With a few creative hacks, you can transform your garage into an organized and efficient space. The most important thing to remember is that every inch of storage space counts!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Here are some key takeaways from “Maximizing Storage in Your Garage: Hacks and Tips”: |
| 1. Consider using vertical space by installing shelves, hooks, and magnetic strips on walls. |
| 2. Create separate zones in your garage for different categories of items, such as sports equipment or gardening tools. |
| 3. Use overhead storage to free up floor space and keep less frequently used items out of the way. |
| 4. Utilize storage containers, labels, and clear plastic bins to keep items organized and easy to find. |
| 5. Regularly declutter and maintain your garage to prevent it from becoming cluttered again in the future. |
1. Start By Decluttering
The first step in maximizing your storage space is removing all unnecessary items from the garage. This means taking out anything that you don’t use, or are not using enough to justify keeping it there.
If an item is broken or damaged beyond repair, throw it away or donate it to charity rather than storing it for another day when you may never get around to fixing it.
If an item has been expired for more than 2 years, throw that out as well it’s probably now just a source of bacteria and mold growth in your otherwise clean-looking garage!
Finally, if you’re on the fence about whether or not an item could be useful someday but know that if you keep it in storage now, chances are good that “someday” will never come around, then do yourself a favor and get rid of that thing before its uselessness starts weighing on your mind.[
If you live in a small apartment and need creative solutions for organizing your space, our guide on maximizing storage in small spaces can help. From utilizing vertical space to using multifunctional furniture, there are many ways to create extra storage space in your home.
2. Maximize The Height Of Your Garage
If your garage is like most garages, you probably have a lot of stuff crammed into it. And if you’ve tried to store things in the traditional way, then you know how hard it can be to find anything when you need it.
But there are ways to maximize storage in your garage without making any structural changes or having to purchase new storage units that take up more space than they save. Here are some hacks we use:
The first thing we did was remove everything from our garage and put all our tools and supplies on shelves that we installed on the walls at various heights (our lowest shelf is about eye level).
We also used some leftover wood scraps to create makeshift shelves where items would normally slide off each other onto the floor (underneath our cars).
| Item | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable Overhead Garage Storage | SafeRacks | Ceiling-mounted steel garage storage rack that can hold up to 600 pounds, with adjustable height and width settings. |
| Wall-Mounted Cabinet | NewAge Products | Multi-functional wall-mounted storage cabinet for garage organization, features adjustable shelves and a lockable door for security. |
| Garage Gladiator Rack | Gladiator | Heavy-duty steel rack designed for attaching to walls or ceilings, features adjustable shelves and hooks for custom storage configurations. |
| Mobile Garage Storage Cabinet | Husky | A mobile storage cabinet with adjustable shelves, perfect for organizing smaller items that need to be moved around the garage. |
| Rolling Pegboard Tool Storage | Wall Control | A freestanding pegboard tool storage system on wheels with built-in shelves, bins, and hooks, accessible from all sides for easy use. |
This table provides a list of creative storage solutions designed for crowded garages. The items are from various brands, with each item having a brief description of its features and capabilities
3. Use A Pegboard To Organize Your Tools And Supplies
Pegboards are a great way to organize your tools and supplies. They’re easy to install and clean, so you can set them up in any room of your house or garage.
You probably have enough pegboard installed already, but if you don’t, they are available in many different sizes and shapes.
Pegboards work well with hanging tools like hammers and screwdrivers because they keep them off the floor where they can get dirty or damaged by water spilled on the ground. Use hooks for hanging items like tape measures or staples that are too small for the larger holes in the pegboard itself.
Living in a tiny apartment doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice organization. Our guide on efficiently organizing your tiny apartment provides practical tips for making the most of limited space. From using door organizers to building storage into your bed frame, these tips will help you create a more organized home.
4. Purchase Some Multi-Use Containers To Store Small Parts
Use a plastic container with a lid to keep small parts organized. Not only will the lid prevent them from spilling out, they’ll be protected from dust and water as well.
If you’re storing something that needs to be kept dry, like your gardening supplies, use an airtight container that can hold up under pressure (like these). Make sure to label it clearly so you know what’s inside!
| Item | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stackable Storage Bins | Akro-Mils | Stackable plastic bins with dividers to create custom compartments, available in various sizes and colors. |
| Portable Tool and Parts Storage Box | Craftsman | Hard plastic storage box with removable bins and a handle for easy transport, perfect for storing small parts and tools. |
| Adjustable Compartment Organizer | Plano | Clear plastic storage box with adjustable dividers that can be customized to fit different sizes of small parts. |
| Heavy Duty Storage Tote | Sterilite | 18-gallon plastic storage tote with a snap-on lid that can keep small parts secure, stackable up to six totes tall. |
| Drawer-Style Parts Storage Cabinet | Durham Manufacturing | A cabinet with pull-out drawers in various sizes, perfect for storing and organizing small parts like nuts, bolts, and screws. |
This table provides a list of different multi-use containers ideal for storing small parts like screws, bolts, or nails. The products listed are from various brands, with each item having a brief description of its features and capabilities.
5. Use Magnetic Wallet Strips To Contain Small Parts
If you’ve got a lot of small parts that are easy to lose, consider using magnetic wallet strips to keep them organized.
Magnetic wallet strips make it easy to find your small parts and keep them in their designated places. You can use these in the garage, or in the kitchen, garage or workshop.
Whether you’re working on a project around the house or repairing something broken down on your car—these wallet strips will help keep all those little screws and bolts from being scattered across your workspace.
In addition to keeping screws organized, you can also use these magnetic tools for holding other items such as paper clips and thumbtacks!
Basements can be one of the most cluttered areas of the home. If you need help getting yours under control, check out our guide on decluttering your basement. From creating zones to using shelves and bins, our tips will help you create a more organized and efficient space.
6. Make A Bike Rack Out Of Old Wood Pallets
It’s a lot of work, but it can be done. You’ll need to get your hands on some pallets and some saws. The first step is to cut the pallets into pieces (this can be done at home or by a professional).
Then you’ll need to drill holes in each piece of wood, which will allow the pieces to be connected with wood glue.
Once the glue has set and everything’s dry, use a mallet or other heavy object with some weight behind it and hammer those boards into place!
Once your bike rack is installed in your garage, you will have plenty of storage space for all your bikes and room for more if needed!
7. Turn A Door Into A Storage Shelf
While many people have their doors removed in order to use more of the space on either side, you can also utilize the door by turning it into a shelf.
You can do this by removing the door completely or simply cutting it down to size. If you plan on keeping your garage door, consider purchasing a small shelving unit or making one yourself and placing it below your existing garage door (make sure that it can hold up whatever weight is being placed on top).
If you don’t want to remove or cut down your existing garage door, there are other ways that turn doors into storage shelves.
Some people install bookcases around their garages with metal brackets attached directly above where they want them positioned; others use metal rods that fit through holes drilled into both sides of each shelf for maximum stability and longevity.
Whether you have a small living room or just need to maximize your space, our guide on clever storage solutions has got you covered. From using hidden storage to incorporating multifunctional furniture, there are plenty of options to help you create more space in your home.
8. Hang Up Those Garden Tools!
So you’ve got your garage filled with all of your gardening tools, but it’s hard to keep track of them.
You could use pegboard to hang the main ones and then try to keep everything organized by using smaller hooks on the wall or ceiling.
But if you want something more permanent than a hook (and who doesn’t?), try hanging up your tools by their handles instead!
This way, you can quickly find what tool is needed without having to open up every single box of stuff in storage and it’ll save space too because there won’t be any wasted empty space left over after everyone else has gone home for the day.”
| Item | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Mounted Garden Tool Organizer | Rubbermaid | All-in-one organizer that can store up to 30 tools and has 20 hooks and various slots for different tools. |
| 8-Foot Long Tool Organizer | Monkey Bars | A heavy-duty steel bar with six adjustable plastic hooks for storing long-handled garden tools. |
| Magnetic Tool Holder | Master Magnetics | A 24-inch magnetic bar that holds up to 20 pounds of metal tools, ideal for easy access and visibility. |
| Garden Tool Rack | Suncast | A freestanding plastic rack that can store up to 30 tools, with slots for small and large tools and a removable bin. |
| Compact Garden Tool Storage Rack | Racor | A wall-mounted tool rack with six adjustable hooks, designed to be compact and space-saving. |
This table provides a list of different hanging solutions for garden tools to help keep them organized and easily accessible. The products are from various brands, and each item has a brief description of its features and capabilities.
9. Lids Off! Store Lids In File Organizers To Keep Them Together And Organized
If you have a lot of lids, storing them in file organizers is an easy way to keep them organized and tidy.
File organizers are inexpensive, so it’s not hard to buy several different sizes for different types of containers. It’s also easy to find them in packs of 4 or 5 at most stores that carry office supplies, making your purchase more cost effective as well.
Storing lids vertically is best if you’re trying to make sure they stay upright and don’t get knocked over easily while they’re waiting on their matching container (no one wants sauce all over the floor).
Storing lids horizontally makes more sense if space is limited; this way each lid fits snugly against its neighbors instead of falling forward into the aisle between shelves when someone bumps into them accidentally.
If your office is cluttered with papers and documents, our guide on effectively storing papers can help. From using binders to creating a filing system, there are plenty of ways to keep papers organized and easily accessible. Plus, with less clutter, you’ll be able to work more efficiently.
10. Use Toilet Paper Rolls To Keep Golf Gloves In Their Pairs And Organized
Keeping your golf gloves in pairs can be tricky. To simplify the process, try using a toilet paper roll to keep them organized. Simply place each glove on top of its corresponding roll and put it all in a box or basket.
This method will keep your golfing gear together and easy to access when you need it! If you have multiple sets of golf gloves that need organizing, use multiple toilet paper rolls as dividers between the pairs (or just get creative with some other household item).
11. Add Hooks To Your Ceiling Rafters For Storing Large Items, Like Tires Or Lumber
Use a drill and screwdriver to install hooks in the ceiling rafters.
Hang items from the hooks.
Use heavy-duty hooks, because you’re going to be storing some pretty heavy stuff up there!
If you want to make sure your installation is straight, use a level! That way, you know it’s straight up and down before putting anything on there.
You don’t want something leaning off center and falling down into your car or garage floor below!
| Item | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Swivel Ceiling Hooks | Crawford | Multi-purpose swivel ceiling hooks for heavy-duty applications. |
| Garage Ceiling Hooks | StoreYourBoard | Pack of six hooks rated for up to 250 lbs each, perfect for storing large items. |
| Ceiling Mount Storage Hooks | Gladiator | Steel hooks in an attractive graphite finish, designed to mount onto ceiling rafters. |
| Utility Hook | Rubbermaid | Pack of four hooks that can hold up to 50 lbs each, ideal for storing items like tires or planters. |
| Ceiling Mount Bike Hoist | RAD Cycle Products | Heavy-duty bike hoist designed for use on garage ceiling rafters. |
This table provides a list of various hooks and hoists for ceiling rafter storage of large items, such as tires or lumber. The products listed are from various brands, with each item having a brief description of its features and capabilities.
12. Store Paint Cans By Placing Them On Their Sides
This will prevent the liquid from sloshing around in an unruly fashion and thus, prevent the paint from getting mixed up with other paints in your garage.
Keep paints away from heat sources such as radiators, heaters or even windowsills since these can cause the liquid inside to thicken prematurely and permanently ruin your paint job.
Store your paints out of direct sunlight so they don’t dry up too quickly and keep them in a cool, dry place like a basement or garage instead of an attic that gets very hot during summer months.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we’ve given you some inspiration and ideas for how to maximize your garage storage. There are so many possibilities! Don’t forget that it can be fun (and rewarding) to declutter and organize your garage.
In fact, the more you improve its organization and appearance, the more likely you are to use it as a destination rather than just a place where things go when they aren’t needed elsewhere in the house.
What hacks have worked for you? Let us know in the comments below!
Further Reading
Here are more articles to help you make the most of your garage space:
Architectural Digest: The Best Garage Storage Ideas – This article provides some of the best ideas for garage storage, including using slatwalls, mobile cabinets, and overhead storage.
Family Handyman: 37 Brilliant Ways to Organize Your Garage – If you need more inspiration for organizing your garage, this article has 37 different ideas on how to do so, ranging from using magnetic strips to organizing your garden tools.
Proslat: Maximizing Storage Space in Your Garage: Tips and Tricks – The Proslat blog provides various tips and tricks on maximizing storage space in your garage, including using wall and ceiling storage, creating zones to organize your items, and investing in heavy-duty shelving.
FAQs
How do I start organizing my garage?
Start by taking everything out of your garage and sorting it into piles, such as keep, donate, or sell. Then, create an overall plan for your space, such as where to store your items and how much storage space you need. From there, start organizing and storing your items according to the plan.
How do I maximize storage space in my garage?
Maximizing storage space in your garage involves utilizing every available inch of space, such as walls and ceilings. Using shelves, cabinets, and hooks also help in keeping your items organized and easily accessible.
What are the best garage storage solutions?
The best garage storage solutions will vary depending on your space and needs. However, some popular solutions include slatwall systems, overhead storage racks, and heavy-duty shelving.
How often should I declutter my garage?
It is recommended to declutter your garage at least once a year, if not twice a year, to keep the space organized and prevent it from becoming cluttered. Regular decluttering also ensures that you only keep what you need and use.
How can I maintain an organized garage?
Maintaining an organized garage requires creating a system for storing your items and sticking to it consistently. Regularly cleaning and decluttering your garage also helps in keeping it organized and functional.
Hi there! My name is Hellen James. I’m a professional decluttering expert who loves to help people get their homes in order. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—from high school students to retirees and everything in between—to help them clear out clutter and make the most of their space so they can focus on what matters most to them.