What’s the one thing that makes a garage look disorganized more than anything else? Floor clutter. According to an Impulse Research survey, a messy garage interior is why a quarter of homeowners are embarrassed to leave their garage doors open. And you can guarantee that as a garage becomes overrun by clutter, a sharp decline in its functionality will follow. One day you’ll find that your vehicles are no longer being parked inside your garage because there’s no room for them. Finding anything in your garage becomes a regular headache.
If too much clutter is negatively affecting how your garage is being used, it’s a good bet one (or more) of these reasons is at fault:
- your garage lacks proper storage systems altogether
- you’ve had a “just store it in the garage for now” mentality for household items for too long
- your existing garage storage systems are ineffective or outdated
- the storage space in your garage isn’t being utilized to the best of its ability
Those first two points are a fairly obvious cause of garage clutter, but you might be surprised at how much of a difference that the last factor can have on the tidiness of a garage. Making better use of what your existing garage space has to offer is something most homeowners overlook when it comes to finding more storage space, possibly because it’s almost too obvious. The key to unlocking your garage’s full storage potential isn’t to make the space bigger with a pricey garage expansion.
You can actually solve your garage storage problems simply by using two spaces hiding in plain sight more effectively – your garage’s wall and ceiling space. Getting creative and properly utilizing these two commonly underused storage areas can transform an untidy garage into an efficient, organized space.
The Differences Between Storage Grade & Garage Grade Cabinets.
Garage cabinets can be constructed in different ways to satisfy different uses. This means garage storage is separated into two categories — storage grade and garage grade. The garage cabinets are built to different specifications depending on whether the homeowner is requesting “garage grade” or “storage grade.” These classifications also come with different price tags. That’s why it is important to understand the differences. You want the right storage for your needs that will safely do the job without overpaying.
Garage Grade
Garage grade offers heavy-duty storage systems. Any commercial application would definitely require this level of storage because of the heavy use it typically receives in these applications. Auto service centres, professional woodworking shops, and motor repair are a few of the types of businesses that might use garage grade storage. But there are some homeowners who also need this. The woodworking hobbyist who owns a lot of heavy saws and tools is one. The sports car or antique automobile collector is another example. It takes a heavy-duty cabinet to handle the storage of car parts. Be sure to choose garage grade if you think you might want to keep a spare engine or transmission in your garage cabinets. A lighter system simply can’t handle the weight.
Storage Grade
On the other hand, Storage grade is perfect for the homeowner who has a lot of toys, sporting goods, gardening tools, bags of fertilizer, and light automotive supplies to get up off the floor. Keeping a few cans of oil and bottles of windshield washer solvent on hand does not require garage grade cabinets. Storage grade cabinets will usually suffice. They are the same quality as your typical pantry or closet organizers. The only difference is that storage grade garage cabinets are always floor-based and use garage legs to keep the cabinets off the cement floor. Garage legs are small plastic or metal feet that raise the storage cabinets off the floor, preventing moisture damage. They are also adjustable in height, making them perfect for levelling cabinets on an uneven garage floor. Storage grade cabinets are typically less expensive than garage grade components. Both may look similar in appearance, but they are built for different applications, thus the difference in price.
Think about how you plan to use your garage storage and plan for the right type of cabinetry. That way, you’re more likely to get the quality you need without overpaying. Think of it the way you would when selecting an automobile. For example, say you like nature and camping. Will an SUV built for leisure use suffice, or do you need a vehicle made for off-roading? The only one who can answer that question is you. So buy the right storage for the way you intend to use it.
Why Invest In Garage Storage At All?
There are many reasons to invest in garage storage. A clean garage ensures there will always be room for the car — something many garages haven’t seen in years. A well-designed garage storage system can also turn your messy garage into usable square footage for your home. It’s a space where children can run around and ride their scooters on rainy days. Through the addition of a workbench or other amenities, they allow homeowners a place to indulge in hobbies that they might not otherwise be able to engage in at home. What’s more, they increase your home’s safety. The opportunity to include locked cabinets in your design provides a place to store sharp tools and chemicals/poison so that children and pets can’t access them. With multiple price points available through storage grade and garage grade systems, there’s certain to be a garage storage system that fits your needs.
Most companies will offer either storage grade or garage grade cabinetry and organizers. This is because different machinery is needed in the manufacturing process of these two systems. A company will typically invest in one or the other. Garage organization specialists will typically offer only garage grade. On the other hand, a closet company that also handles garage organizations will usually offer only storage grade because that is what is used on closets. Closet Works, however, offers both types of garage cabinets. Homeowners purchasing from Closet Works can order garage grade, storage grade, or a combination of the two (such as storage grade mudroom organizers near the door and heavy-duty cabinets and shelving for the workshop area). We hope you will consider Closet Works for all of your garage storage needs.
19 Best Garage Storage Ideas for Maximizing Space
Organizing your garage is a daunting task, but we’ve got you covered with these garage storage ideas for maximizing space.
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate, and items are in stock as of the time of publication.
Customized Garage Storage
If your garage looks like a junk shop, this storage project can solve the problem. With this simple, customizable system, you can build full walls of storage that are easily accessible behind attractive sliding doors.
Upgraded Pegboard Garage Storage Wall
This garage organization system is easy to reconfigure as your needs change — so easy you could rearrange it every season. All you have to do is pull out pegs and insert them elsewhere. You can move a shelf in seconds, make a new one in minutes or create an entirely new arrangement.
Install an Attic Lift
Having attic space above your garage just about doubles your storage options. But carrying stuff up the ladder is a hassle and can be dangerous. An attic lift makes the chore safe and effortless. You can even store things like a lawnmower or snow blower that you wouldn’t think of hauling up a ladder.
A lift is easy to install if your garage has the right bones, and it uses power you likely already have. We’ll tell you what you need to know before you buy and walk you through the installation.
Compact Folding Workbench with Storage
Here’s a workspace that’s huge and accessible from all sides yet folds up and stows away easily. If you don’t have room for a full-size permanent workbench but really need space to spread things out, this workbench is it.
It opens to a 4-ft. x 7-ft. surface with both wings up yet closes and rolls into a 4-ft. x 18-in. spot in the corner of the room. It’s a perfect workspace for the garage or basement.
Super-Capacity Tool Cart
This tool cart would make a great addition to any workspace, but it’s especially perfect for a garage workshop. It brings your whole tool arsenal within easy reach during a project while taking up minimal floor space, leaving plenty of room for your car when the job is done.
It’s also adaptable — easy to build as shown and easy to alter. You can add or subtract drawers and shelves to meet your needs.
Super Garage Storage-Simplified
The benefits of this storage solution are limitless! You only need two power tools and a weekend or less. This storage idea turns the whole wall into storage space. You can move shelves or hooks instantly, customizing them to your specific needs.
Sliding Ceiling Storage
If all the stuff in your garage is within easy reach, you’re probably wasting lots of storage space. The high spaces may not be prime real estate for often-used tools, but they’re perfect for long-term storage.
Double-Decker Garage Shelves
To keep things uncluttered, one of the first places to utilize extra space is along the walls. This double-decker shelf unit can be made in one day and only costs between $20-$100. These shelves provide three storage options to organize a multitude of items.
Build a Dog Washing Station
With a dog washing station in the garage, the mess never has to come inside. In addition, a pull-out staircase makes it easy for any dog to step up to a comfortable working height, so you don’t have to stoop to wash those dirty paws. And all your cleaning supplies store neatly inside the steps.
Garage Corner Shelves
Who couldn’t use a few more shelves in the garage? Of course, you probably already have shelves in the obvious spots, but what about in the corners? This nifty corner shelf unit takes advantage of existing studs. It’s fast, easy and cheap, and it’s great for can storage.
Use scrap plywood or oriented strand board to make shelves that fit snugly between the corner studs and support them with 1×1 cleats. These corner shelves are perfect for storing smaller items such as glues, oils, waxes and polishes, which get lost on larger shelves.
Build a Fold Down Workbench
Every good workshop (even if it’s just a sliver of your garage) needs a quality workbench with ample storage. Begin this space-saving starter workbench in the morning, and you’ll be using it to work on projects by the evening!
Store More on Walls
If you mount hooks, brackets and other hardware only on studs, you’re wasting lots of opportunities for garage storage ideas. Try adding a layer of 3/4-in. Plywood over the drywall or bare studs. That gives you a continuous fastening surface so you can mount storage hardware easily, arrange items in a space-efficient way and cram more stuff onto the wall.
Mechanized Storage Lift for Your Garage
Lots of garages are crammed full of stuff — every inch of storage space within arm’s reach is used up. But chances are you have plenty of empty space near the ceiling. High shelving is a great option for taking advantage of that space, but we wanted to create something convenient to access.
Slanted Garden Rack
For large gardening tools like rakes and shovels, this slanted rack is ideal. This project uses space creatively because the rack is built on the garage studs. These racks can be made for less than $20 and take only minutes to assemble.
Space-Saving Sliding Shelves
Rollout shelves and sliding bypass units can make more efficient use of the sidewalls of your garage. The bypass unit adds 50 per cent more storage for long-handled tools and all sorts of items that take up too much wall space. You simply slide the shelves to either side to access the stuff behind.
Joist Space Storage
Don’t waste all that space between joists in a basement or garage. Screw wire shelving to the underside of the joists. A 4-ft. x 12-in. length of wire shelving and a pack of plastic clips (sold separately) costs about $30. Don’t forget that wire shelving also shines on walls.
Ladder Storage
An extension ladder is one of the most difficult things to store. When you need to use it, it has to be easy to get to. But there are long stretches when it just gets in the way of everything else in your garage.
Here’s a good solution: Mount it on your garage ceiling on sturdy racks made of scrap 2x4s that are screwed into the ceiling joists. Use two 3-1/2-in. Screws at each joint to make the rack secure. These racks make it easy to slide the ladder out when you need it. Just make sure to position the racks where they won’t interfere with your garage door.
DIY garage tool storage
This compact rack is strong and simple to build. You can store shovels, rakes, a sledgehammer and any long-handled tools conveniently up and out of the way. The unit holds up to 14 items, giving you more flexibility and storage capacity than nails pounded into the wall.
Garage Storage Tower
At a weekend you can build this DIY garage storage tower. It works great when you have big, plastic storage bins to organize. It would also work well in a basement or mudroom.