We often have a love/hate relationship with the garage. It’s valuable extra storage space but can become a place where junk seems to collect. Just the mention of “organizing the garage” can send shivers running up our spine. What starts as a quick task becomes an entire weekend battle.
However, with the right design, your garage can be a versatile extension of your home that acts as both storage and a space to relax, play, watch, game or workout. Whether you’re moving to a new home or you’re finally getting on top of the garage you already have, here are our unique garage layout ideas and tips.
Different stations for different hobbies
Before we get started, we know that garages come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you have a large space that is part of your home or a small garage that sits separately, these layout ideas can still help you to get the most from your garage.
Our first garage layout tip is to organize your garage based on your hobbies. Keep the gardening equipment in one area and the sports gear in another. The Christmas and Halloween decorations should be separate from any food and drink items you might store in the garage.
The last thing you want to be doing when you need a tool for a DIY task you’re completing is to fight your way through Christmas decorations that haven’t been put away properly. Keep everything at its station if possible, and you’ll find the garage much easier to navigate.
Think vertical with your garage storage
When space is at a premium, you need to be clever with your storage. Tiered shelving, slat walls and even overhead storage hanging from the ceiling are all options to declutter the room and get the absolute most from your space.
Image credit: Southern Living
Whether you choose to go with shelves or slat walls, think about how often you’ll need to retrieve items when designing your garage. The less something is used, the higher and more out of the way the item should be stored.
Larger items are the perfect candidates for vertical storage. Bikes, garden tools and sporting equipment like skis can all be moved up and out of the way. This gives you more room at ground level to use on a day-to-day basis.
Use pegboards for an organised garage workshop
If you use your garage as a full-scale workshop or do a bit of DIY occasionally, an organized workspace can improve your efficiency and productivity. Pegboards are simple additions to a garage, giving you a place where you can easily store tools.
We’ve all been in the middle of a task, needed a specific tool and realized in horror that it isn’t where it should be. What was a simple 5-minute job has become a full-scale investigation that involves upending several rooms over the space of a full hour.
Even if you just have a small toolbox, we’d recommend using part of your wall as an organized pegboard to store your tools. Everything is on display, so there’s no need to rummage in your toolbox for that specific wrench or screwdriver.
Boxes, bins and bags are your friends…
Shelving is a simple but effective way to keep your garage clutter-free. However, shelves can quickly become a problem if they aren’t used the right way. Before you start to put things on them, we recommend you invest in a wide range of boxes, bins and bags to keep everything organized.
Plastic boxes keep everything neat and tidied away. Choose plastic boxes and wire baskets so you can easily see what is in each box when you’re looking for items. This declutters the room but also ensures that everything is protected from the elements, so they remain in perfect condition until the next time you need them.
…but remember to label everything!
Don’t just chuck everything into boxes and call it a day. Clearly label each box with the items that are to be stored inside it. It can be time-consuming, but the time it will save you in the long run is definitely worth it.
You’ll be thanking us when you can quickly find that all-important item when it’s freezing in the middle of winter! The hard part will be ensuring everyone in the house follows your storage rules!
Use your new-found garage space wisely
If you’re planning to completely convert your existing garage, we already have a fantastic blog packed with garage conversion ideas and tips to help you get started.
However, if you’re not looking for a complete garage conversion, it doesn’t mean you can’t still maximize all the new space you have available. If you have an active family who are always exploring the great outdoors, then how about turning your garage into a mudroom?
This helps to declutter your home as everyone can store their coats, shoes, bags and walking gear in one place. Less mud will be brought into your home, and you’ll find that you aren’t tripping over shoes or backpacks in the kitchen or hallway anymore.
If you do choose to create a mudroom within your garage, then there’s no reason it can’t be as stylish as it is functional. It’s an extension of your home and might even be the first space a guest sees as they visit.
A mudroom is a link between your home and the outside world, so why not take inspiration from the outdoors when it comes to your mudroom decor? Choose earthy tones and vibrant greens to create a space that feels welcoming.
Mural: Mountain Dusk
Do you have plans to declutter and reorganize your garage? Do you have a unique garage storage idea we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments below.
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