Ideas to Maximize Your Garage

Garages are often a sad afterthought in most suburban homes. We cram our trash cans, gardening tools, sports equipment, and Christmas decorations in them. If we’re lucky, we might be able to squeeze at least one vehicle into our garage, but that’s only if we have managed to unpack the moving boxes that have been sitting in the middle of the floor for the last couple of years.

Yes, we all can relate to the perils of a cluttered garage, and many of us have even had it at the top of our “to-do list” for several springs, vowing that this will be the year when we can finally find our tools without tripping over our spouse’s golf clubs!

Although it seems impossible, having a well-organized, clutter-free garage is an attainable goal. Today, there are many options available to homeowners to help us bring order out of chaos and create a space in our homes that is useful and productive.

Check out these ideas on how to maximize your garage space!

You constantly struggle to find and store your tools in the garage if they are not well organized. To prevent this from happening and declutter your garage, you should opt for a garage storage system for better organization and storage of your tools and accessories. Check out these ideas on how to maximize your garage space.

Declutter Your Garage First

If you’ve ever tried installing a storage system in your garage, you know it can be a lot of work. But if you’re not careful, you might spend even more time and money on the project than you need to—and who wants to do that?

So, before we get into how to declutter your garage, here are some reasons why it’s so important to do so before installing a storage system:

  1. You’ll see exactly what needs to go where. 
  2. If things are broken or outdated – throw them out or find another home for them. Remember, your goal is a neat and organized garage; you won’t get there by just moving things around.
  3. Gently negotiate with family members things that might be of sentimental value to them. Decide together if the garage is an appropriate place to store their items and if there is space for them.
  4. When it comes time for installation, it’ll be easier because there will be less clutter!

Where to put all those things in your garage?

One way to make your garage look more organized and inviting is to install storage units. These storage units will be easier for you to put away things neatly. It will also be easier for you to find items instantly. 

Various storage options are available for garages, depending on their type. You might consider installing storage units for unused space or areas in your garage. The best materials for this use are those that are well-made and sturdy.

Installing Storage System

Storage System

Installing a storage system in your garage can be done DIY. But if you want a more comprehensive storage solution, enlist the help of a professional. Their experience will enable them to find and create the extra storage space you need to stash your items. These professionals will work with you to develop a customized plan that takes advantage of all the space possible for organizing your storage.

1. Garage Cabinets

Garage cabinets are the most common form of storage, as they are necessary for storing items such as tools, oils, cleaning supplies, and related articles. Garage cabinets range from simple and cheap to fancy and expensive. Some materials used in garage cabinets are plastic, aluminum, steel, or wood (medium-density fiberboard.) The material you choose for your cabinets will largely depend upon costs and what you intend to use them for.

2. Overhead Storage

Overhead storage systems are a great way to maximize the square footage in your garage, almost doubling the amount you can store. Overhead storage systems have many offerings that allow you to choose between open and closed cabinets and shelves. This is an excellent solution for items you don’t often need, such as holiday decorations, luggage, and other supplies. Some overhead storage even allows you to hang bicycles or similar equipment from the bottom of their shelves, giving you easy access to them while keeping them off your garage floor.

Tip: label your individual containers so that you can find them easily.

3. Garage Shelves

Shelving can be one of the most convenient options for garage storage. It won’t take up much floor space if any. Shelves are an excellent way to utilize vertical space and maximize the storage potential of your garage. Check out some of these popular options for garage shelving:

  • Open Shelves – Open shelves are great if you want things on display and easily accessible. You can get any open shelf made from metal or more elaborate ones with built-in lighting and drawers.
  • Floating Wall Shelves – These are great for storing items that need to be hidden away from view but are also easily accessible. They’re perfect for storing large items like tools or paint cans.
  • Ceiling-Mount Shelves – Ceiling-mounted shelves are perfect for storing smaller items like bins or small tools that don’t take up much room but still need to be stored somewhere out of sight so they don’t clutter up your space.

4. Hooks and Racks

Hooks and racks are a good option for garage storage, mainly when they are part of a whole garage system. With sturdy hooks, you can hang everything from small hand tools to cleaning equipment and even ladders on hooks and racks installed inside the garage. The great thing about hooks and racks is that they keep the items visible, which makes them more accessible whenever you need them.

5. Bike Storage

Bike storage is essential to keep bikes from falling over or piling up on the floor. Storing bikes properly also protects the bikes themselves from damage. Bike hooks or racks can be attached directly to the wall or be part of a grid system. If you have an overhead shelving system, you can purchase bike hooks that easily attach to the shelves and allow you to hang the bikes off the floor. Keeping your bikes properly stored will allow you to park your car and lawn equipment in your garage.

Things to Consider Before Buying Storage Systems

We’re all looking for ways to maximize our storage space. But to do this properly, you must ensure that you have the right storage system. Here are a few things to consider: 

  • Type – There are various types of storage systems available in garages. Shelving, wall tool hanging systems, cabinets, and overhead shelving help to store tools and other items. Wall tool hanging systems have several advantages, as do other storage systems. 
  • Size – Choosing the right storage system for your garage depends on what you want to store. Once you determine the garage storage system you want, consider how big it needs to be to accommodate all your tools and accessories. This is a crucial decision to make before buying a storage system, especially when investing in custom cabinets.
  • Weight Capacity – If you plan to store heavy equipment on the rack, consider the storage system’s weight capacity. While many systems are designed to bear hundreds of pounds without giving up, you should opt for a burly system instead of one that is too lightweight because it could break under strain.
  • Materials – The material of your garage storage system is determined by what you want to store on your shelves and how much you want to spend. You can use re-purposed items, plastic bins and shelves, stainless steel systems, or custom cabinets.
  • Installation – The last thing you want is the storage system you buy to take an entire weekend to assemble. Sound storage systems are easy to install and have easy instructions so anyone can assemble them. However, if you work with a garage organization company, make sure that you clearly understand the terms of their contract, the warranty on their product, and their installation work.
  • Warranty – When buying a storage system, ensure it can withstand the beating of loading and unloading heavy tools onto it. Also, get multi-year warranties, so you have peace of mind to return the product if it goes sideways.

Final Words

So now that we’ve covered how to maximize your garage space by installing a storage system, it’s time to go out and do it! Your home will be more organized and tidy, have more room for activities in the garage, and feel like a rockstar when you pull up to your house. This kind of project has many benefits; now it’s up to you to start!

If you also need tips on how you can protect the floor of your garage, you may check out our Guide to Selecting Garage Floor Coverings and Mats for the best recommendations.