Before you can begin organising your garage, there are numerous things you should do and know. Cleaning out your garage is one task that requires doing; from there, you can determine what should remain and what can go.
An excellent first step is to assess your garage space and determine the best storage and organisation methods for the items you store there. However, you should be well-versed in more than just storage kinds. It would help if you considered the mounting options, material, features, and price of each variety.
Garage Storage Guide
Storage Options
There is a wide variety of storage alternatives accessible due to the wide variety of garage sizes. Finding the perfect setup for your garage, family, and needs is a breeze with all the available alternatives.
Garage cabinets, shelves, racks for sporting equipment, and tool chests are the most popular storage options.
Cabinets
To start organising your garage, install some cabinets. They will serve as a secure storage solution for all of your belongings. Garages with limited floor space are better suited to wall cabinets, while those with plenty of room can use base cabinets. Wall and base cabinets can be joined to form a set as well.
Storage Cabinets
You can get storage cabinets that attach to the wall or stand-alone. There is a wide variety of materials and colours available for these cabinets. Coatings prevent corrosion, rust, and scratches on the majority of them. With cabinets, you also have the option of:
- Shelf options: fixed or adjustable
- Available either as a kit or requiring assembly
- With or without wheels
- With or without drawers
- Secure or insecure
Safety Cabinets
Safety cabinets are manufactured with this purpose in mind to prevent the accidental ignition of combustible or caustic materials and flammable liquids. When used properly, they can also serve as a secure storage solution for weapons, allowing you to rest easy knowing that your weapons are out of the reach of curious youngsters.
Thanks to rules, safety cabinets are very standard. Certain states have more regulations than others. One of the regulations that varies from state to state is the door type. The most common kinds of doors are:
- Doors that open fully round and latch themselves when closed are manual.
- Sliding: a bi-fold door that opens and closes thanks to a spring-loaded track; the door is held open by a fusible link, which, when exposed to specific temperatures, breaks, releasing the door to close.
- Featuring fusible linkages to keep doors open, these doors self-close, self-index, and self-latch when you let them go.
Complete Storage Systems
Cabinets, in whatever configuration, constitute a comprehensive storage system. To construct a set, most stores want at least three cabinets and, in some cases, over twelve.
These setups can be a mix of freestanding and wall-mounted options, or they can be entirely wall-mounted. You may add a workbench and pegboard to several configurations.
You should know your storage needs before selecting combinations for a comprehensive storage system. When you go a little bit crazy, you’ll have more storage capacity than you need. And your wallet will likely take an unfortunate hit as a result.
Shelves
Another excellent option for storage is shelves. Similar to cabinets, shelves can be wall-mounted or purchased as freestanding units. Additionally, add-ons available for purchase can be interconnected in different ways, providing you with more organisational possibilities.
Freestanding Shelving Units
Freestanding shelves might contain two, five, or even ten, depending on the material. You can have fixed or adjustable shelves, with the latter being the more common choice.
There are standalone units with storage bins and wheels so that you can move them easily.
Weight capacity is an important consideration, just as it was with the cabinets because the type of shelves you need will depend on the items you intend to store.
Add-On Units
A pair of open legs are needed for an add-on shelf to resemble a freestanding shelf. This is due to their design, which allows them to be easily attached to other standalone shelves. You can link add-ons in a variety of ways. Corner attachment and side attachment are two of the most common types.
You may construct a longer shelf by attaching it to the side of the starter unit. You can then use it to line a wall in your garage. When fastened to the corner of the base unit, it forms an “L” shape, making it well-suited for placement in a corner.
Wall-Mounted Storage Shelves
For garages with limited floor space, wall-mounted shelves are an excellent alternative to freestanding cabinets and shelves. Hooks and other attachments allow you to secure racks or other storage items to the underside of some shelves, such as wire ones.
Shelves installed on the wall make excellent use of vertical space and prevent clutter on the floor. As a result, you get more out of your garage’s floor area, have more storage overall, and can work in peace.
Ceiling Shelving
Shelves attached to the ceiling are a fantastic way to use the space over the garage entrance. However, take precise measurements of the area between your ceiling and the top of your open garage door before you run out and purchase these. The shelves will only work if there is a minimum of sixteen inches of clearance between the entrance and the ceiling.
You can use these shelves anywhere in the garage, not just between the ceiling and the garage door. They are specifically built for that space. With this feature, you can customise the shelf’s height to your preference; the only constraint would be the weight.
Given the necessity of a stepladder to access the items stored on these shelves, it is wise to utilise them for items that are not frequently used.
Racks
Most of the time, when we don’t have anywhere else to put them, our bikes and other sporting equipment end up piled high in our garages. You can solve this issue by purchasing racks. Even though they will take up less room, you’ll still need to put them in the garage.
- Bike Hanger
- Snowboard and Ski Rack
- Athletic Storage Bench
- Rack for Kayaks
- SUP and Surfboard Rack
- Anglers’ Stand
Tool Storage
Tools are another item that takes up too much room in the garage. Some folks seem to have an excess of tools compared to their needs. Before setting up any storage solutions for workbenches, the cleaning up you should do might help with this issue.
The unused equipment from the cleanup is the remaining source of trouble. These are the instruments that need a home. Thankfully, a wide selection of tool chests are available, ranging in size from little to large, to accommodate all those tools that now don’t have a home.
Top Chest
Depending on your needs, one top chest could be enough to hold all your tools if it has one, three, or more than twelve drawers. The following choices are available on many high-quality chests:
- Wheels
- Handles
- Locking mechanism
Middle Chest
Because of their lesser size compared to top chests, middle chests can feature anything from one to six drawers. Handles and a locking mechanism are options, but wheels are not. If you have a few tools, this is a decent chest to have.
Bottom Rollaway Chest
Bottom rollaway chests offer the widest range of customisation choices, including wheels, handles, locks, and drawer counts ranging from one to twelve. They usually have the largest tool space and are the most customisable. With many tools on board, it may get heavy quickly, so having a handle and wheels makes it much easier to transport.
Combination Set
The standard components of a combination set are a top, middle, and bottom rollaway chest; however, the sheer variety of options for the three positions opens up an infinite number of combinations.
Overhead Ceiling Racks For Garage Storage
Elevated Retractable Garage Storage Rack System with Hooks for Extra Accessories
Overhead Storage System with an Adjustable Ceiling Mounted Rack for the Garage
Materials for a Garage Storage System
Steel
Among the most practical materials for garage cabinets is steel. Steel’s resistance to rust and extreme durability means your storage will last years. Other common heavy items maintained in garages, such as weights, power tools, and yard equipment, can also be supported by steel.
Wood
You may rest assured that your melamine-made manufactured wood cabinets will survive the rigours of a garage. While less robust than steel, these materials are adequate for holding and supporting lighter tools and garage equipment. Picking for wood cabinets for your garage? Make sure they can withstand the elements.
Synthetic
Another great material is plastic garage cabinets, which won’t rot or deteriorate easily like other materials. They will store less than steel cabinets, but they’ll keep your tools and recreational gear safe while you arrange them in your garage.
Resin
Resin is another alternative to wood for garage cabinets made of synthetic materials. Garage cabinets made of resin are better suited for long-term use than plastic ones since resin is sturdy and resistant to rust.
Ideas for Garage Storage That Are Both Cool and Functional
Build A Holds-Everything Wall
Put shelves from floor to ceiling to keep things off the floor. With an open garage storage system (that uses movable brackets mounted on stationary runners), you may keep everything you need while making the most of the available space.
Line Walls With Tool Racks
You want to experience something other than what those folks in those old comedy sketches bopping themselves on the head while stepping on rakes did in real life. Then, take a cue from this and install a garden storage rack to keep your tools off the ground. To avoid fumbling through sharp tool cabinets, you can get smaller versions of common instruments like chisels, hammers, and screwdrivers.
For Minor Garage Needs, Use a Pegboard
A pegboard is a great garage storage option because to its versatility. You can use one with hooks to display your high-quality paintbrushes, rollers, and cleaning equipment, or you can attach pegs to hang brooms and garden tools. The simple addition of little shelves is also possible.
Build Your Workshop With Custom Fit Cabinets
Designing your garage in a manner comparable to your kitchen can be a good idea if you use it frequently. Put together a functional garage storage system with cabinets, countertops, and a basin to wash your hands, paintbrushes, and tools after a long day. If you’re flush with cash, a garage storage service can handle this.
Utilise Overhead Storage to Conserve Area
It may seem like there’s little room for anything else in the garage because your car takes up most of the space, and the cupboards take up the rest. Look up and reconsider, everyone. Another place to put things away is on the racks that hang from the ceiling. Keep in mind that they should not obstruct your up-and-over door.
Use a Horizontal Yard Shed for All Your Tools
To avoid stumbling over items or damaging them when you park your car, make sure there is no clutter on your garage floor. What is the answer? Consider investing in specialised horizontal yard tool racks to make the most of your space and avoid clutter.
Try Motorised Shelves
Even if it may appear impossible, making the most of your garage storage solutions is always worth it. On the other hand, you run the risk of using unsafe and inefficient ladders while lugging a large cargo. One possible solution is to install a motorised shelf. A high-quality motor controlled from a distance will automatically lift any boxes on the shelves. Very simple.
Put Spring Grips Onto The Wall
Try screwing on spring grips if you have a few extra inches of wall space. Any tool with a handle, such as a rake, torch, broom, or mop, can be securely grasped with these hooks. The assembly is as simple as snapping it into position.
Mini Storage Is Essential
Garages aren’t just for storing big things; they’re also great for storing little things like nuts and bolts. Choose a multi-drawer storage bin to organise little things; think about getting one with drawers of varying sizes to accommodate everything you need on hand.
Conclusion
Before organising your garage, assess your space and determine the best storage and organisation methods for your belongings. There are various storage options available, including garage cabinets, shelves, racks for sporting equipment, and tool chests. Cabinets are a secure storage solution for limited floor space, while base cabinets are suitable for larger garages.
Safety cabinets are standard and can be used to prevent accidental ignition of combustible materials and flammable liquids. Complete storage systems consist of at least three cabinets and can be wall-mounted or freestanding. Shelves can be wall-mounted or purchased as freestanding units, and add-ons can be interconnected for more organization.
Wall-mounted shelves are ideal for limited floor space and can be used to secure racks or other storage items to the underside. Ceiling shelving is a great way to use space over the garage entrance, but requires precise measurements and a minimum of sixteen inches of clearance. Racks can be used to store bikes, snowboards, skis, kayaks, SUPs, surfboards, and anglers’ stands.
Tool storage is a crucial aspect of garage organisation, as it helps keep tools organised. There are various options available, including top chests, middle chests, bottom rollaway chests, combination sets, overhead ceiling racks, and resin cabinets. Materials for garage storage include steel, wood, plastic, and resin.
To create a functional garage storage system, consider building a holds-everything wall, line walls with tool racks, use pegboards for minor garage needs, build a workshop with custom-fit cabinets, use overhead storage to conserve space, use horizontal yard sheds for tools, try motorised shelves, screw on spring grips on the wall, and choose multi-drawer storage bins for small items. By organising and utilising these storage solutions, you can save space and ensure your garage is well-organized and functional. By choosing the right storage solutions, you can maximise your garage’s storage capacity and make the most of your garage.
Content Summary:
- Garage cabinets, shelves, racks for sporting equipment, and tool chests are popular storage options.
- Cabinets are secure storage solutions for all belongings, suitable for garages with limited floor space or those with ample room.
- Cabinets come in various materials and colors, with options for fixed or adjustable shelves, assembly or assembly, wheels or drawers, and secure or insecure.
- Safety cabinets are designed to prevent accidental ignition of combustible materials and flammable liquids.
- Complete storage systems consist of cabinets, with most stores needing at least three cabinets and sometimes over twelve.
- Shelves can be wall-mounted or purchased as freestanding units. Add-ons can be interconnected for more organisational possibilities.
- Freestanding shelves can contain two, five, or ten, depending on the material.
- Add-on units can be attached to other standalone shelves in various ways, such as corner at
- Wall-mounted shelves are ideal for garages with limited floor space. Hooks and other attachments allow for secure storage to the underside of some shelves.
- Wall-mounted shelves make excellent use of vertical space and prevent clutter on the floor.
- Shelves attached to the ceiling are a great way to use the space over the garage entrance.
- They can be used anywhere in the garage, not just between the ceiling and the garage door.
- Racks are a solution for items that end up piled high in the garage.
- They take up less room but still need to be put in the garage.
- Clearing up excess tools can help manage excess space in garages.
- Unused equipment from cleanup can be stored in tool chests, ranging in size from small to large.
- Can hold one, three, or more than twelve drawers.
- Options include wheels, handles, and locking mechanism.
- Can feature one to six drawers.
- Options include handles and a locking mechanism, but wheels are not.
- Offers wide customisation choices, including wheels, handles, locks, and drawer counts ranging from one to twelve.
- Largest tool space and most customizable.
- Standard components include a top, middle, and bottom rollaway chest.
- Variety of options for the three positions opens up infinite combinations.
- Steel: Resistance to rust and extreme durability.
- Wood: Melamine-made manufactured wood cabinets.
- Synthetic: Plastic garage cabinets.
- Resin: Sturdy and resistant to rust.
- Build a Holds-Everything Wall: Keep everything off the floor.
- Line Walls with Tool Racks: Keep tools off the ground.
- Use a Pegboard: Display paintbrushes, rollers, cleaning equipment, and hang brooms and garden tools.
- Build Your Workshop: Create a functional garage storage system.
- Use Overhead Storage to Conserve Area: Hang racks from the ceiling.
- Use a Horizontal Yard Shed for All Your Tools: Avoid clutter on the garage floor.
- Try Motorised Shelves: A high-quality motor controlled from a distance will automatically lift any boxes on the shelves.
- Put Spring Grips Onto The Wall: Securely grasp any tool with a handle.
- Mini Storage Is Essential: Choose a multi-drawer storage bin with varying sizes to accommodate everything on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Freestanding Storage Units Be Used In A Garage?
Freestanding storage units like rolling carts and workbenches are versatile options for creating designated workspaces and organising tools within the garage.
Are There Storage Solutions Specifically For Sporting Equipment?
Yes, specialised racks and hooks are available to organise sporting equipment such as bicycles, golf clubs, and other athletic gear.
How Can I Create A DIY Storage System For My Garage?
DIY options include repurposing old furniture, building custom shelves, and using creative solutions like pallets or crates for cost-effective and personalised storage.
Are There Storage Solutions Designed For Small Garages?
Yes, compact and modular storage options, such as stackable bins, foldable shelves, and wall-mounted organisers, are ideal for maximising space in smaller garages.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing Garage Storage Solutions?
Consider the available space, the types of items you need to store, and your organisational preferences. Durability, ease of installation, and flexibility should also be considered when selecting garage storage solutions.