The garage usually becomes a dumping ground for all the things that we don’t know what else to do with. It’s easy to dump, run, and close the door, not worrying about the state of your garage and the next time you need to search for something.
Garage storage solutions are becoming more and more popular. Houses are being built on smaller blocks of land, some not allowing room for a garden shed to store items, so a properly configured garage can really make a difference when it comes to storing clutter and ensuring you have easy access to your belongings.
Vertical Space
Obviously, if you’re wanting to use your garage as its main purpose (to store your car/s), you are going to want to ensure that you take advantage of the vertical space your garage has to offer.
A wall-mounted shelving system allows you to have shelving as high as you like, rather than having shelving that sits on the floor and only go up so high.
If you decide to go with a wall-mounted storage system, you are going to need to ensure that the items you store are not too heavy and that the shelves are installed correctly by using the studs in the walls. These types of storage shelves are great for labelled containers to store things like beach/pool toys, sporting equipment, car care etc.
Hooks and Tracks
There are some items that aren’t suitable for shelving or tubs/containers, and these are ideal to hang on your garage wall using tracks. Consider storing items like shovels, whipper snippers and high-pressure cleaners.
For items like soccer goals, kids bikes and scooters, large hooks are an ideal storage solution. These items wgarageon’t be clogging up valuable floor space and you’re able to hang them as high as needed, even if that means that your car is able to come in underneath, it will still be low enough for you to easily grab.
Metal Storage Units If you have concrete walls, or maybe you’re renting, wall mounted shelves may not be an option for you, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have effective garage storage. There are many metal shelves available in the market which are sturdy, well-built and affordable. It’s important to ensure that whatever metal storage unit you purchase, it has a good weight ratio, most can hold 200-300kgs per shelf.
Don’t be tempted by cheaper plastic versions, over time they will warp and won’t be as strong or sturdy. You don’t want them falling over and damaging your belongings, or even worse, injuring a family member.
The metal shelving will be an investment initially, but you won’t ever need to worry about them falling or giving way.
Tool Kits
Buy smaller containers that have divided sections in them, these are perfect for smaller tools and nails and screws. You may want to label them plumbing, electrical, and spend the time organising them into each container. It will make those DIY jobs around the home so much easier when you’re able to find what you’re looking for to complete your job.
Pegboards
They are often used in studies or bedrooms but consider using one in your garage! With small hooks, they are ideal for your smaller tools that you may use more regularly such as screwdrivers, hammers or even for hanging your keys that you may use for screen doors and fly screens or your side gate.
Another good alternative to using a broom cupboard is to hang your brooms and dustpans.
Shoe rack
You would be surprised how many people also use their garage for shoe storage. For shoes that are worn regularly, or perhaps you live with a tradie who you don’t want walking their muddy boots through the house, install some shoe racks on your garage wall, it helps get the shoes up off the floor and out of the way.
Garage Storage Organisation
Once you’ve decided on what storage solution will work best for you, you want to ensure that you organise it in the best way as well. Ideally, you want things to be easily accessible, which isn’t always possible, especially when you’re working on garage storage solutions. Items that you know you will use regularly, or know that the kids will want to use, store them lower, so you can reach them without a stool or ladder. Less popular items can be stored higher up.
Store your items in ‘zones’, for example, kids toys/beach toys, garden equipment, cleaning products and tools. It will make finding things a little bit easier, and easier to put back once you’re done using them.
Having a well-organised garage will make a huge difference to how your space is used. Rather than becoming a dumping ground, it will be practical and you will be able to utilize the space. Take the time to clearly map out how you would like the end result to look, and you will reap the rewards for years to come!