How to organise your tools

If you maintain your tools and store them properly you're going to be so much more efficient when it comes to doing any work around the house. Before you start organising, take everything out and have a look at what you've got.

Give some thought to what you're going to be using on a regular basis – this is likely to be two different kinds of screwdrivers, a hammer, utility knife, pencil or marker, set of pliers and a tape measure. These are best stored in the top of your tool chest for easy access. Heavier items like drills and drill bit sets are best stored in the bottom.

Take the tray out of your chest and fill one half with the items you've earmarked you'll use most often. The other half can be used to store your safety equipment like earmuffs, gloves and safety glasses. Use the smaller compartments to store nuts, bolts, screws and wall-mates.

This Stanley Mobile Tool Chest is quite deep, so it fits a lot of gear. Put your bulky items in first, then place your drills and driver batteries on top plus any extra tools you have and your staple gun. Finish with your hammer, stud finder and level, then place your drills carefully on top.

Once everything is in, pop the top tray back on. Secure with the lid – and away you go! The great thing about this tool chest is that it has extra compartments in the top section, which are perfect for storing any loose nails or screws.