SparkFun Forums 

Where electronics enthusiasts find answers.

By madeinoz
#186199
G'day one and all,

My tinkering/project area is fairly space constrained as I have no garage/workshop :( ...sigh

I currently have two desks in the corner of a not much used lounge area.

The problem is my purchases/components/projects are starting to sprawl across the room and I need some storage ideas for components, filament spools, projects. some things are in tubs although unorganised so is a pain to find things.

So what are others doing in similar situations? Say small apartments?

Regards,

Stephen...
By lyndon
#186204
Parts storage: they make parts storage bins. A rack that's 20" high x 12" wide by about 4" deep can hold thousands of components. I have been using racks like this since my work area was a corner of a tiny spare bedroom in my apartment. Nice thing about them is they can be stacked vertically or hung from a wall.
For larger volumes, e.g., a reel of SMT LEDs, I put the reel in a gallon Zip-loc bag and hang the bags from a hook. I can store tens of thousands of components in a very small area this way.

Project storage: I find the $1 bins from Target work really well. I also use them to hold spools of hookup wire and cabling materials.

Recently, I've been using these for parts storage and I prefer them to the bins for surface mount parts. I can stack them up and label them on the edge by category: LEDs, optical sensors, switches, etc. so stuff is easy to find.
By madeinoz
#186210
Thanks Lyndon some great ideas. I'm going to head out today and see what equivalents we have over here in oz and to get some ideas