A garage is more than just a place to store a vehicle — it's where all the important items that make a house a home are stored when not in use. For anyone who has ever moved, it's well-known that the garage also happens to be used as a storage unit for not only holiday decorations and cherished memories, but also Grandma's old piano or that lounger from college that no one could bear to part with.
No one should have to relinquish the things that make them nostalgic for when their babies were small or that remind them of their own childhood, but every "treasure" is not always a treasure and there's only so much room in a garage, so organization is key. We've rounded up 15 genius garage hacks that make us want to reorganize everything.
Add a Level
Suspended drop-down shelving from the ceiling of the garage is perfect for infrequently used items like Christmas decorations or camping gear. It’s a a smart use of wasted space while keeping it off the ground and safe while minimizing clutter.
Vertical Wall Organization
Build an organizer from scrap wood and pipe straps to keep brooms, mops, and dustpans off the floor and out of the way. Since this holder hangs on the wall, it’ll keep cleaning tools organized and more easily accessible.
A Place for Everything
When done right, cabinets can change an entire garage workspace. Tools and supplies need to be handy to get to but not in the way. Cabinets and drawers are perfect for putting everything out of sight.
Repurposed Coffee Cans
Organize twine, wire, and rope to keep it from tangling and store the rolls in old coffee cans. Cut a slit in the plastic lid of the can, place the rope inside and pull the end of rope through the top like a dispenser.
Sports Equipment Storage
Sports equipment can get quite unruly, especially if there are multiple kids in multiple sports. Instead of just shoving balls, rackets, and shoes into the garage, get some wall-mounted organizers.
Open Shelving
Shelving is a must in a garage if organization is the goal. Open shelving might not hide the clutter as well but it certainly does organize it well and makes frequently used items easier to find. Removing the bottom rung of the shelf can be a sweet parking spot for favorite ride-on toys for toddlers and preschoolers.
Bicycle Storage
Tired of cramming bike after bike, leaning on top of one another, while playing the game of bicycle Jenga every time the want for a ride arises? Instead, install some hooks on the ceiling and store those bikes overhead and out of sight.
Pegboard
A pegboard is a simple and easy way to organize tools from the workbench. It’s the perfect storage solution for all those tools that need a home. It also works great for things like spools of cables and other random things that take up space.
Repurposed Filing Cabinet
Another great storage idea is using old filing cabinets. They can easily be converted into a tool holder and look cool to boot. Simply flip it on its back and add casters to the bottom.
Hanging Paint Storage
Use a hanging shower caddy to organize and store spray paint collection by color. Each pocket holds two spray cans and now there's no more digging around a dusty old box looking for just one can.
Labeled Storage Bins
Storage bins are an essential part of garage organization, but a wall of blue can be confusing when they all look alike. A label maker will help identify exactly what is in each bin, making life easier when searching for something later. And the bigger the font, the better.
Hanging Garden Gear Holder
Keep track of those garden gloves and visors without just throwing them in a pile on the garage floor with a handy DIY hanging garden gear holder. Hot glue some old clothespins to a piece of a scrap wood, affix it to the wall and voila, all your garden gear in one organized place.
Fishing Rod Organizer
No more worries about fishing rods getting tangled up. Simply install a vertical fishing rod organizer and they will be up on the wall and out of the way.
Binder of Storage Boxes Index
The bins are full, labeled and on the shelves against the garage wall. It’s a great storage system, but who can read those tiny labels unless they're super up close? Why not go a step further and make a storage bin index and easily find anything, in any bin, at any time? List the contents of each box on a separate page so any item one is looking for can easily be found.
Storage in Joist Space
Most people don’t think to use the joist space for storage, but that’s a waste of valuable space. Easily install wire shelving under the joists and use all that extra space for storage.
