How to organize your garage

Before starting any new project, it is always a good idea to plan the work ahead of time.

Clear out
It is a lot easier to determine the needs once the cleaning is done.

Start by sorting items into three piles:

• Elements to recycle
• Things to throw away
• Objects to give away.

Look for organizations in your neighborhood to give away items that you don’t need.

Clean
After the space has been cleared of many items, it is a great time to clean out the garage walls and windows carefully. Now is also the best time to repaint the floor and/or walls at this time.

Make a plan

1. Gather together similar types of supplies and items currently stored in the garage.
2. Apply tape on the floor where the cars sit in the garage.
3. Take measurements with the help of a measuring tape & draw a floor plan to figure out where things will fit & how.
4. Create storage zones or groups of items on the plan.
5. Tape out proposed storage areas on the floor.
6. Visit our website and renovation centers to better find out about the different storing options offered.
7. Purchase storage units or materials to build them yourself.

Categorize

• Plan to store items used most frequently near the home’s access door.
• Seasonal equipment such as snow tires, kayaks, and bikes should be put together in one place, likely up high, to clear the floor. If needed, install a ceiling storage system with hoist pulleys.
• Avoid storing large equipment such as a lawn mower in a corner. Rather, park it underneath shelving.
• Hang items such as ladders, shovels, rakes, and other garden tools onto racks & hooks on the wall.

 Safety-proof

• Find or purchase a safe place to store hazardous materials such as fertilizers, pesticides, and paint in a locked cabinet.
• Keep sharp tools hung up high, out of easy reach and secured tightly.
• Keep chain saws and other sharp tools stored in locked boxes.
• When planning the space, make sure there is enough room to walk around the equipment without tripping.
• Make sure lighting is strong enough in the work areas to prevent accidents.

Take advantage of your garage’s reorganization to think about the types of work spaces that could be useful for you.

Do you need a space to do mechanic work, landscaping, potting plants or even to practice an artisanal hobby? Layout your working area according to your needs.

Floor surfaces
When designing the workspace and overall garage spacing, consider updating the garage flooring.

• Garage flooring options are varied but generally fall within either the coating or covering categories.
• No matter the choice, you can easily apply either system yourself, protect the floor against contaminants, enhance the aesthetics of the space, and even make cleaning easier.

Wall Surfaces

• The walls may be painted or covered with an outdoor-grade drywall.
• PVC or plastic wall coverings would be convenient for garages wherein the car might be washed.
• Large expanses of the wall surface may be devoted to a modular storage hook system that is attached to either bare studs or drywall areas.

Tool storage

Make smart purchases that are adapted to your work zone.

• Convenient, small storage containers that might contain screws, nails, etc. can hang from pegboards and modular wall systems.
• Hooks for power tools and other supplies.
• Cabinets (could also be lockable) hanging on the wall.
• Containers in a variety of sizes and designs for specific tools and materials.

Workbenches

Workbenches are an ideal spot to work on your construction projects.

• The workbench could be a part of a freestanding storage system or part of a cabinet system.
• It can also be stand-alone with storage space underneath the work surface.
• Remember to install lighting for visibility and clarity purposes. Several preassembled workbenches have drawers attached below the work surface. For smaller garage spaces, consider hanging a folding table on the wall that opens up and turns into a useable work surface upon need.

Other genius ideas

• Themed garages: some families may want to personalize the space with paint and/or decorations.
• Purchasing an air compressor that is housed within a cabinet saves a great deal of space and is a much quieter unit.
• Compressed storage/workbench combo units may be a great option for small garages. This type of storage system works like a Murphy bed where it unfolds into a shelf, but then closes up later when not in use.
• Outfit the garage with a sound system designed for the outdoor garage area.
• Add in an all-weather LCD television.
• Purchase a refrigerator that is designed for sub-freezing temperatures to ensure that chilled items don’t freeze when temperatures drop considerably below zero.
• Install swings or climbing rock ladders for kids. Make sure to follow strict safety guidelines.

A well planned storage system increases the safety of everyone in the garage. Work areas become more productive and orderly. Think about alternating between open shelves and cabinets for maximized options.

Think containers

• Purchase containers that are either transparent or adequately labeled for groups of items that would benefit from being bundled together. They are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and stackable features. It is generally a good idea to put seasonal things in clear containers for easy retrieval.
• When there are large quantities of items that need to be containerized, storage is made even easier when the storage containers are stackable. Browse through the variety of containers available before finalizing the storage plans as there are likely new sizes and types of containers that may be perfect for your supplies.

Sometimes, we have to get creative to find the ideal storage space for unusual or seasonal items. Here are a few ideas:

Seasonal clothing, toys, holiday items

• Any household items that are used infrequently, such as seasonal clothing, toys, and holiday items can be stored up high on freestanding shelving.
• These types of items are often categorized within transparent or opaque containers that need to be carefully marked for easy reference.

Trash & recyclable containers

• Designate an area of the garage for trash and recyclable containers, ideally next the door leading into the home for frequent, easy use.
• Special, stackable containers can be used to separate recyclables and trash. Labeling the containers may come in handy when visitors need to know where items are to be discarded.

Sports items

• Combine shelving units, freestanding units, clear containers, a modular wall system, or even a pegboard and peg hook system.
• Specialized units for specific sports gear such as ball claws, hooks for golf equipment, surfboards, and snow equipment are also available.
• Most bikes are stored on bike racks or on bike hoists.

Gardening/outdoor tools

• Locate gardening and outdoor lawn care equipment near the garage’s open door for easy access.
• Hang lighter tools above larger equipment such as the mower and wheelbarrow to conserve space.
• Wire shelving is ideal for gardening and outdoor tools.