Do you feel like your garage has become more of a cluttered storage room rather than a place to park your vehicles? Limited garage space is a common problem many homeowners face. Between tools, sports equipment, boxes of holiday decorations, and other household items, garages tend to accumulate lots of clutter over time. But don’t despair!
With some clever garage storage systems and a little organization know-how, you can transform your crowded garage into a functional multipurpose space.
- Where to start
- Overhead storage racks
- Wall systems
- Cabinet systems
- Modular drawers
- Rotating storage
- Ceiling lifts
- Custom workbenches
- Increased organization
Where to Start
Start by taking an inventory of everything stored in your garage. Purge any items you no longer need or use to free up space. Next, look at the existing layout and footprint. Can you rearrange your storage plan for your garage to make storage more efficient? Spacewise recommends implementing zones in your garage that will allow you to store items by category and quickly access anything you need.
Are there wasted areas like the space above doors, the corners, or between wall studs? Consider storage solutions that help you better use the space.
Here are some of the top garage storage systems to consider:
Overhead Storage Racks
Installing overhead racks gives you tons of extra storage space while keeping items up and out of the way. Overhead racks are perfect for lightweight seasonal items, decorations, camping gear, sports equipment, and other items accessed occasionally. For safety, use heavy-duty racks rated to hold significant weight. Opt for enclosed racks to keep stored items free of dust and dirt. Racks mounted high on the ceiling provide walking clearance underneath.
Wall Systems
Vertical wall space offers prime real estate for storage. Wall-mounted panels with hooks, shelves, cabinets, and sliding tool trays save floor space. Slatwall racks create instant organization for tools while providing easy access. Floor-to-ceiling shelving units make efficient use of height. Slim wall cabinets provide enclosed storage for paints, chemicals, and automotive fluids. Mounting storage solutions directly on the studs ensures adequate weight support.
Cabinet Systems
If you prefer a sleek and organized look for your garage, consider installing cabinet systems. These offer both closed storage for items you'd like to keep out of sight and open shelving for easy access to frequently used tools and supplies. You can choose from a variety of cabinet designs, from modular units to custom-built options.
When designing your cabinet system, think about what items you use most often and which ones you want to keep hidden. This way, you can create a storage solution that suits your specific needs and complements your garage's layout.
Modular Drawers
Drawer storage provides enclosed, dust-free storage and keeps items organized. Look for stackable drawer sets that maximize vertical space. Mounted on wheels, they can roll under workbenches or vehicles when space is needed. Some have shallow drawers for small parts and tools, while deeper drawers store bulkier items. Labels help identify drawer contents at a glance.
Rotating Storage
Items stored on rotating racks, hangers, and platforms can deliver efficiency. Rotating tire racks hold up to 4-5 tires but only one tire's width protrudes. Similarly, rotating trays and drawers only require access to space for the front item. Rotating hangers double hanging storage capacity. Spinning parts racks keep components organized. Rotating solutions minimize the garage footprint of stored items.
Ceiling Lifts
Make use of wasted overhead space by installing pulley systems for lifting and storing objects high above the floor. Ceiling lifts assist with storing long or bulky items like kayaks, ladders, and lumber. A ceiling-mounted steel track system allows you to effortlessly lift gear overhead, leaving valuable floor space clear. Useful for infrequently used items.
Custom Workbenches
Having a dedicated workbench in the garage can greatly improve organization and maximize unused space. A sturdy, well-built workbench provides a central location to store frequently used tools, supplies, and materials. Drawers and cabinets underneath the workbench offer concealed storage for larger items or things that you don't need regular access to. A workbench also gives you a solid, flat surface for completing projects and repairs, allowing you to keep the garage floor clear.
Installing a workbench along one wall of the garage is an efficient use of space. It will serve as a hub for organization and project work while keeping the rest of the garage free for vehicle parking and circulation. Frequently used tools can be stored right where you need them, rather than being scattered around the garage. Keeping everything organized on and around the workbench minimizes the risk of losing or misplacing important items.
Increased Organization
By incorporating organization solutions that suit your needs, you can make the most of the square footage. A few storage tips:
- Label storage bins and shelves so items stay organized.
- Frequently purge unneeded items to avoid clutter from accumulating.
- Position frequently used items at convenient heights.
- Maximize underutilized areas like corners, garage door tracks, or half walls. Even small shelves in awkward spaces help.
- Keep high-traffic areas free of obstructions for entering vehicles.
- Ensure racks and shelves are securely fastened into studs for safety and stability.
Conclusion
No matter the size of your garage, these storage systems can help you overcome limited space. Use shelves and racks to take advantage of vertical rooms from floor to ceiling. Store seasonal, sports, and infrequently used items overhead or high on walls. Reserve easily accessible areas for everyday tools and equipment. Add drawer units or cabinets for concealed storage of smaller items prone to getting dusty or damaged.
With creative storage solutions and a strategic layout, your garage can become clean, clutter-free, and fully functional. You’ll gain multipurpose space for parking vehicles, working on projects, and accessing gear. Use these garage storage ideas to maximize every inch!