How To Declutter & Organize Hardware

Today's mission is to declutter and organize hardware, such as nails, screws, nuts and bolts, etc., that you've got around your home.


This is the first step in the process of decluttering and organizing the tools within your home. Today we focus on hardware, and tomorrow on the rest of the contents of the tool box.

The first step in any organization project is to gather all of the items from around your home into one place, so first gather up all of the small hardware you've got around, perhaps in a junk drawer, and other places such as your garage, basement, or tool box.

Once you've got everything together go ahead and assess quickly what you've got, and declutter any excess such as anything that's broken, rusted, or items you don't need.

To know exactly what you do need to keep and stock in your home for minor repairs and do it yourself projects you can check out my basic home tool kit list, which breaks down the essentials of both tools and hardware.

Once you've gotten everything together, stocked up on any needed supplies and gotten rid of any excess, it will be time to organize what you've got left. Below I have suggestions and ideas for you for this simple organization project.

How To Organize Hardware For Minor Repairs & DIY Projects

Next, in this mission, once you've decluttered, it is time to organize the small hardware you've got left so that when you need it you can find it.

I suggest keeping these items close to your tool box because you'll be using them together.

The amount of organization you need to do of your hardware is directly proportional to the total amount of hardware you've got, and how many types of items you've got. If you have a lot, for example, you really need to spend some time organizing everything, because otherwise you'll never be able to find what you need.

On the other hand, if you're like many people (unless this is one of your hobbies or a profession), you don't keep too much of this on hand, but instead have just a few screws, nails, etc. to use for minor home repairs, or for the occasional small DIY project.

In that case, if you don't have a lot and not too many types of hardware, I suggest a small hardware organizer, such as the small parts organizer with drawers shown above, or a similar organizer such as one of the ones shown below.

There are many types of hardware storage bins and containers available. The key is to use one that separates and compartmentalizes the various types of hardware so you can readily find the item you need relatively quickly, instead of having to hunt for a long time when you need a specific sized screw, for instance.

What you don't want is to throw everything in one large compartment and then try to sort as you need an item. Sort at the beginning, and keep them separate to save yourself lots of time later.

Here are some examples of organizers you can use. There are big and small ones available, but if you don't have much, a small organizer will be better suited to your needs than something large, unless you plan to also use the same organizer for other things as well.

Example Of Organized Hardware From A Reader

Here's a photo from a reader, Jenny, who organized the hardware she has for her home that she uses to hang pictures.

As you can see, she's chosen a container where she can keep the pieces of hardware loosely divided to make it easier for her to find what she needs.

More Home Storage Solutions

I hope these ideas for how to organize and declutter small hardware have helped you.

If you are enjoying the Declutter 365 missions I encourage you to continue. You can check out all the ones created so far here.

In addition, there are even more ideas for storage and organizing on the site in the {A-Z} Storage Solutions & Ideas round up page. Go check it out if you'd like to see even more ideas.

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