Bringing something back to its original quality is incredibly fulfilling and time-consuming. You have to know exactly which parts and tools you’ll need to complete your project. Accidentally skipping steps or missing equipment can ruin a project entirely. Check out a few simple ways organization keeps your restoration project in order so everything stays on schedule.
1. Drawers Separate Your Tools
You’ve found a classic Japanese motorcycle that needs a little work to get back out on the road, but you can’t fix it with a single wrench. You’ll have to get specific threads and bolt sizes to match its parts. That leads to numerous tool parts that could roll around your garage and disappear forever while you’re focused on your project.
Invest in a set of drawers to organize all of your tools. No matter what you want to restore, you’ll know exactly where you prefer to store everything and save time once you get started. It’s also a great way to order parts and keep them in good condition while waiting for other essential components to arrive.
2. Pictures Track Each Step
Once a restoration project begins, you might forget what you previously worked on if you have to wait until the weekend to get back to your hobby. If you’re restoring something like an antique camera, progressing through each step ensures that every component will work.
Take progress pictures with each step and save them to spreadsheet cells. Label each image, record the date and describe what work you accomplished that day. You’ll know exactly where to pick up when you get back. If you’re not sure how to use a spreadsheet, read a handy guide and you’ll feel like an expert in minutes.
3. Notebooks Organize Scrambled Thoughts
Restoring a more extensive project like a classic car takes time and creativity. After you’ve found the model you love and compare types of restorations, you’ll know how to get started. Along the way, you may decide to change a few details to finalize the unique look of your car.
If you track your goals and daily work in a hardbound notebook, you can update your plans with an eraser and pencil. It only takes a moment to add to a notebook and keep your restoration project in order with notes for easy reference.
4. Envelopes Protect Tiny Pieces
Some projects require miniature pieces, like needle clamps and screws inside an older sewing machine. Use letter-sized or manila envelopes to hold everything and label what’s inside. You won’t have to waste time searching for tiny pieces in carpet fibers if they’re always waiting within the sealed confines of an envelope.
5. Labels Clarify Your Work
Before an antique clock can chime again, you’ll have to clean and oil the gears so the wheels and pulleys don’t get stuck. Reinforced labels use thin strings that can tie into small pieces. Record the name of each part and when you cleaned it so you can proceed with the remaining parts even if you have to take a break from your work. They clarify each step so your project goes smoothly.
Keep Your Restoration Project in Order
No matter what you want to clean or fix, these organizational tips will keep your restoration project in order from start to finish. Consider which project you want to begin and what you’ll need to finish the job. You’ll find the best tips for planning and completing any project once you know what you want to do.
