Garages tend to house more than just cars, bicycles, and tools. Homeowners might use extra garage space for items that aren’t ready to be tossed out, seasonal gear, and miscellaneous storage boxes. Unfortunately, these piles usually turn into mazes or straight-up messes. If you can relate, it’s time for a garage organisation makeover.
First, and go through everything in your garage, donate, recycle, or throw away any items you no longer use. If you want to keep more than your garage can manage, consider renting a self-storage unit near your home.
Once you remove unnecessary clutter, you’re ready to add garage storage solutions. You can choose from various systems, such as shelving units, hangers, custom cabinetry, and overhead storage. Before deciding on the design, consider your budget, garage size, and amount of storage. Plus, you’ll want to take note of the types of items you’re storing.
For families with multiple bicycles, look for wall racks or overhead storage. Freestanding garage cabinets, like the Husky steel cabinet ($350, The Home Depot) and this one on Amazon ($334), are excellent options for cleaning supplies, tools, and other items grouped in one convenient location.
If your garage doubles as a workspace for projects, a workbench storage system provides ample room for tools, cabinets, and countertop space.
FAQs About Garage Renovation
How Can I Store Sports Equipment In My Garage?
Plastic bin storage containers are easy to attach to your ceiling. Your seasonal athletic equipment can fit in storage bins that are clear for organisation purposes and offer easy access storage. If they’re not clear, label them, so you’ll know what is in each bin. Attach the labels at the bottom of your bins, not the sides. A garage storage solution has never been this easy.
What Is Considered A Fire Hazard In A Garage?
Oil or gasoline will leak or drip from your cars. The flammable substances can accumulate on your garage’s floor. If left unnoticed, they could ignite. Oil and paint are two other flammable substances that could be a fire hazard in your garage. The price you pay for ignoring such risks isn’t worth it.
How Do You Store Hazardous Chemicals In A Garage?
Chemicals should be stored in appropriate containers. The best containers are their original ones. When the label on an original container loosens, secure it with tape. When this happens, put the chemical in a different container and label it. You should keep hazardous chemicals locked up. If you don’t have lockable doors on your cabinets, you should change that.
How Do You Fireproof A Garage Wall?
Gypsum board will protect your garage wall or ceiling from fire. Or ceiling that connects to the main home, which will minimise the possibility of a fire in the garage reaching the house. It would help if you also had a fire extinguisher and heat alarm in your garage.
What Is Code For Garage Drywall?
The wall between a house and garage must be separated by 1/2 inch drywall. This also includes structural members and extends to the attic. The rule is that the garage needs to be separated from the house.
What To Look For In A Garage Storage System
Durability
“Sturdiness is the number one feature,” says Chris Fallon, general contractor and owner of Fallon Contracting. You want storage solutions that are durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of your garage—and sturdy enough to hold all the stuff you need them to. Prioritise durable materials and high weight capacities wherever you can.
Flexibility
It’s important to be able to access everything you’ve stored. So having the flexibility to reorganise your storage system whenever you need to can go a long way. For this reason, Scott Hamilton Harris, general contractor and co-owner of Building Construction Group recommends stocking up on more flexible storage solutions—like stackable bins and cabinets with built-in wheels.
Functionality
The most important feature of any storage system? Its ability to store the things you need it to store. Take a moment to consider what your space currently looks like, as well as what you need to store.
“Prioritise according to what your most important needs are first,” Hamilton Harris says. And as you outfit your space, keep in mind what you need to store most and least frequently, and organise your storage set-up accordingly.
Planning Your Garage Storage Project
Treat your garage like you would any other room in your house. Before shopping for items to build garage storage shelving or adding compartments for organisation purposes, decide what you want. Your garage storage additions should give you easy access to your belongings and tools.
Before you spend money, check the price of what you want and find the best deal is available. Some retailers offer extra services, which is a good sign when shopping with them.
Shopping For Garage Storage Materials
For any DIY home improvement project, you will need the right tools and equipment. With projects that help with home organisation, shelving and access are two priorities. For example, with shelving, you might need wood, nails, adhesive, and stain.
If plastic is your thing, you’ll need containers, lids, and labels, to name a few. If you don’t have a workbench, you should consider one when buying equipment. For aggressive DIYers, spend a weekend collecting discarded material from construction sites. After all, free is the best price.
The Best Garage Storage Systems
You can find various DIY garage storage options on Amazon and at Lowe’s that are easy to install and budget-friendly. If you’re interested in creating a customised garage storage system, there are plenty of services available.
The Home Depot has garage organisation experts who design and install systems that suit your needs based on an in-person or virtual consultation. Other companies specialising in custom storage include Gorgeous Garage and Closets by Design.
Whether you want a quick solution or a made-to-order design, we’ve highlighted everything you need to know about the best garage storage systems on the market. Keep scrolling to learn more about the different companies and products, and then choose a garage organisation system that fits your needs.
Best Overall: Husky Steel Garage Cabinet Set, 6-Piece
Husky’s Steel Garage Cabinet Set isn’t just a cabinet—it’s a full-blown storage system. And it comes complete with two open shelves, two closed shelves, two pegboards, two rods, one cabinet, and a wooden surface that doubles as a workspace.
The sleek piece is crafted from heavy-duty steel and stain-resistant wood—two materials that promise to be durable enough for your garage. And since the entire system is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 4 feet 5 inches wide, and 1 foot 7 inches deep, it should give you plenty of storage space—without demanding too much real estate in your garage.
Best Budget: Imillet Wall Mounted Organizer
Millet’s Wall-Mounted Organiser won’t help you store everything in your garage. It will, however, give you a handy place to store your go-to tools, cleaning supplies, and more. The storage system comes with two wall-mounted organisers—each of which boasts five slots and six hooks.
The slots are perfect for cylindrical items, like rakes, mops, and dusters. And the hooks are well-suited to anything you can hang up. Combined, these organisers offer 22 storage slots. That’s a fair amount of space for such a low-profile storage system, making this a particularly great option for small or narrow garages.
Best Cabinet: Seville Classics UltraHD Steel Heavy-Duty Storage Cabinet
Looking for a durable cabinet that can hold up to the wear and tear of your garage? The Seville Classics Heavy-Duty Storage Cabinet promises to be up to the task.
The cabinet is crafted from heavy-duty steel, which promises to be garage-friendly. And since its doors lock in place, you won’t have to worry about any dirt or grime sneaking in.
At 6 feet 2 inches, the cabinet stands pretty tall. And it comes equipped with four adjustable shelves, which can handle 150 pounds of weight apiece. Since the cabinet has five built-in caster wheels, you won’t have to worry about keeping it in one spot. Instead, you can slide the cabinet around as you need to. And you can lock two of its wheels to hold it steady between uses.
Best Pegboard: Everbilt Interconnecting Plastic Pegboard
If you’re looking for a low-profile storage solution that’s completely customisable, a pegboard may be a great choice. And since Everbilt’s Interconnecting Plastic Pegboards are sold individually, you can stock up on exactly as many as you need.
Each pegboard measures 16 inches by 16 inches—that’s big enough to give you options but not so large that you’ll be pressed for space. And since the pegboards are crafted from high-impact plastic, they promise to be garage-friendly and easy to clean.
Each pegboard is compatible with 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch hooks and can handle up to 50 pounds of weight. The only downside? The pegboard comes without hardware, so you’ll have to score your hooks separately.
Best Bin: The Container Store Sterilite Garage Totes
Storage bins are a classic for a reason: They’re spacious, reliable, and easy to stack. And since Sterilite’s Garage Totes are completely shut, you won’t have to worry about your stuff getting exposed to dust and cobwebs. The storage bins are available in two different sizes—25 quarts and 50 quarts—so you can mix and match the two to meet your needs.
And since they’re made from polypropylene, a sturdy plastic polymer, you can rest assured knowing they’ll fare well in your garage. What’s nice? The storage bins are just slightly opaque. This makes them clear enough to see, giving you just enough transparency to keep track of where you’ve stored your stuff.
Best Overhead: Fleximounts Overhead Garage Storage Rack
Once you’ve lined your walls and floors with shelves, there’s only one place to go: up. And Fleximounts’ Overhead Garage Storage Rack makes it easy to take full advantage of your ceiling space.
The heavy-duty steel rack is 8 feet long and 4 feet wide, offering ample storage space. And since it can handle 600 pounds at a time, you can load it up with some of your heaviest essentials.
The rack is adjustable so that you can customise its height (between 22 and 40 inches). And since it comes in three different colours, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding an option that suits your space.
Overhead garage storage is practical for the organisation. They increase floor space while providing access to your seasonal belongings and creating more room for your cars. The adjustable overhead garage storage containers offer easy access to cleaning supplies and provide your room with more organisation.
The plastic and heavy-duty storage equipment also protect your belongings from water damage. The containers help with garage organisation and are ideal for gear, seasonal items, and other accessories. The crates are 96 inches long and 48 inches wide.
Best Tool Chest: Craftsman 2000 Series 10-Drawer Steel Rolling Tool Cabinet in Red
If you’re a handy person, you need a place to store all your tools. And the Craftsman Rolling Tool Cabinet promises to get the job done. The cabinet is crafted from heavy-duty steel. And it comes equipped with ten drawers, which can hold up to 100 pounds apiece.
These drawers range from short to tall and wide to narrow—giving you plenty of storage options. And since the top drawer boasts a built-in tool organiser, you shouldn’t have any trouble keeping track of all your must-haves.
The base of the cabinet comes lined with caster wheels, so it shouldn’t be tough to move around. And you can take advantage of the cabinet’s built-in lock any time you want to secure your stuff.
Best Shelves: Dotted Line Esther Shelving Unit
Shelves make a classic addition to any storage set-up. The only problem? You have to nail them into the wall. But since the Dotted Line’s Esther Shelving Unit is a freestanding shelf rack, you won’t have to worry about dealing with an installation.
The heavy-duty steel rack is 6.5 feet tall and 5 feet wide, so it’s one of the largest options. And it comes equipped with five shelves, each of which can handle up to 800 pounds of weight. These shelves are adjustable, so you can customise them to meet your needs. And you can also take advantage of the rack’s built-in caster wheels any time you need to rearrange your garage.
Best Hanging: New Age Products Pro Series Garage Wall Shelving
If you want a shelf that you can mount on your wall or hang from your ceiling, NewAge Products has you covered. The brand’s Garage Wall Shelving is equipped with brackets on one side and cables on the other, giving you everything you need to hang shelves from your ceiling, your walls, or even other shelves.
Each heavy-duty steel shelf offers 16 square feet of storage space and can support up to 600 pounds at a time. And if you’re worried about stuff sliding off your shelves, you can rest assured knowing that a 1-inch lip lining the shelf’s border should keep everything securely in place.
King’s Rack Bin Rack Boltless Steel Storage System Organizer
The tool shop storage model offers 12 bins. Made with alloy steel, this space-friendly unit is the king of organisation. Either put it on the floor or top of an existing bench. The garage storage shelving has 12 bins in four tiers. Adjust the storage compartment to nine bins in three tiers to create space on the floor.
The bolt-less design makes installation easy and within minutes. A particle board sits on top at 36 inches. Either put it on the floor or an existing bench. The 36″ high tabletop adds flexibility as a table, a mini working bench, or a storage layer.
DIY Garage Storage Ideas
Garages are important for organisations and storage. You want the type of storage shelving, DIY garage cabinets are just one way you can upgrade your space.
Garage Shelves
Shoe storage is vital for any home. If you have a garage, then the space is ideal for shoes. For those living in an environment where seasons are extreme, you need extra space outside of your home to keep your shoes.
There’s not enough space inside your home for snow boots, hiking boots, fishing boots, golf shoes, yard shoes, rain boots, and water shoes. For organisation purposes, you can build shelving by the entrance to the garage for easy access where these types of shoes will be stored.
DIY Workshop Space Organization
This is a fun DIY garage idea. You’ll need wall panels, baskets, clear bins, hooks, cardholders, and other items. Position your baskets according to access and organisation. It’s up to you however you want to design your storage wall.
DIY Lawn Tool Pallet
Stain the pallet. Remove a few slats, stain them, and then reattach them to your pallet. When the pieces aren’t connected, they’re easier to stain. It will also give you a better surface.
After staining, leave the cure overnight. After the stain is dry, reattach the planks to the pallet.
There’s a strong chance your garage interior is drywall. The best way to attach it to the drywall is to run screws through it. This will secure the connections with the studs behind the drywall. If there aren’t studs, use a strong adhesive.
Required Parts:
- Pallet
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Heavy-duty screws or framing nails
- Stain & weatherproofing sealant
Fishing Gear Garage Storage Racks
If you want to clean up your fishing gear clutter in your garage, there is a simple DIY solution. You need two things to make it happen:
- PVC pipe – 3 inches in diameter.
- Foam Swimming Noodle
Steps:
- Drill 1-in. holes spaced every four inches in the PVC pipe.
- Cut slits in the foam noodle every four inches.
- Fix the pool noodle on the wall. Make sure two slits sit over studs.
- Pull the slits, slide in a fender washer, and screw the noodle to the structure with 2 inches. Screws.
- Screw the PVC pipe to the wall beneath it and insert the fishing rods.
Pegboard For Garage Storage
Installing a pegboard to a garage wall is so easy it’s hard to call it a real DIY project.
When installing a pegboard, make sure it is not flat against the wall so your hooks can hang from it. Also, you’ll need space for extra-long screws. Add three to four washers between the pegboard and the surface when attaching it.
When you do this, it will leave a gap and make it easier for the hooks to hang.
Spray Paint Rack
If you want something cutting-edge and you have spray paint that you need access to, try this. You’ll need two edge pieces of thick board and plenty of rungs to attach it to your garage.
If you’re good with a saw and want to spend one weekend working on a DIY project, this innovative shelving idea would be good. There’s no such thing as a boring garage storage project.
Metal Standing Rack
For this one, you’ll need a large metal standing rack. You can check metal workshops and see what they are throwing away. They might give you what you need. If you’re an experienced welder, then you could make one.
A metal rack would add organisation to your garage storage. It would also give you easy access to your metal materials.
Conclusion
There is no reason why your garage should be cluttered. There are many DIY garage shelves and other ideas you could utilise to add more space. The thing that you wouldn’t want to include in your garage storage would be planted. Without sunlight, plants will die.