How to Transform Your Cluttered Garage into an Organised, Stress‑Free Space in One Weekend

February 21, 2026

Simple steps for a tidy, stress‑free garage setup that actually lasts

Stanley Tools owners know this struggle: you spend half your weekend hunting for a screwdriver, and before you know it, the whole bench looks like a bomb hit. What if there was one simple weekend fix that turned your garage chaos into calm—and made finding the right spanner oddly satisfying?

When one of our team members did this at home, it took less than two hours and dropped their ‘where’s my hammer?’ time from daily drama to near zero. The difference? A pegboard.

Why a Pegboard Works Wonders

Long before fancy tool chests and electronic organisers, pegboards were the go‑to for tidy tradesmen. They’re simple, affordable, and let you design storage your way. Hooks, baskets, and shelves can all clip in, and you can re‑arrange things any time life (or your projects) shift.

“A pegboard frees your bench, clears your head, and gives every tool a home,” says Candeece from Strathalbyn H Hardware. “Once it’s up, staying organised just becomes second nature.”

Before You Start

Find a solid wall—brick, timber studs, or even the inside of a shed door can work. Just avoid plasterboard that can’t hold weight. You’ll need:

Pegboard sheet (hardboard or metal)
Wood battens for spacing
Drill and screws
Level and measuring tape
Pegboard hooks or accessories

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Installing a Pegboard

1. Measure and Plan

Decide how high the board should go. Keep frequently used tools—hammer, pliers, scissors—at eye level. Trace the board’s shape on the wall with a pencil to guide drilling.

2. Mount the Battens

Cut battens to fit the back edges of your board. Screw them horizontally into the studs or solid wall. This small gap between board and wall allows peg hooks to slide in easily later. Double‑check for level—crooked boards are the quickest way to drive yourself mad.

3. Attach the Pegboard

Place the pegboard over the battens and screw it in securely. Don’t overtighten, as it can crack the board or warp thinner materials. Stand back and admire how it already tidies up the space.

4. Hook It Up

Now comes the fun bit. Arrange hooks, shelves, and baskets to suit your toolkit. Keep heavy gear low and lighter bits high. Try arranging tools by job—gardening, repairs, painting—so they’re grouped sensibly.

5. Add Labels for Quick Wins

A label maker or even masking tape and a marker can help you keep order long‑term. Once a spot is labelled, tools somehow stay where they should—almost like magic.

Small Tweaks with Big Payoffs

This project doesn’t just save time; it changes how your space feels. That old ‘I’ll deal with it later’ corner becomes a neat, purposeful area where you can breathe again. And because pegboards grow with your needs, you can add to them whenever life brings new hobbies or tools.

Used to take 3 hours—now 30 seconds to find that 10mm spanner.
Used to pile tools on benches—now every piece hangs proudly in sight.

Little Local Tip

If your shed faces morning sun or damp weather, choose a metal or sealed hardboard pegboard for extra durability. And if you want it to look a bit more stylish, a quick coat of Haymes Paint on the wall behind the board can frame it beautifully and make your tools pop like artwork.

What This Says About Us

We used to think organisation meant fancy systems or expensive cabinets. The shift? Simplicity does the job better. A pegboard isn’t just about tools—it’s proof that small, deliberate changes bring a calm kind of pride every time you walk into the shed.

So next time you see that pile of tools and think, “I’ll sort that later,” maybe later is this weekend. Two hours, a few screws, and a pegboard could give you back a sense of order that sticks for years.

Happy tidying,
Candeece