Create a Clutter-Free Garage: The Ultimate Storage Guide
This post contains affiliate links.
In the past, garages were just used for parking your car or stashing stuff you don’t need. However, as time passes, people have become more creative and innovative with the untapped potential of this extra area of the house.
They are transforming their garages from simple storage areas to more utilitarian spaces where they can relax, pursue hobbies, or entertain. To achieve this, it’s essential to be organized, as it enables you to save and maximize space. So, whether you want a personal hangout spot or a functional workspace, organizing your garage is key to achieving your goals.
To organize your garage, clear it out and use a rail system for sports gear, DIY bike racks, workbenches, closed storage, pegboards, wall tracks, and ceiling storage. Use clear bins for pantry items, and avoid mistakes like not emptying the garage, forgetting to protect yourself, and not allowing enough time.
Transform your cluttered garage into an organized and functional space by implementing a garage storage system. Learn how to maximize your garage’s potential and take your home’s storage to the next level.
I’ll explain how implementing a garage storage system can help you efficiently organize all your items, regardless of the size of your garage, while also creating a multi-functional space that you can enjoy at any time of the day. So, if you’re ready to discover some of the coolest storage tools on the market, read on, and get ready to impress your friends with your newfound garage organization prowess.
The Purpose Of The Garage Space
There is a ton you can do with your garage. You need storage that matches the purpose of your space.
Knowing the space of your garage is essential when planning to organize your garage using storage materials such as baskets, racks, or cabinets because it helps you determine the appropriate size and type of storage solution that will fit in your garage.
By understanding the dimensions and layout of your garage, you can choose storage materials that will maximize the available space, make it easier to access your tools and equipment, and create a more organized and efficient workspace.
While it’s undoubtedly practical to use the space and materials you already have in your garage, investing in proper storage solutions can significantly improve organization and maximize space.
For example, if you have a small garage, you may want to consider using compact storage solutions such as wall-mounted cabinets or hanging baskets to maximize vertical space. On the other hand, if you have a large garage, you may want to use a combination of free-standing shelves, workbenches, and wall-mounted storage systems to store your tools and equipment.
Once you have decided what storage these are, it is then easy for you to organize and make the best out of your garage and garage items. As you continue reading, you will uncover the different types of garage storage materials that will best suit your garage type and further enhance and maximize the space you have on your own terms.
Follow these basic steps to get the confidence you deserve for your very own garage.
Step 1: Clear Out Your Garage
Clearing out your garage is an essential step in achieving an organized and functional space. By removing all items, you create a blank slate which allows for a better assessment of the space and makes it easier to plan for the placement of everything.
Additionally, this presents an excellent opportunity to make use of the storage materials you have for your garage items, maximizing their capacity and efficiency. Don’t hesitate to take action and free up your garage from clutter today.
Check out the how clean the garage guide here.
Step 2: Sports Equipment, Bikes, and Scooters
Items that are used on a daily basis or frequently should be easily accessible and stored in a convenient location. This is especially true for sports equipment such as balls, bats, and helmets. A rail system can be a great option for hanging sports equipment, as it allows for easy access and keeps the items off the ground, saving valuable floor space.
By hanging sports equipment on a rail system near the front of the garage doors, you can quickly grab what you need and get on with your activities without having to search through cluttered shelves or piles.
Bikes and scooters are other frequently used items that should be stored in a convenient location.
By storing bikes and scooters on the bike rack near the front of the garage doors, you can quickly and easily access them for a ride around the neighborhood or a trip to the park.
Rubbermaid FastTrack System
Available in both long and short rail sizes, this storage system offers multiple hook options for versatile use. The hooks can be easily moved along the track, allowing for horizontal or vertical storage of bikes and other items.
Bike Racks
This storage system is designed for adult bikes but can also be used for kids’ bikes. It provides effortless and secure bike storage.
Simple Bike Hooks
Bike hooks are a straightforward solution for bike storage, requiring installation into a wall stud. With a rubber sleeve to secure the bike in place, it does require some upper-body strength to maneuver the bike on and off the hook.
In summary, the Rubbermaid FastTrack System can be used to store sports equipment such as balls, rackets, and helmets, while the Bike racks are perfect for lifting and storing multiple bikes and scooters off the ground to free up space. Finally, the Bike Hooks are great for storing a single bike securely and out of the way.
Step 3: Tools and Woodworking Items
It’s important to ensure that tools and woodworking items are stored in a safe and secure manner in the garage, especially if you have kids at home. To avoid any potential hazards, it’s recommended that such equipment should be placed towards the back of the garage where it’s less accessible to children. A workbench closed storage, and a pegboard area can be used to organize tools and make them easily accessible.
Workbenches
Workbenches are essential for any woodworking shop or man cave. They provide a sturdy surface for you to work on your projects and store your tools and equipment. Workbenches come in various sizes and styles, and you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Regardless of the size or style of your workbench, it will likely feature some form of storage for your tools and woodworking items. This might include drawers, cabinets, or shelves, as well as specialized storage compartments for specific tools or materials. By keeping your tools and supplies organized and within easy reach, you can work more efficiently and safely without having to waste time searching for the right tool or accessory.
Read our buyer’s guide for the best workbenches here.
Closed Garage Storage
Closed storage for tools and woodworking items are storage solutions that have doors, drawers, or lids that fully enclose and protect the contents from dust, debris, and damage. They are particularly useful for storing smaller items and keeping them organized and easily accessible.
Examples of closed storage options for tools and woodworking items include tool chests, tool cabinets, rolling tool boxes, and workbenches with built-in storage. These solutions often have multiple drawers and compartments that can be customized to fit specific tools and accessories. They can also be locked for added security.
Enclosed cabinets or shelves with doors can be used for larger woodworking items such as saws and sanders. These cabinets may have adjustable shelving and can be built to fit the size of the tools.
Check out the best garage cabinets in this article.
Pegboards
Pegboards are a versatile and practical storage solution that can help you organize your garage and keep your tools and equipment easily accessible such as your hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches, and power tools.
Pegboards come in various sizes, ranging from small ones that you can mount on the wall near your workbench to larger ones that cover a whole wall. You can choose the size that best fits your garage’s layout and storage needs. They also come in various colors, such as white, black, and brown, among others, and you can choose the one that matches your garage’s interior design.
This means that you can use pegboards not only as a functional storage solution but also as a decorative element that adds a touch of style and personality to your garage.
Check out the best pegboards here.
Step 4: Gardening and Yard Tools
These items can be stored along the side wall using a wall track system. Wall track systems are particularly well-suited for storing gardening tools and yard tools because they can be customized to fit a variety of sizes and shapes.
Wall Track System
A wall track system is a storage solution that consists of a rail that is mounted onto the wall, and various accessories such as hooks, baskets, and shelves that can be attached to the rail. With the right hooks and baskets, you can store everything from small hand tools like trowels and pruners to larger items like shovels and rakes. Additionally, because the accessories can be moved along the track, you can easily adjust the storage to fit your changing needs throughout the seasons.
Wall track systems are ideal for storing gardening and yard tools because they keep everything off the ground and neatly organized. This not only makes it easier to find the tools you need when you need them, but it also helps to prevent accidents and injuries by reducing clutter and tripping hazards.
Finally, by keeping your gardening and yard tools on a wall track system, you free up valuable floor space in your garage or shed, making it easier to move around and work on your projects.
Step 5: Bulk Household Supplies and Seasonal Items
Bulk household supplies should be stored close to the house entrance for easy access. Seasonal items can be stored on ceiling storage units and wall shelves. Sorting items by season can make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Garage Ceiling Storage
Ceiling storage refers to a type of storage solution that involves suspending items from the ceiling of a room, typically using hooks or brackets. In a garage or workshop, ceiling storage is often used to store large or bulky items such as bicycles, kayaks, or seasonal decorations.
Ceiling storage can help maximize the available storage space in a room by utilizing overhead space that would otherwise go unused. It can also be a great option for those who have limited floor space or want to keep their items off the floor for safety or organizational purposes.
Read our buyer’s guide for the best ceiling-mounted storage racks here.
Wall Shelves
Wall shelves are an excellent solution for storing bulky household supplies and seasonal items in your garage. They are raised off the floor, freeing up valuable floor space, and are typically anchored to the wall for stability. The shelves are supported on their shorter-length sides by brackets or other anchor points, such as cabinetry, dowels, screws, or nails.
By utilizing wall shelves in your garage, you can maximize your storage space and keep items organized and easily accessible. They are particularly useful for storing items that are not used on a daily basis, such as seasonal decorations or bulk household supplies. Wall shelves come in a variety of sizes and materials, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your garage space and storage needs.
Check out the best shelving for a garage here.
Step 6: Second Fridge and Pantry Area
A second fridge and pantry area can be an excellent addition to any garage, providing extra storage for food items that may not fit in your kitchen fridge or pantry. Clear bins with lids are an ideal way to organize the space, keeping food products visible and easy to access. The bins can be labeled for even greater organization, making it easy to find what you need quickly.
Read our buyer’s guide for the best garage fridges here.
Clear Storage Bins
Clear bins are plastic containers or boxes that are transparent or translucent, allowing you to easily see the contents inside. They come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, and are commonly used for storage and organization purposes in homes, offices, and other settings.
An example of clear bins is the Sterilite ClearView Latch Box, which is a popular brand of clear storage containers. These bins have a clear base and lid, allowing you to easily see the contents inside, and are equipped with secure latches to keep the contents safely stored. They come in various sizes, ranging from small to large, and can be used to store a wide range of items, including clothes, toys, kitchen items, and more.
Having a pantry area in the garage can also be helpful for storing bulk food items, such as canned goods and snacks. These clear bins can again be used to organize the space, making it easy to see what you have in stock. This type of organization can also help reduce food waste by preventing items from getting lost in the back of the pantry or fridge and expiring before they are used.
5 Critical Mistakes to Steer Clear of Revamp Your Garage Organization
Not Emptying The Garage All The Way
Not emptying the garage all the way when organizing it can be a mistake for a few reasons. First, when the garage is not completely empty, it can be difficult to clean and organize it thoroughly. Removing all items allows you to sweep, dust, and deep clean every corner of the garage.
Second, it can be hard to get a clear idea of the available space and how to best use it when there are still items cluttering the garage. Third, leaving items in the garage can cause you to fall back into old storage patterns, rather than rethinking the most effective storage solutions.
Forgetting To Protect Yourself
Organizing your garage is a task that requires some level of caution and safety awareness. Garages are often filled with sharp tools, equipment, and debris that can cause injuries. It’s important to keep yourself protected by wearing work gloves and other protective equipment to avoid cuts or scrapes. In addition, when cleaning the garage, it’s crucial to wear a face mask to prevent inhaling dust and harmful particles that can cause respiratory problems.
Read more about garage safety hazards here.
It’s also important to ensure that you have adequate lighting in your garage to avoid any accidents or mishaps. Installing motion sensor lights or overhead lights can be helpful in providing adequate visibility. Furthermore, keeping the garage organized and clutter-free can also help reduce the risk of tripping or falling over items.
Check our guide for the best garage lights here.
By taking these necessary precautions and implementing safety measures, you can create a safer environment for yourself when organizing your garage. It’s crucial to prioritize your safety to avoid any injuries or harm that can be easily prevented.
Not Allowing Enough Time
Properly organizing a garage requires a significant amount of time and effort. One common mistake people make is underestimating the amount of time required to complete the task. It is important to set aside a realistic amount of time for the project and plan accordingly. Rushing through the process can lead to a disorganized and inefficient use of space.
Depending on the amount of clutter and the size of the garage, it can take several days or even weekends to complete the task. It is better to be thorough and patient to ensure that the end result is a well-organized and functional space. Plus, there is nothing wrong with taking things one step at a time.
Storing Things That Don’t Belong In The Garage
When organizing your garage, it is important to carefully consider which items belong in the garage and which items should be stored elsewhere. Storing items in the garage that do not belong there can lead to clutter and make it difficult to find what you need.
To avoid this mistake, take some time to think about what the garage will be used for and what items are essential to have on hand. For example, if the garage is primarily used for storage, it may be best to avoid storing items like old clothes or toys that could be stored in a closet or attic. By being mindful of what belongs in the garage and what does not, you can ensure that the space remains organized and functional.
Not Thinking About Clearance
Not thinking about clearance when organizing your garage can lead to a lot of problems down the road. If you do not have enough floor space to walk around in your garage, it can be challenging to move around and work on projects.
You also need to consider the vertical space in your garage to make sure that you do not hit your head on any hanging items. Horizontal space is equally important to ensure that you have enough room to swing your car doors open and walk around your car without bumping into anything.
To avoid any damage to your car or walls, it’s crucial to think about clearance when organizing your garage. You can start by getting items off the floor and finding creative ways to store them on walls, overhead racks, or shelves. Hanging tools on the wall is also a great way to save space and keep your garage organized. By doing so, you’ll be able to create more floor space for your car and avoid any damage to it or your garage walls.
Conclusion
Imagine walking into a tidy and functional garage, knowing exactly where everything is, and having ample space to move around. With the right tools, storage solutions, and a little bit of elbow grease, you can transform your cluttered space into a functional and organized oasis. So, put on your favorite tunes, grab a cold beverage, and get to work!
Your newly organized garage will be the envy of all your neighbors (and maybe even your spouse). Who knows, you may even find yourself spending more time there than you ever thought possible.
