Having lived most of my life in the Southwestern US desert, that beautiful heat pump you installed in the shop will break down far sooner without insulation. I encourage you to prioritize insulation, not only for your comfort (which is very important and can also be a safety issue in the desert) but for the well-being of your equipment.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="515">8:35</a> I learned from Adam Savage, that whenever you get something new that needs storing, just think "If I wanted to find this in my shop, where would it be"

What I like to do is find something flat, and put all of it on there, and if I need that space I shove it all in boxes, so when I need something all I have to do is spend the day looking for it, and find all kinds of other things I looked for before, or forgot about. The coolest thing about my system is I can drink all the beer I want while looking for things, and no one really notices as long as it looks like I'm busy. Being self unemployed with a shop is pretty dang cool.

This shop needs to be insulated as soon as possible..... Hard to insulate a shop when it’s full, or fully set up with tools and materials and storage. You’ll also save on air-conditioning cost. This also makes for a more relaxed and creative work environment. Love the video❤

Laura, you make me feel so completely normal 🙏🏼 🫂 🙏🏼 Our brains must be operating on the same vibrational frequency because when I watch your videos it feels like I am watching/listening to a version of myself. I've been dealing with a NIGHTMARE home renovation/restoration for over a year + it is sucking the life out of me. I've been very depressed + overwhelmed because I just want to have + be in a functional living environment, where there isn't catastrophe lurking around every corner + all of my tools + belongings are nicely + neatly organized - everything has a place + a space + my brain/body can functional at full capacity without anxiety or upset. I randomly came across your channel the other night + have been binge-watching your content ever since. Thank you for showing + sharing your meltdowns with the world because you videos are giving me the emotional support that I so desperately need but do not have in order to make it through this process in one piece. You're my home renovation hero🦸🏼‍♀️

Stackable boxes are convenient for the space they take up, but not when you need the one on the bottom :-). (Adam Savage just built rolling carts with slide out shelves for the sortimos he uses so he can slide out one box, open the lid, grab what he needs, close the lid and slide it back in).

I'm an artist and I find it interesting that I store my supplies in the same manner. It has always made perfect sense to me.

Smudo's ears perking up was the cutest thing I've seen all day ❤✨ Such a precious baby

Honestly wasn't expecting a video this week, with the new baby and all 😅 congrats again! 🎉❤

I'm going to rewatch this video for years! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, processes and life in such authentic ways; while attempting to maintain a private life you need and deserve. Watching you carve your own space to continue growing into whomever you're becoming is inspirational. 🥂🤗🌠

Danke für Deine Arbeit Laura, wenn es manchmal nicht gut geht, sind Deine Videos immer ein Highlight!

Regarding your 4th rule, I like Adam Savage's view on it. I think it's actually quite similar to you, just in other words. He says that when you're thinking where should you put away an item, ask yourself where would you search for it if you needed it.

There are two kinds of people: those who spend energy when they no longer need something, and those who spend energy when they do. As an ADHD brain I tend to the second option. Took me a long maturing time to accept that. Everything is kept in big flat unsorted trays, roughly grouped by the size of objects and closely located to the context of where I would use it. That system seems the only way to ensure that I at least stick to it. Having that said, you can measure the passion you put into what you do, by the amount of energy you put into _how_ you do it. Amazing inspirations, Laura, thanks ❤

Smudo just chilling on that concrete floor. He's a good doggie. Great six rules, Laura! I am just about to set up my Atelier and Workshop this week so your video was PERFECT timing.

As someone who is also setting up a workshop - 12x16 ft, so a little smaller - these systainer boxes look like an excellent option. I also have a number of hobbies - fabric crafts like cross stitch and embroidery, bead work, woodworking, circuitry, cabling, metal working, stained glass, etc - so having something I can easily categorize it would be good. I did look on their website, and they have drawer slide options as well which would negate any worries about wanting the bin that stacked on the bottom.

Possible quick roof trick - get light colored 'shade cloth' from one of the big suppliers, cut it to slightly longer than the distance over the roof from gutter to gutter, roll and stitch those cut ends into chanel which can take galvanized water pipe (you can use second hand pipe for this). You will probably have to stitch a few lengths together side to side also to cover the roof. Then get some helpers, put some pipe through one chanel and drag the shade cloth over the roof, put the rest of the pipe in and use the pipe to tie the shade cloth down so it doesn't blow away in the first wind. It will allow most rain water through so the gutters will take it to your water tanks, leaves and junk will blow off & not clog the gutters. If a really big storm comes up and the cloth blows off (or you take it off before the storm) it will not take very long to get the shade back up on the roof later. Just a suggestion.

This video is a very good complement to Adam's piece on First Order Retrievability😍

This stuff used to drive me crazy because it seemed that as soon as I'd committed to purchasing some system, I found it didn't serve my needs or it didn't function as advertised. Happened time and time again. I sincerely hope you do better than I. Give Smudo a hug!

I don't have a shop but I do have multiple contractors I work with online. My previous file system for my original client was a casualty of overthinking. My multiple client files are going to be more along the line of underthinking. I can see where I was headed down the same path. Your video is a good guide that translates to my work, even though it's a vastly different arena. It proves good ideas translate well, no matter the space. Thanks!

As I'm building a shop now, these rules will be useful. Probably not doing the same kind of projects, but can already see the organisation issues. Thank you for the information and advice.

Don't know why, but "i have to build my new shop" videos have such a huge appeal for me. Maybe even more than the actual "making" videos.

i am a quilter and my system for organizing my fabric collection is somewhat similar. Also, in watching a film on PBS on the connection of science and art, they featured a Swedish inventor, Simone Giertz, that you might enjoy.

Harborfreight has a decent for the price storage system that's very similar in concept to the sortimo/tanos system. There's 3d printable internal bins as well if you need more granularity. Tons of plans out there for racks to hold them also.

No rush at getting back into building stuff, Laura - we'll be here! Enjoy the process of getting your workshop set up - "it's the journey, not the destination" and all that...... :) Looking forward to seeing your new tools!

Interesting what you said there about the Sortimo boxes. I have Sortimo in my Sprinter van and the little sorter inlays are all grey. 🤷🏻‍♂️

This was so helpful because I needed ideas how to organize my woodworking gear, welding gear, 3D printing and concrete stuff but since some tools are shared the categories feels overwhelming, of the workshop tours are for people that only working with woodworking. Thanks for sharing your system.

Hi Laura, not sure if you'll see this, but Sortimo no longer make the coloured inserts. All their inserts, and the base of their boxes, are now a very dark grey (almost black) in colour. I have some and I don't particularly like them. Light-coloured inserts seem much better to me. I must check out the Tanos ones.

I have the Systainer organizer boxes and can’t say enough good things about them. As many probably also know they make rails so the boxes are easy to remove individually from a cabinet. In my opinion 100 % worth the cost !

Since you are in LA try an evaporative cooler, you have to ventilate to get rid of the humidity but it will help a lot.

I use the Sortimo system and got mostly rid of the color-coding by using the inset boxes by Auer Packaging that provides compatible boxes in six different colors regardless of the size. However, some inset boxes are not provided such as the gray one in the video (<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="456">7:36</a>). The good thing is that these inset boxes also fit into Euro boxes.

Quick reference for anyone revising the video: Rule 1 <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="222">3:42</a> "Better To Have Than To Need" keep stock of items that would take you out of the flow if you don't have it Rule 2 <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="287">4:47</a> "Curation Is Everything" Be mindful of what you keep in stock, how much you keep and how often it's used or inspires you Rule 3 <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="402">6:42</a> "Build A System That Is Scalable" Plan for your system's future growth Rule 4 <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="511">8:31</a> "Make Your System Intuitive" The less thinking you need to do to find something the better Rule 5 <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="660">11:00</a> "Colour Code" Aids in achieving rule 4 Rule 6 <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="694">11:34</a> "Build Bigger Then You Need" Make your system with spare room so you can expand a bit without needing to grow your system

I just startet sorting my Mini Workshop for the First time and thought of a Mini system. Bruh ist feels soo good to keep what i feel and put everything Else away. So this is perfectly timed to get inspirated of different ways of sorting ❤️‍🔥 thanks for that!

Its ashame you don't😉 reply to comments but I would like to say great job on your organizing system it looks like it will work great I have been evolving mine for many years now not quite as high end as yours but just as functional but I also added one small element that really helps and it is so simple just a catch all tray for those extra washers or screws or whatever that you are not sure you will need in the course of your project then when you are complete you can file them away in their appropriate containers.

It's so nice to see doggo finally there

Hey Laura! Others have commented on this as well, but your storage box system is very reminiscent of Adam Savage's system (although he uses Sortimo, as you probably know). Will you be building some sort of shelving system for your boxes so that you can get to each one individually, without having to lift a stack off the top? His system uses individual shelves for each box, each of which is a drawer slide so that the case can slide out far enough to open the lid. Maybe just a pigeon-hole system without the sliding tables? It will be interesting to compare your solution to Adam's! Looking forward to the next video already - new workshop is always exciting!

Thank Laura Kampf. I sure needed this video💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

Now think about shop layout... putting the more commonly used items closer, keeping space open. Modular workbenches. Cleaning and dust control. Work flow. I have setup many factories, and this is the fun part. Make the workspace intuitive, make it feel good. Make it flow. I know you know and do all this... so actually I'm not sure what my point is.

What I like about my organized fasteners is that I know what I have, and just as useful, knowing what I DON’T have. It saves a lot of time looking for what is not there.

Amazing that you are so energized even with the heat! You are so cool

Love your coordination system you begin discussing at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="573">9:33</a>!! Such a great idea to simplify your system while using systainers 👏

Laura! You NEED a new "Let glue dry" steel block

So, the lesson I’ve learned from watching Matt Risinger and The Build Show, is that all insulation should ideally go on the outside of your air/water resistant barrier. Like putting on a heavy coat over a waterproof layer. You can also put some insulation or a protective layer on the inside can also be a benefit, but the main amount of insulation should be on the exterior. You can put a protective layer on top of the insulation, of course.

Loved the music and making portions, very original and jazzy!

Thanks for your knowledge and rules - I also like the FDC cap you have in storage.

Part of being a maker is the tools and the shop. I find it interesting to see what one maker uses in comparison to other makers (not that any of them are wrong in what they use).

"It's an investment" for those boxes is quite an understatement.... They are cool but hell are the expensive....

I always like to see how others build their shops. Keep em coming

I never got used to the heat. I was raised in N. CA in the redwoods and fog. When I moved to the Central Valley I hated it for 11 long, miserable years. I live in NW Washington now...best move of my life. Get that AC going!🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

I actually squealed when I saw the tumbleweed. 😃

You should come to BRC. you have the right mentality to be a pre entry builder, you would love it

Great to see your workshop coming together! 😍

I know the US maternity leave is notoriously bad - but it’s at least worth a week off! I’m sure these are made in advance, but if you run out of backlog feel free to take time!

Fantastic!!! You have just given me the key to organizing my shop!!! **Kisses**

Hearing you mention color in this context made me realize that I should assign a color to Philips/square/slotted/torx tills with screws in them and it’ll really cut down my searching time.

Haben is immer besser als brauchen! 👏🏼👍🏼

Looking forward to the cool things you make with stuff readily available in the US. I hope you have been going to garage/estate sales and thrift stores.

So cool being here to see that new start from the beginning!!

Welcome to SoCal. Stay hydrated. Smudo too.

Excited to watch you build out this shop!

Will gladly stick with you. As a crafter of many things, living in a small condo storage is a constant struggle.

This new shop thing is very exciting. I'd be happy if I could be a 1/4 as organized as Laura.

Wish Id have used rule number 6 as my rule number 1 Wondering if your rules were developed or inherited? Wasn't going to watch but glad I did! Hot and Humid here as we've had fains and then heat. Get that insulation in. You probably won't get flooded but that's a problem if places flood.

You will need to build sys-ports for those Tanos boxes or the stacking and unstacking will drive you nuts.

That's a great system, very well thought out.

Thank you for not making building an outfield table into an indulgent 7 episode series like all the other wood working channels 😄

Laura, I trust the kitchen drawers are this well organized!

I love a storage vid sm😅

Love your vids. Well meant advice: Felix’s music honors your work best.

Thanks for this video Laura! Projects to come!

Nice system. Looking forward to see when you build shelves for the systainers.

YES, RULES ARE THE BEST (congratulations ❤)

As a visual artist, this is really useful and relatable advice 💪

Thank you, for yet another super prima video 👍 😊

Wow! Tanos boxes at around $105 each! Gonna have to start buying lottery tickets!!!

Excellent tips for any craftsman!

I love shop builds! Take your time!😂

Good morning All. Stay cool!

I see some aluminum crates made the journey with you. Looking forward to the next use you find for them. Thanks for sharing!

Aside from the new table saw, to what extent have you duplicated your power tools here in the U.S., given the 110/60 vs. 220/50 power requirements? That’s an expensive changeover to have to make (I hope your sponsors are able to help!)😊

You’re not a hoarder, you’re a collector. A hoarder either won’t be able to justify their need for things or won’t be able to find the things they have. A collector knows what they have and can usually find and justify it, because it’s well curated. That doesn’t mean we don’t forget from time to time though 😂

Cool organizational tips. Mahalo for sharing! : )

Just..........Thank you.......from 🇵🇹

Hey Laura, I worried about you being at your shop alone. I live in LA and know how weirdly dangerous it can be. Please consider finding someone to be there with you on a regular basis.

Somehow the same applies to Lego. After a while, sorting and organizing takes at least as much time as building. But it's also very rewarding to build something and just know exactly where to find what you need.

First time viewer, good vid. Thanks!!! **subscribed**

Love the music!

Organization is the most important thing in my shop. I choose to spend time and money doing it because it makes me feel better, and I can always find stuff because I store it where it makes sense to me. With that comes a lock on the door so everything stays where I put it. I love my family, but they are slobs.

Keep us posted on the new addition to your family 👶🏻♥️

Felix! We miss you!!!

Hi Laura, get someone to help you build out the shop so you can get to YOUR true passion! Peace.

Interesting video...to be organized!

Now that you went to the East Coast, we get Beverly Hills Cop Music?! 😉 Love the vibe! 😁

Very helpful and inspiring as always. It’s great to watch the building of your new shop. I’ll probably never build or renovate a timber frame house but I love watching those videos. I am, however, a creative in reduced circumstances and find your shop(s) and this build/setup to be quite useful. Thanks always.

Let Glue Dry!

It would be useful to know what you liked and didn't like about your previous organisation systems. I've seen you used euroboxes for a while and then moved on but I couldn't find why you moved away from it.

Very useful system!

Aaaaaaaaaand instantly already need a bigger shop! Hee hee

The containers are cheap in price to what you put inside.👍🏝️🇨🇦

underthinking for intuition is another way of saying efficiency born of laziness which makes the best work most of the time

Lovely, as usual