Organizing Your Garage
Garage storage and organization is often overlooked as homeowners focus on living spaces that are used more often. But with the right storage solutions, you can turn your garage into a well-designed and functional area, and possibly declutter your house at the same time.
To get started on transforming this multi-use space, here’s how to determine which storage solutions best fit your needs.
Evaluate what you need: Pinpoint exactly what items you need to organize. Besides parking their car, people often want dedicated areas for storing tools, sports equipment, car supplies, holiday decor and gardening supplies including bulky lawnmowers and snowblowers. If you have a family, and your home doesn’t have a mudroom, consider installing lockers or specialized storage for each family member. This will help keep winter coats, boots and other bulky, person-specific items organized. If you’re an avid gardener or enjoy doing home renovations, you may want to consider including a workbench.
Anchor the space with built-in cabinets: Cabinets can organize a variety of items, including tools, bike helmets and small gardening supplies. With everything hidden away, you can minimize clutter and streamline the overall look of the space. Adjustable shelves within the cabinets allow you to customize the space to suit your needs.
Utilize vertical space: Using slat walls, racks, hooks, baskets and bins will help you get items off the floor. These storage solutions are perfect for organizing tools, bikes, skis, golf clubs, shovels, and recycling bins.
Add shelving: Store boxes, bins, flower pots, camping equipment, and more with customized shelving that fits your needs. Go high with items you don’t regularly use, like holiday decorations and luggage, and use the space below for storing items you access more often.
Incorporate storage details: To make the most out of your space, add drawers for smaller items or use a magnetic strip for drill bits and small tools that can get lost in drawers. Labeling cabinets, bins, and boxes will help keep you organized. Consider painting cabinet doors with chalkboard paint for quick labeling that you can change when needed. Using clear storage jars, totes and bins for small items like nails and screws allow you to quickly find the item you’re looking for.