The most important of our garage overhead storage tips is rather simple – start by choosing the right garage overhead storage system. Determine what you’ll be using the overhead storage space for and choose a storage solution that will satisfy your requirements. From there, everything related to overhead garage storage becomes much easier.
Garage overhead storage is frequently used for heavier, bulkier items. Therefore, you’ll need heavy-duty storage racks that can handle the job and are well-made and able to last for many years in a demanding garage environment. For tire storage, Garage Living carries wall-mounted tire racks. Tires and other heavier items can also be stored in our overhead storage racks, which have the following features:
- available in 2×8, 3×6, 3×8, 4×4, 4×6, and 4×8 foot sizes
- up to 600 lbs are safely supported with the racking’s heavy-gauge steel construction
- powder-coated paint finish improving the durability of the racking
- rack adjustability up to 45″ in height for improved storage flexibility
- garage overhead storage tips rack
Along with tires, garage overhead storage is ideal for storing a wide range of items that are better off up in the air than on your garage floor, which can prevent you from parking. One of the best uses for overhead racking is to use it for storing out-of-season items that have no usefulness for a significant portion of the year.
This includes property maintenance tools and equipment like lawnmowers, snowblowers, grass trimmers, hedge trimmers, shovels, and rakes.
Other out-of-season items like patio furniture, car roof racks, sporting and camping equipment, and holiday decorations are perfect for overhead garage storage. Storage bins can also be kept in your overhead storage racks, but it’s advisable not to store any clothing and textiles in them.
The third of our garage overhead storage tips follows a practical, common-sense guideline that can be applied to any storage situation – group like items together.
Strategically storing items greatly reduces the chances of misplacing them, and you’ll find things much easier. Following this simple guideline will be particularly beneficial when it comes to finding smaller items.
In addition to keeping your items grouped together, using labels is another one of the garage overhead storage tips that can save you time. For storage bins, labels should be considered essential, especially when you’re using bins that all look the same.
Labels will help you find small, harder-to-find items stored in containers a lot quicker. Be sure that your labels are easy to read and won’t peel off under extreme hot or cold temperature conditions.
What’s Right for You Average Garage Size
Getting the perfect sized garage is important for your home. It all depends on knowing what you’re going to do with your garage. Knowing the average garage size of a one, two and three car garage will give you a great starting point. But, how do you know what garage size will fit your needs? Will the average garage size be enough? Those are difficult questions to answer because they vary from person to person. That being said, we can help you come to a conclusion.
In this article, we’ll help you determine the amount of space you’ll need in your garage and what size is best for you. We’ll go over all the average garage sizes, and hopefully, you’ll find something that’s right for your home. The most important thing to consider when determining the size of your garage is what you’ll be using it for. How you use your garage will determine the space you’ll need. We’ll go over a few examples below.
How Many Cars Do You Own?
Many homeowners use their garage for one thing: storage. The largest items typically stored in your garage are the family cars. You’ll need to find a garage that will fit all of your cars.
This should be pretty easy because garages are labelled as one, two and three car garages. Therefore, it’s obvious how many cars can fit in each garage. That being said, if you plan on storing more in your garage, you should consider a larger garage size.
There are several different standard sized one, two and three car garages. If you have lawn equipment or a riding lawn mower, you’ll need a bigger sized garage. You may even need to go a size up. For example, if you have two cars, you may need a three-car garage.
Living Spaces Need More Room
Maybe you won’t be storing cars in your garage. Instead, you’ll need your garage to be an additional living space. How you use your garage will change how much room you’ll need.
A bedroom can be made with a one or two-car garage. However, a family room or separate apartment space could require a much larger garage. In the end, it all depends on what you want to do with your garage.
Throw The Ultimate Party
One of the most popular ways to use a garage is to throw parties. The last thing you want is a small garage – it lowers the number of guests you can invite. On the other hand, having a large garage means a bigger party where you can invite more people.
Know the Average Garage Sizes
Once you’ve decided how you want to use your garage, it’s time to pick a size. Many homeowners think it’s as simple as choosing a one, two or three car garage, but there’s more to it.
There’s an average garage size for each style and a couple of secondary options. Knowing the space, you’ll need is crucial before making a decision. We’ll help you with the sizing below.
Average One Car Garages
One car garages are the smallest option. They’re made to fit one car and can be used as a shed or even a small bedroom. The average one-car garage size is 12 feet wide and 22 feet deep.
That being said, you have other options. Other common sizes are 14 x 22, 16 x 24 and 14 x 24. Those are standard sizes that are offered almost anywhere. The biggest sizes allow for more storage while still allowing you to fit a car inside.
Average Two Car Garages
Obviously, a two-car garage is bigger – it’s made to fit two cars. However, that doesn’t mean you need to own two cars. It’s perfect for a homeowner with one car and a lot of outdoor equipment such as a lawnmower and snowblower.
Typically, two-car garages are 18 feet wide by 20 feet deep. This is just enough to fit two cars in your garage. There are several other common sizes, including 20 x 20, 22 x 22 and 20 x 22. Some of these sites make it far more comfortable to open the doors of your car.
Average Three Car Garages
The largest of the standard garage types is a three car garage. These are typically perfect for families with children who drive – everyone needs a car to get to work and be independent. These garages are also best for large living spaces like an additional family room.
Three car garages are usually 32 feet wide by 22 feet deep. Much like 18 x 20 2 car garages, 32 x 22 feet snugly fits three cars. Your other, larger options include 36 x 25 feet, 38 x 26 feet and 40 x 30 feet.
Installing a Garage Organizer Ideas, Costs and Hiring a Professional Organizer
It’s all too easy for the garage to become a disaster area. Tools end up strewn all over the workbench. Boxes of Christmas decorations and your children’s old toys stack up over the years. Rakes and shovels lie haphazardly on the ground or lean up against walls.
If the state of your garage is driving you nuts – or worse yet, you can’t fit a car inside anymore – it’s time to think about investing in a garage organizer. Whether you do the job yourself or hire a professional, there are many types of organizing systems from which to choose at a variety of price points.
Organization Ideas
Most garage organization projects start with some kind of cabinets or shelving to neatly store boxes, bins, tools and any other items you have lying around.
- Garage cabinets are similar to your kitchen cabinets, just not as fancy. You can opt for a combination of overhead cabinets, lower cabinets, full-sized cabinets and drawers. Popular materials include metal, plastic and wood composite (or you can use old kitchen cabinets – you can often find them on Craigslist for cheap or even free). This is the neatest option because your clutter is out of sight when the cabinet doors are closed.
- Freestanding shelving is simpler and less expensive, but the look is not as neat because you can see everything that is being stored. Some people care about that; others do not. Shelving can be made of steel, plastic or metal, and it is sold in a variety of sizes and configurations.
- Overhead shelving is a great option for small garages, so you don’t have to sacrifice valuable space. The shelving is attached to the ceiling and hangs down to your desired height.
- Tool cabinets and workbenches are great for the handyman or woman with lots of tools to store and organize. There are wall-mounted tool cabinets, freestanding cabinets and complete workbenches with a combination of storage and workspace.
Other organizing/beautifying options include:
- Hooks and wall hangers for hanging tools, rakes and the like
- Bike racks and stands
- Gear tracks and panel systems
- Flooring tiles or flooring coatings
- Garage lights
- Garage Organizer
Costs
The cost of the garage organization project depends on what you choose. Spend a little or spend a lot. Simple projects such as DIY installation of hooks and wall hangers cost less than $100, while a complete, top-of-the-line garage makeover by a professional might cost upwards of $10,000. The average cost is probably about $2,000 to $5,000.
- Twelve-piece cabinets sets usually sell for about $2,000 to $5,000, not including the cost of installation. Metal and wood composite cabinets fall on the high end of that range, while plastic cabinets fall on the low end.
- Jumbo, three-piece, floor-to-ceiling cabinet sets sell for about $1,000 to $2,000.
- Professional cabinet installation will add at least 25 per cent to the price of the cabinets – and sometimes upwards of 35 per cent.
- Metal shelves cost about $50 to $200 each, depending on the quality. Hanging multi-shelf units cost anywhere from $100 to $600.
- Basic workbenches start at about $150 to $200, while deluxe versions with attached cabinets sell for several thousand dollars.
Hiring a Professional
Hiring a professional organizer is much like hiring an interior decorator. You’re paying for a trained eye to identify the best use of space. If you don’t have much of a knack for organization and design (or you’re just plain messy), it’s wise to hire a pro. But if you pride yourself on creativity and organization, by all means, go it alone.
Hiring a professional doesn’t have to break the bank. The average hourly rate is $50 to $100, and you can always set a spending limit that the organizer is not to exceed. Budget just $200 or $300, for example, for the organizer to come up with ideas and a rough layout. On the other end of the spectrum, set aside several thousand (not including materials) for the organizer to plan and manage the project from start to finish.
If you decide to go with a pro, do some background research before hiring anyone. Look for someone affiliated with organizations like the National Association of Professional Organizers, and check the organizer’s rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Ask lots of questions before hiring anyone, including:
- Do your have specific experience with garages? If so, can I see before and after pictures of previous jobs?
- Do you have references?
- How exactly do you bill? (Although many organizers charge by the hour, some charge by the job.) Do you have a minimum charge?
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you purchase the materials or do I? Do you charge a premium or shopping fee for materials that you purchase?