Thinking about organizing your garage this fall? If you’re lucky enough to have a garage, we recommend taking full advantage of the extra storage space.
It’s important to maximize the utility of the garage. After all, a garage can be used in a number of ways. From home gyms and craft workshops to storage sheds and makeshift playrooms, the way in which you choose to use a garage will depend on your family’s unique needs.
Ready to get your garage in order? Here are our tips for organizing your garage this fall.
Determine How You Want to Use Your Garage
First things first: How do you plan to use the garage? Unfortunately, the garage tends to be the place in the house where junk accumulates the fastest. From recycled goods and random boxes to miscellaneous items and large sports equipment, most people have an assortment of unorganized belongings taking up space in their garages.
Before you begin to declutter and organize, determine how exactly you want to use the space. Do you just need more storage? Do you need a workshop or a toolshed? Do you need a space for large vehicles or large equipment? What about a home gym or a space for the kids to hang out?
If you plan to use the garage as extra space for storage (as most people do), then you’ll need to start brainstorming ways in which to do that. If you plan to use the garage as an extra room (think: home gym or playroom), then you’ll need to think about ways to clear the clutter and heat and cool the space.
Start Clearing Out
After you’ve determined how to use the garage, it’s time to start purging all of those unused and unnecessary belongings. We recommend first ditching anything that is considered trash.
Bring unused cardboard boxes to your local recycling center, and unused paint or other hazardous materials to your local hazardous waste facility drop-off. Once you’ve eliminated the trash, decide which gently-used items you wish to donate or sell. Many charities, such as Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill, will even come pick up your items for you.
For tips on how to declutter, read our guide on how to declutter your home before moving.
Clean the Garage Thoroughly
Before you move in shelves or bins, give the space a deep clean:
- Sweep out all debris and dust.
- Power wash or scrub floors, if needed.
- Wipe down walls, windows, and shelving units.
- Check for signs of pests or moisture damage.
This creates a clean slate to work with and helps identify any repairs needed before storage solutions go in.
Figure Out a Layout That Works for Your Needs
Now that the garage is decluttered, the next step is to decide on a layout that works best for your needs. For instance, if you need space for a workshop and a table, then it might be best to plan the rest of the garage layout around that. If you need space for two cars, then you’ll need to figure out the best layout for storage solutions around the cars. Typically, this means vertical storage with either cabinets, shelving, or a combination of the two.
Decide What Storage Essentials Are Needed
Speaking of cabinets and shelving, it’s now time to determine what storage essentials are needed. Start by measuring the widths and lengths of the areas you wish to cover in storage systems. This will allow you to better visualize the space so that you can choose the correct storage essentials.
For hidden storage, we recommend installing cabinets along the walls. Many homeowners opt for free-standing cabinets, which can be moved around as needed. For a more permanent option, choose wall-mounted cabinets.
If you’d like to be able to see all of your stored items at once, we recommend opting for open shelving. Homeowners have a wide range of shelving options to choose from, including wire shelving, wood shelving, plastic shelving, and steel shelving.
To keep items neatly organized in the garage, we also recommend purchasing bins and baskets that fit on shelves and inside cabinets.
Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Remember to take advantage of the walls. In addition to shelving and cabinets, consider adding wall organization tools, such as pegboards, shelf track systems, and slatwall panels. These items can hold a number of belongings, including home tools and yard tools. Bike racks are an excellent, space-efficient way to store bicycles when not in use as well.
Finally, don’t forget to add hooks throughout the garage. This is an inexpensive way to hang tools and small appliances.
Group Your Items Into Categories
Don’t haphazardly throw items inside cabinets and bins. Instead, make sure to properly categorize your items before putting them in the garage. Examples of categories to use when organizing items include holiday decor, sports equipment, tools, personal or sentimental items, yard tools, and seasonal items (think: inflatable pools and beach chairs).
You may want to consider storing seasonal items in a separate storage unit or attic space. Once you’ve grouped items into categories, it will make it easier to organize your belongings in the garage. Consider purchasing a label maker to label bins, baskets and cabinets, so that everything will be easy to find and readily available when you need it.
Use Clear or Labeled Bins for Storage
Opaque bins hide clutter, but they can also make it harder to find things. Consider using:
- Clear plastic bins for visibility
- Color-coded bins for specific categories
- Stackable bins to save space
- Labeled lids and sides to identify contents at a glance
- Waterproof containers for items prone to moisture or pests.
Create a Maintenance Routine
Once your garage is organized, keep it that way by:
- Doing seasonal check-ins (fall and spring work best).
- Rotating seasonal items in and out of storage.
- Relabeling bins as contents change.
- Sweeping floors and checking for pests regularly.
- Reevaluating storage as your family’s needs evolve.
Where to Find Garage Storage Systems
Finding the right garage storage system for your needs and budget is one of the most important things you can do when organizing your garage. Fortunately, it’s very easy to do, thanks to online retailers.
Here are several popular places to find garage storage systems when you’re ready to outfit the garage.
- The Home Depot — Need garage cabinets? Home Depot has a wide variety of garage cabinets that come in all different sizes and configurations. The store also sells cabinets that come with workstations attached. We recommend purchasing the Husky Steel Garage Cabinet in one of the many configurations.
- The Container Store — From Elfa garage solutions to track systems and step stools, The Container Store has you covered. We recommend purchasing Elfa’s Utility Bike Rack and Sports Rack. The store also provides professional installation of all products.
- IKEA — IKEA has a number of budget-friendly garage storage solutions, including shelving, cabinets and work benches. We recommend purchasing the company’s BROR system, which features industrial, open-shelving options that are perfect for your garage.
- Lowe’s — From overhead garage storage to heavy-duty cabinets, Lowe’s features a wide assortment of garage storage solutions. We recommend purchasing the NewAge Products steel garage storage systems and the heavy-duty storage totes.
- Wayfair — The website sells a variety of brands to meet every need and price point. We recommend purchasing WFX Utility storage cabinets or one of the more affordable Wayfair Basics cabinets.
- Amazon — From hooks and pegboards to free-standing cabinets and storage racks, Amazon can meet all of your garage storage solution needs. You’ll also receive most products within days of ordering, which means you can get right to work (read: convenient!). We recommend purchasing smaller garage storage needs, such as bins, baskets, hooks, wall racks, hardware, and utility shelves from Amazon.
FAQ: Garage Organization Tips
When is the best time to organize the garage?
Fall and spring are ideal. Fall is great because it prepares your space for winter storage, and the cooler weather makes garage work more comfortable.
How long does it typically take to organize a garage?
It depends on the size and the amount of clutter, but plan for one to two full days. Larger garages may take a weekend or more.
Should I hire a professional organizer?
If you’re overwhelmed or have a large space with complex needs, a professional can be worth the investment. Otherwise, a DIY approach with the right tools is perfectly doable.
What’s the best way to store tools?
Pegboards, magnetic strips, wall-mounted racks, and labeled bins are all great ways to store and access tools easily.
How do I keep pests out of my garage?
Seal cracks, store food (including pet food) in airtight bins, keep items off the floor, and avoid cardboard boxes, which attract pests.
Can I store paint or chemicals in the garage?
Yes, but only if the garage remains between 50-80°F. Extreme heat or cold can damage certain materials, so consider climate-controlled storage if needed.
What shouldn’t I store in the garage?
Avoid storing photographs, paper documents, delicate fabrics, electronics, or anything sensitive to moisture, heat, or pests.
How do I make my garage more comfortable year-round?
Consider adding insulation, a portable heater for winter, and a fan or portable AC unit for summer. Rubber mats also help insulate the floor.
Final Thoughts on Garage Organization
A well-organized garage can change how you live in your home. With just a bit of planning and effort you can reclaim your garage and make it a clean, functional, and inspiring space.
Planning to Tackle the Garage After You Move?
First, you’ll need to plan your upcoming relocation. Fortunately, Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.
Best of luck, and happy moving!