When it comes to organizing your garage, the process isn’t all that simple. There are a million different ways you can organize and some things you must keep in mind when doing it. Follow this guide of ideas, steps and tips when it comes to cleaning and maximizing your garage space.
Garage Organization Ideas
1. Garage Wire Shelving
This is one of the easiest small garage storage ideas. Simple, inexpensive shelves, hooks and baskets are a quick and easy way to maximize your garage space.
2. Save Floor Space By Vertically Stacking Bins
Plastic storage bins are great for separating and organizing your equipment.
3. Small Garage Overhead Storage
You can utilize the garage ceiling for storing light and medium-weight seasonal items, and this will only take you a day to build!
4. Flexible Garage Storage Wall
With this storage idea, you’ll need to be able to outline storage space for the narrow alley between the garage side wall and your car. You’ll also have to construct a solid mounting surface to hold shelves and hooks and ensure they’re strong enough to carry heavy items.
5. Add Garage Storage Cabinets
Simple garage storage cabinets will be worth your time and money, as well as make for a great garage improvement project.
6. Garage Corner Shelves
Garage corner shelves are easy, take no time and are extremely affordable.
7. Simple Overhead Storage for Small Garages
You can cement a simple rack from 2″ PVC pipes with fittings to stow your bulky items.
8. Garage Storage Tubes
Use simple, affordable cardboard concrete-forming tubes and rest them on a piece of 2×4 while securing each one to a garage stud with a plumbing strap.
9. Monkey Bars Wall Unit
This durable system provides a custom way to keep materials and tools off the floor of your garage but still within reach.
10. Gladiator Heavy-Duty Rack
This unit is sturdy, holds up to 2,000 lbs. and is made of welded steel.
How To Organize Your Garage
1. Draft a Floor Plan of Your Garage
You’ll find that most garage-organizing system manufacturers provide free space planning, so you can use their services. Be sure to record your garage’s dimensions and the sizes and location of the spaces in your garage before buying anything.
2. Keep All Items Off the Garage Floor
Keep all items off the garage floor whenever possible to free up more space for your car and to avoid having to sort through messy piles.
3. Necessary Garage Storage Products
- Clear-plastic stackable bins with lids.
- Different sizes of clear jars for sorting items.
- Lockable cabinets for storing important items like lawn chemicals.
- Portable label maker.
4. Why Open Shelves Are Better Than Closed Cabinets
Open shelves are more affordable and easier to access, while closed cabinets allow for disorganization. This is because you’re able to hide the evidence, so they’ll quickly become messy.
5. Install Vertical Organizing Systems
- Pegboard: They’re easy to install and customizable, but aren’t sturdy enough to hang heavy objects.
- Track-based systems: They can handle heavier objects, but you have to make sure the track is level so that the standards hang straight.
- Panelized Systems: You can utilize every square inch of wall space, but you need trained professionals to install some systems.
6. Utilize the Overhead Space Wisely
Be sure that the shelves you hang from the ceiling do not interfere with the operation of your garage door. Also, make sure there’s enough clearance to avoid scraping the roof of your car.
7. Build a Workbench
For the occasional DIYer, a wall-mount fold-down model offers a sturdy surface and tucks out of the way when not in use.
8. Stop Air Leaks Between the Garage and House
Remember to check the ceilings and walls your garage shares with your house for any gaps. Seal the small gaps with caulk, larger ones with expandable spray foam.
9. Consider Investing in Door and Window Locks
If your garage door is left open and the door to the house is unlocked, then a break-in is likely to occur. You may want to secure the entry door with a deadbolt and always keep your garage windows locked.
What Shouldn’t You Store in a Garage?
1. Paint Storage
They should be stored in a more temperate area because extreme temperatures can ruin it.
2. Propane Storage
You should always keep these outdoors because a spark could ignite the fumes.
3. Paper Goods
These attract bugs and should be kept in your pantry.
4. Refrigerator
This will drain too much energy since the space isn’t air-conditioned.
5. Pet Food
Rodents will be attracted to this if it’s not kept in a sealed container inside.
Conclusion
Utilize this guide to properly organize your garage and avoid many common mistakes made when trying to improve a garage. Contact us or visit our website for more information.