Managing limited desktop space and multiple projects

I have many varied interests,  and most  require some amount of free work space on my desk.  I do not always finish what I've started in one sitting, or one day, or even one week.  In the mean time, the space occupied by whatever current project often needs to be cleared for something else.   It got to be a drag to have relocate numerous tools, wires,  bits of this and that, especially if I had something in a precarious stage of assembly.    I can't afford to have a different desk for every project, so I've settled on the next best thing: different self-contained work areas.  It's a crazy simple but super effective solution.

Step 1: The limited work area

This is my desktop on a god day.   I have a industrial banquet table for my desk, and it holds  assorted hardware, such as a 24" monitor, a printer, and some audio  equipment.   There's a area I clear that's generally sufficient for assembly activity, such as making popup books or hacking on an Arduino.

I've placed two rulers in the picture to give a sense of size.

Comments

[sodiumcanine]

With many projects going the tray idea is Great, Being a "piler" this will
help keep small stuff. Banquet tables are great also!

[Neurogami]

Banquet tables are *solid*. You could probably dance on one. They're also relatively cheap.

Better the spend furniture money on a better chair then a fancy desk.

[kiwibum]

This is a great storage idea thanks so much for sharing. I'm setting up a space in the corner of my workshop single garage for doing my electronics projects and have been wondering how to accommodate multiple unfinished projects in the one space. Using your idea I'm making some 15"x20" trays using left over thin ply I have and gluing 1/4" edges round them to stop bits rolling off.

Thanks to others also for contributing too with the tray storage ideas. I'm building a rack out of an old computer desk frame I have, which will roll under the workbench, to store the trays in.

[profpat]

ingenious! like it!

[saitaiable child]

I want to design a shelf just for project storage. I also want trays without rims, the rims would hurt my arms. Maybe little slices of foam padding as a short rim. The shelves would resemble a small flat file. Thanks for getting me thinking.

[Neurogami]

"I also want trays without rims, the rims would hurt my arms. Maybe little slices of foam padding as a short rim."

Rims are tricky. I looked at a number of trays that were quite solid and maybe a little larger than the typical cookie tray, but the walls were always just too high making it awkward to reach in and around. On the other hand, having at least some sort of rim keeps things from rolling or sliding off, especially when moving trays around.

A tray with foldable sides would be ideal.

[static]

Unfortunately I may be forced from my small rural property into a small apartment. With only myself, I don't have to make comprise with anyone. I don't care it looks like I'm living in the middle of a workshop. Visitors that matter will adjust.

[Panamaboob]

I have the same "problem".....is there any "help" for us?

[msemtd]

"The Cult of Done Manifesto" by Bre Pettis and Kio Stark may help:
http://www.brepettis.com/blog/2009/3/3/the-cult-of-done-manifesto.html

My summary: Don't waste your time chasing perfection - you may never catch it! Everything is a draft - you can always do it again better next time if that becomes necessary!

[Panamaboob]

Thanks...we all need a "little help" at times..

[Panamaboob]

One more thing...I find that if I cant complete the project, I put it aside and then start another. And when I cant complete that, I start another, and after a year of so goes by, I look back at all the projects, get a little frustrated....and just start another. Its very soothing...

[bassdale]

I suppose a first project for me would build a bakers like rack on wheels to set trays and projects aside. Really got me thinking, I too, am a spreader..

[CherylDunham]

I make jewelry, and like you I don't always complete 1 piece without starting another. You have to do it when the idea strikes you. I use the same serving trays that you do, that way I don't have to put all the beads and findings away, and can go back to that particular piece when I feel like it.
I do have to remove my tools, as I don't have several sets, but that's the easy part. I guess great minds think alike.

[siytek]

Great idea using trays! really simple and effective. I also find boxes with many small draws really useful for keeping small hardware and electronic components in.

[schumi23]

Do you know were I could buy stuff like that? It would be helpfull :) But I cant seem to find any anywere

[siytek]

I got these ones from Aldi as they were really cheap. You can get them from more specialist outlets too, such as electronics suppliers, http://uk.farnell.com/allit/varioplus-hobby-33/cabinet-33drawers-plastic-black/dp/1827580

[schumi23]

When I am fixing stuff.... or taking apart with th intention of putting it back together, to store the screw I take a magnet and throw the screws at it, which keeps them all in one place.

[studleylee]

We must be related :-) I bought about 100 fiberglass army cafeteria trays and have made vertical racks to hold them and allow variable spacing between. Bassically I got home depot wire shelving and weld sections to make a V or U channel of them. Then stand them up verticaly. The trays can slip into the wire 'slots' as nneded
This way I can store and 'freeze' a current project until I have time to resume. Often sadly I'm an interrupted process with no stored return address ;-). -Lee Studley

[studleylee]

I joking say to colleges that, "I work and think in Systems of Piles". Over time I notice they often end up stealing/borrowing/incorporating my trays

[old_code]

I organize things by 'piling method' also.

My wife files things. My method drives her crazy, but I can find what I want without a problem.

It's perspective; mine is vertical filing, her's is horizontal.

Glad to hear of others in my organizing world.

[andrewgilmartin]

A tray delivery cart would be ideal. For example http://www.carlislefsp.com/tray-delivery-carts/economy-tray-delivery-carts Check out the restaurant kitchen supply stores.

[randofo]

I was doing the same thing for a while, but I ran out of space elsewhere to put the trays. I considered building a rack for the trays, but then I got lazy. :-)

[bookcrazzzy]

You could make a cheap and quick rack by using basic shelf standards and shelf supports. Just put the tracks close together and the trays would be the "shelves". Just an idea.

[probablepossible]

You should be able to find solid, heavy-duty trays at a restaurant supply store.

And you could build a simple storage box for them, with slots in the sides that the rims slide into.

[saitaiable child]

Foam Core!

[billbillt]

Good ideas!...I will have to apply some of your methods here..I have the same "space" problem..

[JohnSams]

I have the same problem!

[knife141]

I do something similar, but I use plastic storage tubs. One for typewriter repair, one for electronics, one for walking cane jigs, one for clock repair, etc. In these tubs I keep specialized tools for the task, small spare parts, and each one has an empty plastic pill bottle where I keep fasteners temporarily while something is in a state of dis-assembly. I've found the tub approach to be handy, and since they all have lids they are stackable.

[Neurogami]

I have a storage tub (smallish) for my Arduino and related parts. It has a removable cups and trays making it easy to have some organization while moving hings around. Very handy.