If you Google images of organized garages, many of the pictures are of pristine, showroom garages where all you see are beautiful cabinets and drawers lining the walls and maybe one bike hanging on a rack and even the car parked in the garage! This is what I am considering to be impractical. Does anybody park their car in the garage?
Perhaps, but this blog is for the regular, everyday person who has a garage full of stuff that they need to get organized. Everyone has a different situation and particular interests and activities, but these are some of the ideas I have used in some recent garage organizing jobs.
Garage Shelving: This is pretty obvious, but always necessary in every garage I have organized. There are tons of options. I tend to prefer metal racks with clear bins so you can see everything. But sometimes in the garage you need heavy duty bins. I like things I can put together and move by myself, and I like both of these options.
I always get the casters for the metal shelves and I usually suggest this one from Home Depot because it's deeper (24" rather than 18"). These are also heavy duty. If you opt for a smaller and cheaper version, just note the measurements and weight limits.
Wall Mounted Storage: Slatwall panels are popular and becoming more affordable. You can buy sections and accessories on Amazon. And I like the Rubbermaid FastTrack system too. You can even get shelves with bike hooks to give you extra space for storage and more floor space. And keep in mind, you have to locate the studs to hang all of these, so get a handyman if you need to; it will be worth it!
Tool Organization: Nothing new, but if you have more than a small box of tools, I highly recommend a tool chest and pegboard. It's so nice to have your tools handy when you need them. And I find having a tool chest on wheels with a wood work top has been super useful...this is mine and I love it!
And if you have a lot of power tools, this is a nifty and affordable cart to store them.
Sports Equipment: There are lots of great ways to contain all of those balls and bats and rackets and weights...here's just a sampling.
Yard Tools: One of the hanging options above would be ideal for these, but I also came across this cart which does take up some floor space, but it's nice because you can wheel it out to your yard too.
Check out my Pinterest page for more ideas and inspiration.
As I always suggest when organizing anything, first sort like with like, get rid of anything you don't need and then once you see what you're working with, decide what organizer you need to fit everything. Even use boxes and bins temporarily while you are sorting and then come up with your plan of action for the whole room before running out to buy new organizers.
Hopefully this inspires you to get your garage more user friendly just in time for the warmer weather and outdoor activities!
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