15 Tips On How To Organize Your Garage And Reclaim Your Space

Garages are often used as a storage space for all kinds of items, from tools and equipment to seasonal decorations and sports gear.

However, without proper organization, your garage can easily become cluttered and chaotic, making it difficult to find what you need when you need it.

How To Organize Your Garage To Reclaim Space

If you’re tired of stepping over boxes and tripping over clutter in your garage, it’s time to take control and implement some organization tips. Here are 15 tips to help you organize your garage and reclaim valuable space.

The first step in organizing any space is to declutter. Go through all the items in your garage and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. Donate, sell, or dispose of these items to free up space for the things that matter.

Once you’ve decluttered, sort the remaining items into categories such as tools, sports equipment, gardening supplies, and seasonal decorations. This will make it easier when it’s time to store them.

Don’t just focus on the floor space in your garage. Utilize vertical space by installing shelves, cabinets, and hooks to store items off the ground.

To make it easy to find items in your garage, label everything clearly. This will save you time and effort when searching for something specific.

Place items that you use frequently, such as gardening tools or sports equipment, closest to the entrance of your garage for easy access.

Clear plastic bins are great for storing small items and keeping them visible. This way, you won’t have to rummage through multiple boxes looking for something specific.

Bikes can take up a lot of space in your garage. Hang them on the wall using hooks or a bike rack to free up valuable floor space.

A pegboard is an excellent tool for organizing tools and small items. Hang it on the wall and use hooks to store screwdrivers, pliers, and other frequently used tools.

If you use your garage as a workspace, consider creating a designated workbench area. This will keep all your tools and supplies organized in one place.

Don’t forget to utilize the space above your head by installing overhead storage racks or shelves for items that are not used frequently. This can be a great spot for storing holiday decorations.

If you have high ceilings in your garage, take advantage of them by installing shelves that hang from the ceiling. These are perfect for storing items such as camping equipment or seasonal gear.

A fold-down table is an excellent solution for small garages. It can be used as a workbench or for storage when not in use.

Proper lighting is essential in any workspace, including your garage. Install bright overhead lights to make it easier to find items and work on projects.

Utilize every inch of space in your garage, including the corners. Install corner shelves or hang bikes vertically in the corners to maximize storage.

Create designated zones for different categories of items, such as a gardening zone, a sports zone, and a tool zone. This will make it easier to find things and keep everything organized.

What To Avoid Storing In The Garage

While it might be tempting to store everything in your garage, some items are better kept elsewhere due to risks of damage or even safety hazards. Here is a list of things you should avoid storing in your garage:

Paint: Extreme temperature fluctuations in your garage can ruin your paint. It's better to store paint cans in a more temperature-controlled environment, such as a basement or indoor closet.
Electronics: Electronics can be damaged by the damp and variable temperatures often found in garages. It's best to store these items indoors.
Paper Documents: Paper can be damaged by moisture and can also attract pests. Important documents should be stored in a safe, dry location indoors.
Clothing and Bedding: These can attract pests such as moths and are susceptible to mold and mildew. Store them in your home, ideally in vacuum-sealed bags.
Canned Food: The fluctuating temperatures of a garage can compromise the integrity of canned food, making it unsafe to eat. Store canned goods in a pantry or cupboard inside your house.
Wine: Wine needs to be kept at a constant, cool temperature, which a garage can't offer. Storing wine in the garage can spoil its flavor.
Propane Tanks: Storing propane tanks in the garage can be a fire hazard. They should be kept outside, in a well-ventilated area.
Photographs: The heat, cold, and humidity of a garage can damage photographs. These should be kept inside where the temperature and humidity are controlled.
Wood Furniture: Wood can warp, crack, and rot when exposed to the moisture and fluctuating temperatures of a garage. Store wood furniture indoors.
Pet Food: Unsealed pet food can attract pests to your garage. Store pet food in airtight containers inside your home.

How To Organize Your Garage FAQs

How do I start organizing my garage?

Start by decluttering. Go through everything in your garage and get rid of items you don’t need or use. Then, sort the remaining items into categories.

How can I make the best use of the space in my garage?

Utilize vertical space by installing shelves and cabinets. Use clear bins for storage and hang items like bikes on the wall. Also, consider overhead storage and using fold-down tables.

How can I make finding items in my garage easier?

Label everything clearly. Store frequently used items close to the entrance for easy access. Use clear bins for storage so you can see what’s inside.

What items should I avoid storing in my garage?

Some items are better kept elsewhere due to risks of damage or safety hazards. These include paint, electronics, paper documents, clothing, canned food, wine, propane tanks, photographs, wood furniture, and pet food.

Customize Your Garage With Tailor-Made Storage

If you need some help creating the perfect garage storage for your belongings, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re ready to customize your space to the fullest, making use of every square inch so you never have to trip over tools or leave the car outside because there’s no room to park it.

Give us a call at (425) 428-5073 or send us a quick message, and let’s schedule your in-home appointment.