, and brushes. Naturally, this cabinet is also home to my drill, an orbital sander, a brad nailer, a socket wrench set, multiple kinds of clamps, and so many other bits and bobs that I could go on for days. Of course, this cabinet requires frequent purging and organizing, to prevent cans of paint and drill bits from toppling out onto my head.
Some things are precariously stacked, sure, but others are cleverly stowed, like the paint rollers that live under the spray-paint cans (thanks to a shelf riser), and the clamps all sit happily in a basket. Plus, my miter saw (the largest item) actually folds up to save space, so it’s quite simple to tuck away at the back of the cabinet.
It might not be pretty in there, but I always breathe a sigh of relief when I can just close the doors on the chaos.
