What are your Tips for an Organized Workbench? [Ask e14 - Join, Share & Win Competition] - Winner Announcement

Jan Cumps All that dougw mentions is true - except maybe the "induce voltage" thing - but I do suspect that it could mess with the operation of some MCUs.  Periodically, I use needle nose pliers to start small nuts on bolts.  With magnetic pliers, the nut likes to lay down on the side of the pliers - because there is more attracted surface area.  It's a minor inconvenience - unless it's the fourth or fifth time you're trying to set the nut. 
I also have a set of non-magnetized small pliers in top shelf of the workbench as a Plan B.  Magnetic pliers also "grab" random components on the bench from time to time - especially at an inopportune time.  I need it to position a piece and VoilaI  I get an extra 1nF capacitor along with the pliers. 

My top tip? Don’t aim for a perfectly neat bench—aim for a system that works for you.

Everyone talks about color-coded bins and sparkling clean benches. Mine? It looks like an electronics flea market, but with rules only I understand.

Projects don’t get cleared away until they’re finished… or abandoned. Otherwise, I’d spend more time packing than building.

Components live in a set of drawers that follow a strict system: office, projects, cables, tools, random stuff. Very logical (to me).

Small parts? They go into smaller boxes, inside boxes, inside bigger boxes. Russian dolls, but geek edition.

Evaluation boards (Arduinos, Raspberry Pis, etc.) all live happily in one big “VIP” box.

My 3D printer is exiled to the other side of the room so it can make noise without driving me crazy.

Ironically, people call it messy, but I can put my hands on the right capacitor faster than someone with a picture-perfect pegboard. My secret? Organized chaos, with just enough discipline not to blow up the lab.

Probably already mentioned by others, but the best tip I follow to keep my workbench organised is " learn by others, apply what you like and works for you".
In my home lab, I like to keep the workbench clear because I like the feeling of starting a new project without any excuses to put it off - I can just sit down, prepare the instruments, and get started.  This works well for me as I only have time to work on one project at a time, allowing me to do so in the most efficient way. Once the project is finished, I clean all up. Instruments have their place as components and prototypes do. Of course, during projects the bench is a mess, but I consider that normal.
Being conscious of what I buy is another great point. I don't have to keep organized things I don't own 

I made a nice holder for small screwdrivers and bits, and I can easily move them from desk to desk.

Keep small stuff " temporarily" in lunch meat containers. 

rsc Very nice!  

I suspect that you are talking about the lunch meat that comes in hard plastic containers... I will pretend, though, that you are talking about unwashed Budding meat packages.    

robogary said:

Keep small stuff " temporarily" in lunch meat containers.

We call those Schlupperware.  Mostly, we send leftovers home in them.  I try to stick to similar sized clear plastic boxes so they stack better.  I have enough things precariously stacked already. 

following up inspirations from  kmikemoo 

rethinking my "Organizing my Workbench" better - I do want to have some frequent use tools close by but not in my way. 

I also have notebooks handy - for my current project showing schematics, calcs, hook ups and design decisions I made so HW and SW match

I do have a notebook on Linux and python libraries docs for my RPi devices.Im always getting them buried on the workbench too.......

AND......I keep a "small tools" toolbox under my electronics workbench. 

MY BRAINSTORM - how can I use the toolbox better to keep the workspace more organized ??? 

The workbench with the still incomplete DANGER WILL ROBINSON project on it. 

Under the workbench is the "small tool" toolbox - micro screwdrivers, micro wrenches, micro pliers, etc.... 

I won the toolbox in an E14 shopping cart. 

small hand tools are stored in clear plastic zip bags - pliers/cutters/diagonals, long nose,

screwdrivers, allen & star & torx key wrenches

Adding a magnetic tool holder to the front of the toolbox allows me to keep some tools handy for repeated use.

NEXT UP !! The yellow tool bag attached to the toolbox is useless. It sags and drops tools. 

I'll rip it out, and add some clear lexan covers to bridge over the toolbox indent  and repurpose as a notebook holder. 

The bottom edges intentionally have gaps so dropped nuts & bolts, screws, and dirt can fall through. 

The blue pieces are wood angles so the top edge is wider allowing docs to easily slide in and out. 

side view showing the opening being wider to allow stuff to be slid in and out easier

FINAL TOOLBOX MODIFICATIONS

The small tool TOOLBOX snugly tucked back in under the workbench. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED !!!! 

Thanks all 

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robogary Very Nice!!  The notebook holder is brilliant!    I also like the use of the clear bags.  THAT is another underappreciated workbench solution.  Not having to untangle stuff is worth its weight in gold.