Garage Storage Ideas

Invest some time to clear out the space before choosing new garage storage systems.

• Get some garbage bags and divide items between what needs to be saved, donated or thrown away. This method will get rid of unwanted junk and free up space to make adding more storage easier.
• Storing items on shelves and cabinets will expose more of the floor. Consider upgrading the garage flooring. Install garage floor tiles or garage floor mats and strategically place door mats around entryways to keep things neat and tidy.
• Once the area is cleared out, make a plan for your garage organization ideas. Consider designating a workstation with a tool bench, a place for trash and recycling or other zones based on your needs. Drawing a diagram of your garage can help.
• Identify the locations of wall studs, outlets and other fixtures that will influence the ideal placement of storage systems, especially wall-mounted systems.

Shelves can be freestanding units, anchored to walls or attached to ceilings to maximize potential storage. Ceiling and wall shelving offer the advantage of freeing up floor space.

• Choose from shelving made from different materials such as steel, plastic or wood depending upon the desired strength. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the weight limit of each shelving system.
• Shelving installation is relatively easy and involves installing anchors, brackets and the horizontal shelving surfaces. Make sure the system is level.
• Corner shelving is designed to maximize space in otherwise awkward areas.
• Items stored via ceiling-based systems can be reached with ladders, pulleys and hydraulic lifts.

Overhead storage racks are frameworks often made of bars, wires or pegs and used in conjunction with horizontal shelving. They should be installed at heights that are safe and convenient to the household members who will use them the most.

• Configurations such as sturdy
  wire storage racks
  with adjustable shelves provide easy access for such frequently used items as garden tools, car supplies and sports gear.
  Storage racks offer budget-friendly options that can be used with wall hooks, cabinets and other systems.
• Overhead storage racks attach to the ceiling to provide a safe, dry area for luggage, seasonal items, holiday decorations and other belongings you need only occasionally.
• Racks can be configured to hold bulkier items or for more general use.
• Bike racks designed to hold multiple bikes off the floor may be ideal for larger families.
• Racks designed to hold sports equipment can keep skis, bats, balls, cleats and more all in one spot.

Garage cabinets can offer increased safety, as models with locks can keep dangerous items such as chemicals out of the reach of children.

• Cabinets can also make a garage look less cluttered by storing items out of sight. Many have shelves and drawers that can be adjusted to fit their belongings.
• Freestanding cabinets do not require special installation, but do take up floor space.
• When storing items in cabinets, make sure they do not exceed the weight capacity.
• When placing cabinets, allow ample room for the doors to open fully.
• Add casters to freestanding cabinets to make them easier to move around or relocated when needed.

Safety Tip: Anchor cabinets to walls as recommended to avoid tipping.

Pegboards feature pre-drilled holes designed to be strong enough to support most household hand tools. They offer a way to store and vertically organize items in plain sight. These vertical storage systems also provide a splash of contrast color on your walls.

• Once the pegboard is hung, attach storage accessories like hooks, tool holders and organizers.
• Most pegboards can be cut to size and are easy to install.
• One option with pegboards is to draw outlines of the tools when they're hanging, so you know where they belong after use.
• When hanging pegboards on drywall, install 1-inch furring strips to provide room behind the board for the end of the hanging hooks.

If you like the benefits of a pegboard but need more room to store larger tools, consider installing slatwall panels or a track system.
Like pegboard, track systems offer vertical storage options that can be used with hooks or shelving and customized to your needs.

• Metal tracks or channels can usually be mounted on bare studs or drywall.
• Tracks often have a high weight capacity for hanging heavy, bulky or unusually shaped items such as shovels, hedge trimmers or other large tools.

Tool chests provide organizational space for tools, hardware, car supplies and other frequently used items. Tool chests frequently feature multiple drawers of different sizes, lockable drawers and wheels for portability. Larger tool chests contain shelving and provide work surfaces. Tool chests often include small containers for screws, drill bits and other easily misplaced items.

• Stack and store tools and supplies using a heavy-duty steel cabinet system.
• Look for drawer units that ride on ball-bearing glides.
• Tool chest materials include aluminum, steel, plastic and more. If you frequently use your storage units and are often in and out of your garage, you may want items made for durability.

Workbenches can provide a surface and storage space that’s particularly helpful for DIY projects.

• Some workbench designs include adjustable legs so you can sit or stand while working.
• Most units have open space beneath the work surface for placing tool chests or storage cabinets.
• Workbenches are frequently placed in front of a pegboard to keep tools handy.

Tip: A wall-mounted towel holder and soap dispenser will come in handy if you do a lot of work in a garage equipped with a sink.

Wall hooks are particularly helpful for hanging awkwardly shaped items like weed trimmers or sports gear off the ground. They make great use of wall space and free up the floor.

• Smaller hooks can be used for tools, keys, extension cords and more. Larger ones can support bicycles and other heavy equipment.
• Styles of hooks include cradle, scoop, tool, twin, utility and more. They are typically constructed from metal or plastic-coated metal.
• Coat hooks can be used for smaller items such as garden gloves, hats or pet leashes.

Storage bins and baskets are an essential way to keep your supplies organized. More durable than cardboard boxes, plastic bins, baskets and tubs offer storage solutions for many items.

• Lids protect the bins from dust and moisture.
• Bins made of transparent plastic allow you to see what’s inside without opening the lid.
• Stackable units are designed to use space more efficiently.
• Square or rectangular bins can more easily fit on shelves or in corners than round ones.
• Label bins so you can easily tell what they contain.