A thoughtful approach to garage storage makes the most of this valuable space and keeps everything at your fingertips.
If your house is bursting at the seams, or simply short on storage options, the solution might be as close as your garage. To make the best use of this space, however, first you will need to corral its existing chaos.
This is, fortunately, a relatively simple task if you incorporate a few good storage ideas. With careful planning and a little bit of effort, you can transform your garage from a messy catchall into a well-organized household place.
Divide and conquer
First things first: Dispose of anything you no longer use. When you've winnowed down the contents of your garage, sort everything into groups. Keep garden tools together with garden tools, and sports gear with sports gear. Things used together should be saved together.
Where possible, put like things into clear plastic containers with lids. It is nice to use opaque bins, so just make sure to label each and everyone. Stackable containers are particularly useful. They maintain your possessions tidy, protect against rodents and insects, increase the quantity of usable floor space, and cut back on visual clutter.
What goes where?
The efficient utilization of space partially depends on positioning saved things in a thoughtful, strategic manner. Are there any certain items you are most likely to need on a regular basis, like cleaning supplies? If so, store them close to the door so that you may get them easily and quickly. Stash infrequently used or seasonal things, such as sleds and skis, in harder-to-reach areas.
Off the wall
The {key|trick} to garage storage and {organization|business} is getting {things|items} off the {floor|ground}. Capitalizing on wall {space|area} {enables|allows} you to {fit|match} the most {into|to} your {garage|own garage}, while keeping {it all|all of it} {visible|observable} and {easy|simple} to access. The {type|kind} of wall storage you {choose|select} {depends on|is dependent upon} your storage {needs|requirements}, project budget and personal {preferences|tastes}. {Many|Most} homeowners opt for {one|a single} {or|or even} a {combination|mix} of the {following|next} storage standbys:
Pegboard.
|} A {favorite|popular} for generations, pegboard is {inexpensive|affordable} and {easy|simple} to install. {Because|Since} it {can|may} be outfitted with {an array|a range} of {compatible hooks|pins that are compatible}, {clamps|straps}, {bins and shelves|shelves and bins}, pegboard {can|may} be {used|employed} to store and {organize|arrange} just about anything, {as long as|provided that} the {item|thing} to be {stored|saved} {isn't|is not} {especially|particularly} heavy. {
Open {shelving|Cabinets }. |} {Whether|If} {a|or not a} wall-mounted track system or {a|some} set of {stand-alone|standalone} units, open shelves are {affordable|cheap}, {versatile and user-friendly|user-friendly and flexible}, {and|plus} they {keep|retain} everything in plain sight. {{Plus|Additionally}, {depending|based} on their {construction|structure}, 12- or 16-inch-deep shelves are {typically|generally} {capable of|effective at} {holding|carrying} heavier items. |} {
Closed cabinetry.
|} If {you plan|you're planning} to park your {car|vehicle} in the garage, cabinets with doors {may|might} be the most {desirable|desired} {option|alternative}, {because|since} {closed|shut} storage means not {having|needing} to come face-to-face {with|using} paint cans and {garbage|trash} bags {every|each} time you leave or arrive home. Cabinets {are available|can be found} in {countless|numerous} materials and {styles|fashions}, but generally speaking, {they are|they're} more {expensive|costly} {than|compared to} other {solutions|alternatives}. And {because|since} they {are unable to|cannot} accommodate {very large|huge} {items|things}, cabinets are {most effective|best} when used {in conjunction|along} with {another|a different} storage system. {
Panelized {systems|programs }. |} Here, {entire|whole} walls are {covered|coated} with specially {designed|engineered} panels {that|which} hold {any number of|numerous} {companion|company} add-ons, {such as|like} {hooks and shelves|shelves and hooks}. {Unlike pegboard, panelized systems {can|may} {handle|manage} heavier items. |} But that strength and {utility|usefulness} comes at a {cost|price}, {especially|particularly} since some proprietary {products|goods} {must|have to} be installed by licensed professionals. {Look up|Appear }
For certain {infrequently|rarely} used {belongings|possessions}, the ceiling {provides|offers} {ideal|perfect}, out-of-the-way storage {space|area}. Ladders and seasonal {gear|equipment} can be {kept|stored} here, hung by {clips or straps|straps or clips} {fastened|secured} to the ceiling joists. Or you {can|may} {take advantage|make the most} of hoist pulley systems, which {cleverly |}operate like the {cords|strings} on window blinds. {Bear in mind|Remember}, however, that ceiling storage {must|has to} be oriented so that it {doesn't|does not} interfere with the {operation|functioning} of the {garage |}door.
Safety {steps|measures }
As {you're|you are} organizing your {garage|garage door}, {it's|it is} important to keep {safety|security} in mind. {It's|It is} {unsafe|dangerous} to store {gasoline|gas} and {propane|gas} in the garage; {a single|one} spark could {lead to|cause} {tragedy|disaster}.
Likewise, {if|when} you have {children|kids} or {pets,|pets, then} you should store {hazardous|toxic} materials {like|such as} {fertilizer and pesticides|pesticides and fertilizers} {far|much} {out of|from} reach. Locked cabinets are a {good|fantastic} solution for {these|all these} {toxic|poisonous} {materials|substances}, and {they're|they are} also a {smart|wise} place to store {power|energy} tools and sharp implements.