He must be related to my husband. Why bother putting it on a shelf when there is still room on the floor and I might need it in 6 months?

I think you need better shelving and more containers that actually fit/stack on the shelves. And lessons in how to use them. Let me know if that works for you. Didn't help my DH at all.

Try The Container Store for inspiration.

Why tools are in pantry? I thought they belong to garage.

I'm guessing you're considering the idea of storing stuff in groups (if not, I'd like to urge you to consider it):
• plumbing
• household repair
• car repair
• exterior repair
• electrical

Maybe get him to talk through with you what are the tasks he has undertaken with the tools over the last year, or what he thinks -might- come up. And then what tools does he need for those tasks?

Make a drawer, or even a tool kit, for each of those tasks (even if it means you have a pair of pliers in the "general fixing of things" kit and another in the "fixing the car" kit and one in the "plumbing" kit).

One advantage of those would be that he doesn't search for the tool--he searches for the whole kit, and he takes the whole kit to the job. And puts the tools back in the kit, then puts the whole kit away.

If you do that sort of thing, consider some of these (stand-up utility bags or pouches):

Why tools are in pantry? I thought they belong to garage.

As sushipup1 points out--not everyone has a garage. I don't.
But even if I did, I wouldn't want to keep every single one of my tools in the garage; I don't want to have to travel that far when I just need a hammer.

I have a magnetic strip on the wall that the most commonly used tools go on.

So, to howdoisaythis, consider whether you can create visible storage, even if it's only for the most-used stuff.

Here are some other ideas.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/tool-storage/

One of them starts with a slightly taller fabric tool "chest" and stands the tools on end (like silverware) in dividers cut from vinyl gutters. Then everything is visible, and you don't have to take stuff out to find the wrench.
https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/tool-storage/how-to-make-tool-organizers-with-gutters/

Here's a wall-mounted tool cabinet that folds out to create even more visible space--it may be bigger than you can use in your pantry, but these can be made in any dimension. And they could be hinged to swing away from shelves behind it.
https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/tool-storage/how-to-build-a-wall-cabinet/view-all/


And look at #13 in this list--"Flip-Through Storage Rack."
It uses vertical space, but creates "leaves" like pages of a book. So tools would be visible, and he could "page through" until he finds what he wants.

I also want to say: there is a serious reason why all those drawers are so shallow:
So your husband doesn't have to dislodge a tool to find the one he wants. Everything will fit in a single layer.
And so he'll pull out the drawer, but he doesn't have to pull all the tools or equipment out of the box!

That's what your problem is right now--all those storage solutions you have are WAY TOO DEEP! You can't see the stuff at the bottom unless you dig everything out.

Oh, I have smaller boxes that corral stuff in categories:
• Screws, nails, etc., in Advil tins stood on edge in a single case. I can carry the whole thing with me to the task.
* Feet, gliders, wobble wedges
* picture-hanging and hooks
* protective gear (goggles & gloves)
* electrical and wiring
* plumbing
* caulk and caulk gun

Because they're in smaller boxes, I can keep them tightly controlled. And I can find exactly what I need.

also remember this rule: It's important to make it easy to put stuff away.

But there's a prudent way to do that, and a nonprudent. Right now, you have the non-prudent way. Your DH can just chuck a tool into one of those containers--but then he can't find it.

If he can smoothly pull out a drawer, or reach out to a hook, that's just as easy, and it's faster the next time.

Build wooden boxes that can fit his tools. Wood can take a beating & does not rust. The boxes can be filled ready to go per project. He could stack them on floor. Keep heavy tools off shelves. It will warp & scratch them.

Wooden tool boxes with handles.

On the side return walls or a wall elsewhere.

I organized the tools and things in my assortment into a categories according to the objective.

If it is to be taped or glued, all of the tape and glue is in one container.

It it is related to being used with a hammer, it is all together with chisel, nail set, nails, mallet, pry bar, awl, etc.

If it is related to being screwed in, it is with all the screw drivers, driver bits, hex sets, etc.

All wrenches and pliers are together.

If it is to be tied or strapped, all the sisal rope and tie downs are together.

These are the categories that work for me. Your organization would, no doubt, be different.

Access to an item and the ability to easily put it back after use is paramount to keeping things relevant.

If you are honest about how useful something is, I will bet that there are any number of things that don't need to be there. Things can really accumulate when you go out to HD and return with too many screws and little fittings that are the wrong size.

All that stuff on the floor is a real mess. And, is that the bowl to the mixer sitting there amongst all the tool mess?

For me, it is all mine, both tools and the kitchen, as hubby takes very little initiative towards either fixing anything, cleaning anything, or cooking.

Cubbies! But not big ones. I didn't need the one for my shoes so drove brads in to reinforce the dividers and it really helps a lot. Slide sets of tools in each cubby. $Tree metal loaf pans fit nicely and hold hardware. $Tree bins hold tapes, glues, electrical stuff and so on. Sort and box all those cans so they don't topple over. I sorted out the various sizes of sockets and each has its own pocket made from an old jeans leg with zipper for access. I even sewed white fabric to them so they could be labeled. I don't have them in that cubby but they could be in there.

It has worked out so well. I used to have a terrible time locating the right screwdriver or pliers but now they are right there.

New to this board, and chiming in with my 2¢ because our spouses must be related. Still working on helping him organize his garage; however, I finally figured out what makes him tick in the organized category of life: He needs visual cues.

I've labeled every cabinet and shelf in the kitchen (including the fridge shelves!) so he knows exactly where to put things back. At first glance, it seems a little type-A over-the-top; but I assure you, he needed that visual cue so he doesn't have to remember where something went. He can use those neurons for whatever task he's involved in at the moment instead. :)

Like the others have said, group like items together. Just be sure to include a label for the box, bin, shelf, etc. It will take a little getting used to for him, and you may need to pick up and put things back where they belong at first. In a short while, though, he will have formed the habit to do it himself. Good luck and Happy Organizing!