Organization For The Home-Garage Organization Tips for Storage

For many people the garage is like a second home, serving as a workshop, hobby center and even a place to relax and unwind after a long day. In order to take full advantage of all the space your garage storage has to offer, imposing some structure and home organization can go a long way toward reducing some of the clutter and creating a little extra room for all your favorite pursuits. Installing garage storage cabinets, workbenches, garage shelves, hooks, baskets and more, you’ll be able to stow everything away in a spot that is both out of the way yet conveniently accessible. Keep the following questions in mind as you work to turn your garage into more than just another place to dump your stuff:

 

• What items do you want to store in your garage?
• How can cabinets and shelving units be used for storage?
• What types of workbenches are available?
• What other storage devices can you use for organization?
• Are there any special features that are important to you?

 

 

Storage Devices and Organizational Tips

Cars, tools, lawn equipment and bikes are all examples of common items that can easily be stored in your garage. Limiting yourself to storing only these types of items, however, will only deprive you of precious garage storage space for a variety of other objects, including toys, holiday decorations, seasonal clothing and even extra food and beverages. With the proper storage units, all these and more can be stored right alongside more traditional garage fare. If you find yourself running out of storage space, consider the upper walls and ceiling of your garage. These areas have often been neglected for storage because they are difficult to reach. This problem can be easily solved, however, with the use of ladders, pulleys and hydraulic lifts, all of which help you raise objects into elevated areas to get them up off the floor and out of the way.

 

Garage Storage Cabinets and Workbenches: Garage storage cabinets come in a range of different sizes and configurations. They come in both freestanding models and units that are designed to be hung on your garage wall. Cabinets can be used to store everything from tools and fasteners to cleaning supplies and hobby materials. They’re available with a number of useful features, including zero-tolerance doors that allow you to fit them into tighter spaces, hanger hooks for extra storage options and removable or adjustable garage shelving for maximum versatility. Workbenches sometimes incorporate cabinets into their design while also providing a work surface for a variety of home improvement projects and repairs. Workbenches with pegboard sides or a back wall with hooks provide plenty of space to keep all of the tools within your reach.

• Garage storage cabinets come in different sizes and may feature shelves, drawers or both
• Adjustable feet allow cabinets and workbenches to stay level on uneven floors
• Casters make cabinets easy to move around
• Storage space on door interiors is ideal for holding smaller items
• Make sure the cabinet is rated to hold the total weight of the items you plan to store in it
• Workbench lights make it easier to see what you’re working on
• Some workbenches may have storage space in the legs or contain drawers or shelves

 

 

Other Storage Devices: In addition to cabinets and workbenches, there are a number of other ways to efficiently utilize your garage space. Shelves may be the most familiar, whether they are freestanding units or anchored to the garage wall by using wire shelving. In addition to conventional shelves, you may want to consider installing a ceiling shelf, which is ideal for storing seasonal items or holiday decorations. These units can even sometimes be placed in the area above the garage door to utilize every available inch of storage space. Bins and baskets, hooks, racks and wall panels provide other storage options. Consult the chart below to learn more about each.

 

Device	Description	Uses and Benefits
Bins and Baskets	Used to store a variety of items, including toys, seasonal decorations, camping gear and more Typically made from plastic materials	Lids help protect items from dust and moisture May be able to be hung on hooks or wall panels Look for stackable units to maximize space
Hooks	Smaller hooks can be used to hang tools, cords, keys and more Larger hooks can be used to hang bikes and other equipment Typically constructed from metal or plastic-coated metal	Used to hang objects from the wall Types include cradle, scoop, tool, twin, utility and more
Racks	May be configured to hold specific items or for more general purpose use	Bike racks lift bikes up off the floor to get them out of the way Racks designed to hold sports equipment can keep skis, bats, balls, cleats and more all in one spot Corner racks help save space
Shelves	May be constructed from wood, plastics, metal, wire and other materials Available in freestanding and wall-mounted configurations Ensure shelving is rated to withstand the maximum load it will bear	Allow for storage of a wide range of items Adjustable shelves accommodate larger objects Freestanding shelves can be easily moved if you need to reconfigure your garage
Wall Panels	Designed for installation on your garage walls Provide grooves or holes for a wide range of accessories	May be used in conjunction with hooks, shelves, baskets, bins and more Can easily be reconfigured as storage needs change

 

Storage and Organization Tips: Before you can begin to organize your garage, it’s a good idea to get rid of the stuff you don’t need. It’s amazing how quickly unwanted objects can pile up. Simply tossing out those old, broken toys and other unused objects can really free up a lot of space. If you have an abundance of items that are in good shape but that you don’t need anymore, consider donating them to charity or having a garage sale. Once you’ve gotten rid of the clutter, work to organize your garage in a logical manner, keeping dangerous items locked up and tools and other objects used on a regular basis in an easily accessible location.

• Store frequently used items in accessible areas and seasonal items, such as holiday decorations or camping equipment, in higher, more remote spaces
• Measure out how much space vehicles take up before installing cabinets, shelves and other storage devices to avoid hitting them when you open the doors
• A wall towel and soap dispenser will come in handy if you do a lot of work in the garage

 

 

Features

Refrigerators and Freezers: If you have a large family, hunt or like to take advantage of food sales, installing an extra refrigerator or freezer in your garage can provide the space you need to keep extra meat, milk and more on hand. Make sure to locate them away from windows to avoid sunlight shining directly on them and decreasing efficiency.

 

Locks: Some of the items you store in the garage, such as pesticides, cleaners and utility knives, are dangerous and shouldn’t be handled by children or people who haven’t been instructed as to how to use them correctly. Make sure you have locks on drawers and cabinets that contain hazardous materials if you have little helpers running around the house.

 

Flooring: As you reorganize your garage, don’t forget to pay attention to the floor. Storing items in shelves and cabinets will help get the floor clean, and installing tile flooring or foam mats and strategically placing door mats around entryways can help you keep things neat and clean.

 

Themed Garages: Whether you’re a racing buff or a golf nut, there’s a way to customize your garage to suit your particular hobby. If you spend a lot of time working in your garage, look for items and accessories that allow you to customize the area to suit your personality and make the time you spend there more enjoyable.