Keeping your garage organized can be a daunting task. It’s an area of the house that often gets overlooked, becoming a dumping grounds for all the things that don’t quite have a place inside. Yet, when well organized, a garage can become an efficient storage area, a functional workspace, or even a sanctuary for your beloved car. Here are 13 ways I keep my garage organized, and how you can do it too.
1. Start with a Purge
Before even beginning to organize, the first step should always be to purge. The garage is often filled with items that are no longer useful or needed. Start by going through every item in your garage and decide if it’s worth keeping. Be ruthless. If it hasn’t been used in a year, chances are it’s not worth the space it’s consuming.
Once you’ve decided what to keep, sort the rest into three piles: sell, donate, and trash. You’d be surprised how much of what you haven’t used can be valuable to someone else. Plus, getting rid of things you don’t need will give you more space to organize the items you decide to keep.
2. Utilize Wall Space
In most garages, wall space is underutilized. But with the right organization tools, your walls can become a major player in keeping your garage tidy. Install hooks, shelves, or pegboards to hold tools, sporting equipment, and more.
For instance, bicycles can be hung on the wall during off-seasons to save floor space. Pegboards provide a versatile storage solution for tools. You can rearrange the hooks as needed, making this a flexible option as your tool collection grows or changes.
3. Zone Your Garage
Think of your garage as a space with different zones. Each zone should have a purpose. You might have a zone for gardening tools, one for sports equipment, and another for car care items.
By zoning your garage, you create a specific place for each item. This not only makes finding things easier, but it also makes it simpler to put things away. When every item has a designated place, it’s easier to maintain organization in the long term.
4. Use Clear Storage Bins
Clear storage bins are a life-saver when it comes to garage organization. Unlike cardboard boxes, they protect against moisture and pests. Plus, you can easily see what’s inside without having to open each box.
Organize items into categories and place them in separate bins. For example, you might have a bin for holiday decorations and another for camping gear. Label each bin to make things even easier to find.
5. Install Overhead Storage
Another often overlooked area in the garage is the space near the ceiling. Overhead storage racks can be installed to utilize this space. These are great for storing infrequently used items such as seasonal decorations or camping gear.
While overhead storage can be a little more difficult to install, the payoff is immense. The additional storage space can clear up much needed floor and wall space for other items.
6. Create a Tool Wall
If you frequently use tools in your garage, consider creating a dedicated tool wall. This can be done with a pegboard or a magnetic strip. Having all your tools visible and within reach makes any task more efficient.
A tool wall also helps keep your tools in good condition. By hanging them up, you can avoid the damage that can occur when tools are piled together in a drawer or box.
7. Consider a Workbench
A workbench can be a great addition to your garage if you frequently work on projects there. It provides a dedicated space for work, helping to keep the rest of your garage clean and free of clutter.
When choosing a workbench, consider one with built-in storage. Drawers or shelves under the workbench can provide additional storage for tools and materials, helping to keep the top of the workbench clear for work.
8. Store Items off the Floor
Storing items directly on the floor can lead to clutter. Whenever possible, try to store items off the floor. This could be on shelves, in cabinets, or on hooks.
Storing items off the floor not only helps to keep your garage organized but also makes cleaning easier. You can easily sweep or hose down the floor without having to move a bunch of items out of the way.
9. Label Everything
When everything is labeled, finding what you need becomes a breeze. This is especially true for items that are stored in bins or boxes.
You can use a simple label maker or even just a permanent marker. The key is to clearly label each box or bin with its contents. This way, you won’t have to rummage through multiple boxes to find what you need.
10. Regularly Maintain Your Garage
Organization is not a one-time task. It requires regular maintenance. Make a schedule to go through your garage every few months to make sure everything is still in its place.
If you notice that items are frequently out of place, it might be a sign that your current organization system isn’t working. Be open to making adjustments as needed.
11. Use Vertical Storage
Another effective way to use your wall space is with vertical storage. This can be achieved with tall shelving units or stacking bins. Vertical storage can make use of high ceilings and create floor space.
For example, you could use vertical storage for your gardening tools. A tall shelving unit can hold pots, soil, and gardening tools, while still leaving floor space for larger items like lawnmowers.
12. Group Similar Items Together
Grouping similar items together makes it easier to find what you need. For example, keep all your car maintenance items like oil, jumper cables, and windshield wiper fluid together.
This makes it easier to find what you need when you need it. Instead of searching the entire garage for your jumper cables, you’ll know exactly where to look.
13. Use a Garage Organizing System
Finally, consider investing in a garage organizing system. These systems often include a combination of shelves, hooks, bins, and other storage solutions. They can be a great way to get your garage organized quickly.
While a garage organizing system can be a bigger investment, it can also save you time and frustration in the long run. Plus, many systems are modular and can be customized to fit your specific needs.