Organizing pros estimate that only 30 per cent of us store our cars in the garage. The reason? Too much stuff. These garage storage ideas will help you get rid of anything you don’t need.
Set aside at least a full day, or even a whole weekend or two, to get the job done.
Make decluttering a family project and invite over a few friends to pitch in, and it’ll go a lot faster.
Go through absolutely everything, including boxes you didn’t unpack when you moved in—you never know where that family heirloom might be lurking.
Sort all items into three piles: keep, donate or sell, and toss. Lay them on dedicated tarps or mark off areas of your driveway with chalk and place them there. What should get the boot: outgrown spousal), and anything you haven’t used in two years or more. If you have a hard time letting go of things that have sentimental value, snap pictures as keepsakes.
Sort the keepers into broad categories (for example, sports equipment, hand tools), and place them in well-marked cardboard boxes or, better yet, stackable clear-plastic bins you can use later. Then, put the keepers back in the garage for now.
As soon as possible, donate giveaways and schedule a yard sale to get rid of castoffs. If you’ve got too much trash for your haulier to take, use a service such as Bagster; simply buy the bag at a home store, pack it, and contact the company to schedule pickup and disposal (fees vary).
How to Organize Your Garage from Top to Bottom?
The way you treat your garage may soon be reflected in all your other assets. Your car maintenance is in direct correlation with this fact, and, seeing as how the majority of people use their garage as secondary storage, the rest of the household will also be affected. So, how do you organize your garage to utilize every single centimetre?
Let’s find out:
Make a layout
You need to measure your garage and put its layout on paper (or an appropriate digital equivalent). Once you have this, you need to do some drawing and figure out which items are essential. The base purpose of the garage is to serve as a shelter for your vehicle. Other than this, it also has a storage function. Some people also use it as a sort of workshop.
All in all, the size and your use of a garage will mandate which items are necessary and which are optional. Once you have the layout down, you need to start drawing the map of all your storage. Remember, you want to use every centimetre of space that you’ve got. This means using every centimetre of your walls and ceiling, as well as the regular shelf space. Racks are probably your best option, but you need to ensure that they’re properly mounted to not put anyone’s life in danger. This is especially true when it comes to ceiling racks. All-in-all, take your time and keep in mind that you also need to have some manoeuvring space.
Start by decluttering
Another thing you need to do is ensure that the space that you’re working with is clutter-free. Why? Well, because this will increase the efficiency of your organization, improve the visuals of the place and provide you with more space. Other than being distracting and creating obstacles, clutter also serves as a potential shelter for pests. So, by removing it, you’re also investing in the safety of your health and property. Lastly, check if you can sell, donate, or repurpose some of these items before you discard anything.
Is it also a workshop?
Some people use their garage as if it were a workshop. For this to work, you need to lay some proper infrastructure. You see, a workshop requires more than a workstation or a craftsman’s table. It also requires proper storage of materials and access to outlets for power tools. Since you also need to keep most of your tools there, you might want to consider investing in a sturdy aluminium toolbox. Still, keep in mind that a cordless might be a better option, considering how it reduces the amount of space you need, reduces a tripping hazard, and even a hazard of electrocution.
Think about the flooring
As for the flooring, this is a tad more complex than it seems. First of all, because your vehicles will spend a lot of time there, there’s a chance that, sooner or later, there will be an oil leak. This will, beyond any doubt, stain the surface below the vehicle. This is why you should carefully consider your garage flooring options. First, you have polished concrete flooring or stone flooring as the two most common (and most obvious) choices. Other than this, you can also go with rubber, vinyl, or even epoxy. Each of them has its own set of advantages and downsides.
Storage options
Previously, we’ve talked about the storage options as a part of your layout planning. Still, investing some time into research on this topic is incredibly important. First of all, you need to be aware that two traits will determine the quality of your storage. It needs to be A) secure and B) accessible. Usually, these two traits work against each other, but it’s always possible for you to find a balance. As far as your options go, the upper shelf bins, lower shelf bins, and drawers are crucial.
In conclusion, Keep in mind that every garage is different. This is why it’s far more useful to have pointers than strict organizational rules. It all depends on your needs, vehicle, and plans for the future. However, with the help of the above-listed five tips, you have what it takes to make all of this work.
How Much Does a Garage Organizer System Cost?
For many households, a garage is a place for storing vehicles and tools, sports equipment, and other gear. Eventually, however, garage clutter reaches a breaking point that makes it necessary to consider installing a garage organization system. Though garage organizing can seem like a daunting task, there are many systems available that can help you put everything in its right place. Continue reading to learn more about garage organization systems and how much it costs to install one.
Types of Garage Organization Systems
While a garage organizing system can be anything that helps you keep items in some kind of working order, there are three basic types of systems that you’ll want to consider for your garage.
- Cabinets: Garage cabinets are an excellent storage option. Although, they tend to be the most expensive organisational system. Garage cabinets keep items tucked neatly out of sight. They also help to protect them from moisture, pests, and other harm. Mix and match different sized cabinets to get a system that can store gear of all sizes. Choose steel garage cabinets for ultimate protection or plastic garage cabinets for a cost-effective storage solution.
- Shelving: Garage shelves are available in various shapes and sizes to hold all of your gardening tools, DIY equipment, and other supplies. Garage shelves have some advantages over cabinets, including the ability to more easily see where items are, simpler installation, and lower costs. With shelving, however, you need to be more vigilant about keeping things organized, so they don’t fall down and damage your car or once again end up in unorganized piles.
- Overhead: Overhead garage storage is an excellent organization system, as it completely clears up floor space and keeps gear out of sight. Overhead garage storage systems are ideal for keeping items such as camping equipment and Christmas decorations that only get taken out occasionally. While some have rope and pulley or electric leverage systems for easy access, overhead systems aren’t necessarily the best place for storing commonly used items.
Garage Organizer Average Costs
The cost of a garage organizer depends upon the type and size of the system purchased and individual rates charged by organizer installers.
Plastic, fiberboard, or resin garage cabinets might cost:
- $100 to $150 a piece for a small base unit
- $100 to $200 apiece for a 2-door unit
- $150 to $250 each for a tall storage cabinet
- $3,000 to $4,000 for a 12-piece system
Metal garage cabinets cost approximately:
- $100 to $300 a piece for a two door wall cabinet
- $200 to $400 for a tall storage cabinet
- $400 to $600 for a cabinet with drawers
- $4,000 to $5,000 for a 12-piece system
Garage shelving costs around:
- $25 to $50 for a single shelf
- $50 to $200 for a standup multi-shelf unit
- $100 to $300 for a hanging multi-shelf unit
- $300 to $600 for a hanging grid unit
- An overhead garage storage system costs roughly $100 to $300 per storage rack. A 220 lb. electric lift for overhead garage storage might cost $150 to $250.
- Small garage organizers such as baskets and pegs can cost anywhere from $5 to $50 and up.
- Professional installation of a garage organizer system might cost an additional 25% to 35%.
- You could hire a contractor to build a custom garage organization system. Depending on your needs, this could cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
7 Helpful Garage Organization Ideas
Tidy, organized garages get that way by incorporating the right garage organization ideas into their designs.
Not all garage organization ideas and products are equally effective, however. Some won’t make the best use of your garage’s available storage space.
Others may be adequately functional but lacking in providing you with a convenient level of storage versatility.
We’ve compiled a list of 7 of the most helpful garage organization ideas to turn to to keep your garage clutter-free, highly functional, and looking its best.
Garage organization ideas to maximize storage space
Take a look at how your garage is currently set up to accommodate the items being stored in it. If it’s like most garages, it probably has a significant amount of wasted or underutilized storage space.
One of the cornerstones of good garage organization is to make the most of what you have to work within your garage space.
That means utilizing your garage walls and overhead space properly in order to maximize how much your garage can store.
A Slatwall storage system creates versatile hanging space on your garage walls by using various hanging accessories to keep items neatly stored. Slatwall storage is one of the most effective garage organization ideas available for reclaiming your valuable garage floor space.
In addition to your garage walls, look to your underused garage ceiling space to find plenty of precious storage space. Overhead storage racks are an excellent way to give you more garage storage options.
garage organization ideas Slatwall
Everything from tools to sports equipment to a garden hose has its place with a Slatwall storage system.
Garage organization and storage ideas for vehicles
Are you unable to park in your garage due to excess clutter occupying space where your vehicles should be kept?
You’re not alone. Many home organization studies and surveys show that the garage is typically the most cluttered space in homes. Here are some examples:
- a 2017 Garage Living poll found that 20% of the 1,500 respondents were unable to park in their garage
- a U.S. Dept. of Energy study shows that 25% of homeowners with 2-car garages don’t park in them at all
- an in-depth UCLA study of 32 Los Angeles-area families found that 75% of them didn’t use their garages for parking
Not being able to park in your garage leaves your vehicles less secure. Parking in your driveway also exposes vehicles to exterior elements that can shorten their lifespan. Rain, snow, extreme heat and cold, and tree sap can all take a toll on a vehicle’s body.
One of the more practical garage organization ideas for creating more parking space is to get a car lift. They’re a great alternative to having to undergo a garage expansion.
Car lifts effectively make a 1-car garage a 2-car garage, a 2-car garage, a 3-car garage (or a 4-car garage if two lifts are added), and so on.
A car lift simply takes advantage of your garage’s useable vertical space by creating an elevated vehicle parking space that allows for another vehicle to be parked below it.
Effective garage organization ideas for garden hoses
Some homes have their outdoor water connections located in the garage. That can be convenient, but it can also add to your garage clutter with garden hoses that aren’t properly stored.
A garden hose that’s left haphazardly unwound on your garage floor contributes to more disorganized garage space and is also a tripping hazard.
It’s also more likely to get damaged from vehicles driving over it or from having heavy items thrown on top of it.
When it comes to garage organization ideas for properly storing your garden hoses, a wall-mounted hose reel or high-quality hose reel cart are the perfect solutions.
Garage organization ideas for sports equipment
Bikes and other types of sports equipment can account for much of the clutter found on garage floors, especially if you have an active family that enjoys their outdoor activities.
Many of these items can pose some of the most dangerous tripping hazards in the garage, such as soccer balls, footballs, baseball bats, and skateboards.
There are numerous types of Slatwall hanging accessories designed to keep your sporting accessories well-organized and more safely stored.
Free up a little garage floor space by hanging your family’s bikes on vertical or horizontal bike hooks.
Hanging accessories specifically designed for hockey, golf, tennis, and fishing equipment are also available, as are adjustable ball racks.
Hanging deep mesh baskets are another practical multi-purpose storage option. They can be used for storing everything from sports equipment to gardening, automotive, and cleaning supplies.
Perfect garage organization ideas for seasonal items
Another common garage floor clutter culprit has infrequently used items, especially seasonal items. Examples include:
- storage bins
- seasonal tires
- patio furniture
- out-of-season sporting equipment
Some of these items won’t be needed for months on end, so it’s a shame to have them needlessly sitting on your garage floor.
More often than not, these items are also bulky and heavy, which only makes them take up more space and become a hassle to navigate around.
Overhead storage racks are an ideal solution to handle your heavy-duty garage storage needs. Just store those bulky items up in the air and out of the way.
Freestanding industrial storage units might be more suited to your needs for less bulky items. And a proper wall-mounted tire storage rack is perfect for your seasonal tire storage requirements.
Clever garage organization ideas for tools
With all of the yard tools and hand tools you’ll collect over the years, there’s seemingly never enough garage storage space available in order to keep them all effectively organized.
How much time have you wasted looking for that one particular wrench or garden hand trowel, only to give up and end up buying a replacement? Naturally, you’ll find the lost item months later.
Invest in some better storage systems with some garage organization ideas aimed at keeping all of your tools easy to find.
Slatwall storage is recommended for both yard tools and smaller hand tools that can be stored on easy-to-access hanging racks, holders, and magnetic toolbars.
For larger or more expensive tool collections (possibly as part of a garage workshop), there’s nothing better than a garage cabinet system.
Garage organization design ideas
Clearly, appearance plays a huge part in a garage feeling like a clean, organized space. Having things neat and tidy is important, but keeping clutter reduced is only part of the battle.
Don’t overlook the importance of garage organization design as well.
Are all of those organized items stored in a garage with a damaged, dull-looking garage floor? Do your storage systems have an outdated look?
Is your garage still lit by a couple of dim incandescent light bulbs? Perhaps your garage walls are still unfinished even after years of owning your home.
It’s details like these that matter with a garage’s aesthetics. Upgrading these areas will help your efforts to utilize the garage organization ideas listed here to make even more of a difference to how your garage looks, feels, and functions.
Consider supplementing your improved garage organization systems with a new garage floor coating and improved energy-efficient LED garage lighting to illuminate your space better.
And take advantage of custom garage design options that make it easier to come up with effective and stylish garage colour schemes.