Nifty Storage Solutions to Maximize Garage Space

Your daily driver needs a safe and organized garage to stay in一the same way you need a warm and fluffy bed to sleep and recharge in after a long day.

But let’s be honest, the garage isn’t always on the top of the list of priorities when it comes to tidying up in a busy household.

A messy garage can be a hassle to deal with. But with a bit of dedication and a couple of nifty storage solutions, you’ll be able to give your car the garage it deserves.

Storage Hacks for an Organized Garage

Achieving a neat and organized garage layout shouldn’t cost you as much as you’d think. Here are some of the cost-effective ways to maximize your garage space:

Create a Floor Plan

Preparation is key to staying organized. You can bring out all the boxes and drawers you want, but it won’t matter if there’s not enough space for them in the garage.

So before anything else, make sure to have your garage’s measurements, including the location and dimensions of the windows and doors. These will come in handy when you decide to install shelves and cabinets.

When drafting a fool-proof floor plan, it’s also important to keep these in mind:

• Store similar items together
• Place frequently used items near the garage door
• Seasonal or rarely used items should be stored in spaces that may be harder to reach on a daily basis
• Bulky equipment should be stored in a space that won’t hit your vehicle

Keep Things Off the Floor

If you’ve played “the floor is lava” before, you’d know that the floor is not a safe space for anyone.

Almost the same concept applies to storing items in your garage. Leaving stuff on the floor increases the risk of running them over when backing up your vehicle. The garage will also look cramped and stuffy when equipment and other items are pushed to one side.

There are several things you can do to prevent these from happening. Some of these include installing a pegboard or putting up hooks for hanging small items.

Installing wall tracks is another crafty way to utilize wall space. It’s best for storing awkwardly shaped items (e.g., rakes and shovels) that take up too much space on the floor.

Make the Switch from Closed Cabinets to Open Shelves

One of the many advantages of installing open shelves instead of closed cabinets is that the former doesn’t need additional clearance because there are no doors to open.

Open shelves expose your garage tools, making them easier to spot. Meanwhile, using closed cabinets can sometimes be a reason to stay unorganized because the doors are covering the items.

Consider Putting Up Overhead Storage Solutions

Aside from the walls, the ceiling is another part of your garage that you can use to maximize storage space.

Long and flat items like ladders and other seasonal sports gear are some things you can hang from the ceiling via open shelves.

You can also install overhead racks to store bulky and large bins that take up too much floor space.

However, make sure that the shelves won’t interfere with your garage door’s operation and that they’re high enough to prevent scraping the roof of your car.

Invest in Retractable Reels

Extension cords might not be as bulky as other items, but they can get in the way when you’re walking around the garage.

Wires lying around can be a safety hazard, so you might want to invest in a retractable one. Retractable extension cords can keep your garage looking neat while preventing you from tripping over exposed cords.

You can keep the garden hose off the floor using a reel. A reel also makes it easier to store your garden hose without getting tangled.

Set Up a Folding Workbench

Your garage can get a bit messy with all your DIY projects, so it’s a good idea to set up a folding workbench and have a dedicated space for all your tools.

The good thing about a folding workbench is that you can store it once you’re done working, unlike a regular bulky table that takes up space even when pushed to the corner of the garage.

Put Up Magnetic Wall Strips

Magnetic wall strips are ideal for storing tools like hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and chisels. They also make such tools more accessible and visible.

Use Opaque Bins Instead of Transparent Ones

This hack is mostly for aesthetic purposes. Opaque bins can help hide unsightly items, keeping your garage looking tidy even with all the items and tools lying around.

Go Crazy With Labels

Labeling containers and bins is a small thing that can definitely go a long way. Labels take the guesswork out of rummaging through every box and shelf to find what you need.

You can label your containers in whichever way you want, but color coding, standard labels, and numbering are some ways you can organize the items in your garage.

Think Outside the Box

Don’t confine your storage solutions within the four walls of your garage. Utilize the space outside your garage to create a small shed, locker, or storage unit.

Make the Switch from Round to Rectangular Trash Bins

Rectangular trash bins are easier to fit into angled corners compared to round ones. Plus, round bins leave small spaces that only go to waste.

Wrapping Up

Having a clean garage is a must for every homeowner. Aside from providing a neat space for your daily driver, you’re also making it easier for yourself to locate tools and other items.

Maximizing vertical space, labeling, investing in foldable tables, and creating a floor plan are some things you can do to make the most out of your garage space.