How to Organize Your Garage

When you’re organizing your home garage, you’ll inevitably run into items that you no longer want or need. Getting rid of stuff might feel overwhelming, but you can help yourself out by planning to donate, give away or dispose of the items.

If you anticipate bringing a lot of things to the local thrift or charity store, schedule a pick-up truck or van rental that will motivate you to have those things ready by a certain time. You can also set up a temporary shelter in your driveway – or take advantage of an existing outdoor gazebo – so that you can move unwanted items out of the garage while you organize.

If you will be putting up garage storage shelves or drilling bike racks into the walls, make sure you have the right equipment before you start. This way you’ll be able to finish your project and not have to abandon it halfway through while you search for the tools you need.

To assemble shelving, you may need hand tools, like hex wrenches, a hammer and screwdrivers. And you will likely need power tools if you want to drill anything into the wall, including bolts or anchors to make them tip-proof. Additionally, you will want a stepping stool or small ladder that allows you to access higher shelves.

Once you’re done using the tools to put everything together, keep them in good shape by storing them in a durable tool chest. There are multiple sizes to fit any garage space and most models come with a lock and key to prevent kids from accessing sharp tools and devices.

Before you decide on the garage shelving ideas that will work best for your space, get out your measuring tape to make sure everything will fit as expected. Consider where outlets are along the walls so that you don’t cover them up with shelves. If you have an electric car, leave plenty of room to access the electric car charger.

Think about anything else you should account for, like whether your garage experiences flooding that would harm objects stored at floor level. Most shelving units should keep things off the garage floor, but you can put items that aren’t waterproof on upper shelves or in cabinets, which can also help protect against dust and dirt.

Keep your physical limitations in mind as well. Tall shelves might provide the most storage space, but you don’t want to have to call for help every time you need to access something from the garage. You will also want to consider using storage containers that fit the shelves well and come in sizes that are easy to handle.

One of the most important garage storage tips is to remember to avoid cardboard boxes. Cardboard boxes are one of the worst things you can use to organize your garage. Not only are they flimsy and susceptible to breakdown in humid or damp conditions, but they also attract bugs and rodents. To keep your garage clean and pest free, use plastic bins that can be easily stacked or storage drawers that can roll in and out smoothly.

As you sort and organize, think about the categories of items you have and group them together. Anything you want to grab in an emergency should be easily accessible, like a fire extinguisher. It’s also a good idea to keep a first aid kit in the garage for when you miss the nail with the hammer and hit your thumb instead.

Seasonal items, like holiday decorations, can go a little higher or farther back in the garage because they are needed so infrequently. Sports equipment, such as balls and nets, should stay closer to the front of the garage and at a lower level so kids can reach their toys and put them away when they’re finished playing.

As you put things in bins and drawers, use a label maker to clearly identify what is in each container. One garage organization idea is to assign a number to each container and create an inventory spreadsheet on your computer of what you have. That way, you will know where to find things in the future without having to look through multiple bins.

Another garage storage tip is to leave room for storing items that are currently in use elsewhere. It’s common to finish organizing your garage only to realize that you have holiday lights and decorations strung up outside that will need to eventually come down go into storage. Do yourself a favor and leave a few empty containers and enough shelf space for future additions to your neat, tidy and organized garage.