7 Neat Ways to Improve Your Garage Storage

Why is it, no matter how many times you try, your garage never seems organized? It’s like you’re always in a state of never being able to find what you need, or to find a spot for yet another bunch of stuff.

There are a lot of reasons for this, but it begins with the fact that your garage is an unfinished space in your home. Like an unfinished basement, unless you give it some organization, it’ll never be anything but a catch-all space for things you have no other place for in your home.

But your garage is even worse off than your basement. It can be hot in the summer, cold in the winter and it might have your car in it, and the grease stains that go with that too. So the chances of it being a more practical space are pretty slim.

But it’s not a hopeless situation. Again, the basic reason that unfinished basements and garages tend to remain that way is because of how easy it is to just throw stuff in them and forget about it.

If you found a way to organize and properly store all that stuff, it could be your first step into making the garage a more useful part of your home, potentially leading to it being used for things like a home gym, office or kids’ playroom.

To help you get started, check out these garage storage ideas and products that’ll make the job that much easier – and give you more usable space in your garage than you thought you had.

1. Plan the Space 

In an unorganized garage, the floor tends to be the place where most things are stored. In an organized garage, the floor should remain clear and be the last place that you put anything.

With that in mind, you can start planning how to use the walls and ceiling to store the different groups of items you have. These can include garden tools, sports equipment, workbench tools and automotive products.

2. Remember Safety

If you’re going to be using the walls and ceiling to hang and store things, remember to make sure they are all secure and won’t fall unexpectedly, potentially hurting someone or at least being damaged.

3. Storage Cabinets

If there is anything you need to keep secure and/or keep out of site, you can use garage storage cupboards, cabinets and drawers. Available as stand-alone cupboards, or as an entire cabinet and drawer wall unit, they can include lockable compartments that will help keep your things more secure.

4. Open Shelving

You use some of the things in your garage more often than others. If you don’t want to be opening cabinet doors and locks to get to them every time, store them on floor-to-ceiling open storage racks.

Look for specialty shelving for things that might be difficult to store on standard shelves, like your winter and summer tires when they’re not in use.

5. Slatwall Panels

With the ability to add hooks, baskets and shelves of all sizes and types, slatwalls are probably the most versatile and essential garage storage idea there is.

6. Pegboard

Similar to slatwalls, pegboard can take a variety of hooks and hangers, but it is more suitable for smaller items, like hand tools.

7. Overhead Storage

This is probably the least used space in most garages. But it’s a great place for items that you don’t use very often and/or that are too bulky for your other storage, like picnic coolers.

While you may have particular storage needs in your garage, these ideas should get you started. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes after you organize your garage. And you’ll be surprised at how close you are to potentially being able to completely change the role of your garage in your home. You might just be an insulated garage door and a few coats of paint away from making it a more functional and enjoyable space.

If you are in need of a new garage door or just service to your current door, contact Upper Canada Garage Doors today! We serve Oakville and the surrounding areas.