Has your basement gone untouched and your garage become a catch-all room? Is there so much junk in there you can’t even find your car? If you’re nodding while reading because this sounds like your garage, it’s likely you need a little help sorting it all out. Never fear, with so many storage solutions available today, sorting through and organizing your garage is easier than ever. Read through our tips to learn how to maximize your garage storage space.
Define Your Space
Before you can begin organizing and adding unique space-saving solutions, you need to figure out what exactly your garage is going to be used for. Is it your workshop? Your out of season storage room? An art studio? Or a combination of all of the above? Once you’ve figured out what you’ll be using the room for you can better prepare for it and make a plan of action. Going into a space with just the idea of organizing it will cause you to slow down and overthink because you don’t have a goal you’re working towards. Define your space first before doing anything else.
Purge What’s Not Needed
Once you know what the space will be used for, you can start getting rid of anything that no longer has a purpose in your garage. Be sure to recycle old paint cans and that pile of broken electronics. Donate your kids’ outgrown sporting equipment and old bikes to local charities. Most of all, get rid of the garbage that can pile up or be hiding behind boxes. You can’t have a fresh start if your garage still has old items that are unnecessarily taking up space.
Split It Up
If you’ve come to the conclusion that your garage will serve multiple purposes, take the time to split each of these uses into different zones. That way you’ll know where everything is because it’s stored in its designated zone. Keep all the gardening tools and supplies in one zone, away from your power tools and woodworking zone. This way it will be less likely for things to be put away haphazardly and you’ll be able to find them the next time you need them.
Overhead Storage
One of the most underutilized areas in garages is the ceiling. A great way to maximize your storage space is to add overhead storage racks. These are a great option for storing things you do not need easy access to all the time. Things like holiday and seasonal decorations, seasonal sports equipment, and even bigger items like ladders can be stored above. You’ll be amazed by how much you can actually fit up there and by how much floor and wall space you’ll now have to work with.
Wall Storage
Now that your more seasonal items are out of sight and out of the way, you can focus your attention on your walls. There are almost endless possibilities when it comes to wall storage units built specifically for garages. From pegboards with hooks to more traditional shelves, your local hardware store will almost certainly sell some kind of wall storage system.
Another option when it comes to wall storage is to build items that fold away from the wall so that they can be easily concealed when not in use. Consider adding a folding workbench for crafts or projects. That way you have the table space when you need it and floor space when you don’t.
Install Cabinetry
The right cabinetry can take a space from good to great. Not only does it help keep everything neatly organized, they help conceal mess when staying organized is less of a priority. Custom garage cabinetry is a great option to store bigger or bulkier items that won’t fit in an overhead bin. Garage cabinetry can also help make your garage look more like an extension of your house and less like a concrete box. Get creative with your designs just like you would in a kitchen and make the space look nice.
Repurpose the Space
Most of these tips apply to those who intend to use their garage as a workspace or a storage unit. But what if you don’t need room for power tools or even a car? If you have a good-sized garage with extra space that you don’t know what to do with, consider repurposing the space to something you’ll actually get use out of. You could add a home gym or office, a TV or games room for the kids, or even turn it into a home bar! You’ll be the most popular house on the block in no time (whether you want to be or not).
Add Outdoor Storage
If you’ve taken advantage of your ceiling, walls, and cabinets and still need more space, try moving certain items outside. Try adding a small garden shed for gardening tools, or a small locker for out of season sports equipment. There’s no reason everything needs to be stored in your garage. Think of other places in your home that some garage items could be relocated to.
Whether you do it yourself or call in a pro, we know you and your garage will feel much better once everything is organized and your garage storage space is fully maximized!
Article Updated June 2022.
