Efficient Garage Organization Ideas
Garages have become the dumping ground for most homes. Many are teeming with clutter so much so that there is no longer room even to park the car. Garages should be organized into activity zones that make it very intuitive for everybody in the family. Picture how a hardware or a store is arranged. It is grouped with like items together. This common-sense approach to organization makes it easy for people to find things when they need them, and put them back in the right place when they are done.
Garden tools
Following a common-sense approach to garage organization, activity zones should be placed as close as possible to where the items will be used. In the case of garden tools, the ideal placement is near a side door leading to the yard. If the garage has no side door, then the next best location is a spot close to the opening.
If the homeowner is a frequent gardener, or lives in a climate that requires year-round maintenance, Hansen suggests a rolling garden tool organizer. These handy carts have slots for long-handled rakes and shovels, pockets for pruners and gloves and homes for hand tools. When needed, the carts and their cargo can be wheeled right into the garden. For those who do as little yard work as possible, it makes more sense to stow the tools in totes. This way, the homeowner can grab the items when they’re needed, and stow them away on a back shelf when they’re not.
Store herbicides and other hazardous materials be stowed in a locked cabinet or, at the very least, out of reach of little ones. Keep the grass seeds in a metal container to keep it from being eaten by rats, raccoons, chipmunks and other garden critters.
Sporting goods
When it comes to sports gear, you should hang it or hook it but don’t prop it. Everybody loves to prop things on the wall. Not only does propping gears on the wall waste floor and wall space, it invariably leads to damaged sporting equipment. An example is as someone slams a door, that snowboard will slide down the wall and get run over by the car.
Like everything in the zone system, items should be organized based on what it is, who uses it and how often it is used. Adults can remove bicycles from a ceiling hook, but a child needs easy access. Kids’ bikes and other sports gear should be placed near the garage door so they can easily access them without banging and scratching the car. For frequently used gear like bats, balls, gloves, helmets, skates and sticks, a sports equipment organizer is best.
Off-season sporting goods should be stowed away in clearly marked plastic bins. Ventilated bins work best for items that tend to get sweaty, like helmets, kneepads and gloves. An inexpensive solution for bulky, but light, pool toys is a hammock strung over the car.
Holiday decorations
Holiday decorations which come out only once a year should be stored together and out of the way. Storage systems that are attached to the ceiling are ideal. This storage system creates remote storage space making them ideal for seldom- used items like Christmas, Halloween and Thanksgiving decor. You can use clear plastic bins with color-coded lids like orange for Halloween, red for Fourth of July and green for Christmas.
Automotive supplies, tools, paint
Many people pull their cars into the garage much farther than they need to. Parking blocks that signal the driver when the car is safely in the garage. This will free up space for a wall-mounted storage system. For people who are on a budget, board shelving and common peg board and hook systems. Hobbyists and tinkerers should consider buying or building a sturdy workbench. Whatever you choose as storage and organizers, you should include a cabinet with lock for storing dangerous power tools, paints, chemicals and solvents.
Store-N-Slide – Sliding Organizer Rack by Stacks and Stacks: This versatile Store-N-Slide wall organizer is attached to a sliding rail that can be mounted in narrow and hard to reach spaces in the kitchen, garage, pantry, or laundry room. Adjustable holders fit handles of most brooms, mops, rakes etc. and when ready to remove, just lift to remove. This sliding rack can be mounted to the left or the right and is an excellent solution to clutter. Closed: 17″ L x 4″ W x 4″ H, Extended: 34″ L x 4″ W x 4″ H.
StoreWall Garage Organizer: The StoreWall System is a unique way to organize your garage, basement or workshop. The StorWall Panels work with 21 different racks and organizers for sporting equipment, tools and garden tools, so you can customize your wall to fit your storage needs. These panels feature PVC composite construction with a gray finish. It’s waterproof, mold-resistant, and can be used in any climate. Tongue and groove mounting provides a seamless look between panels. The Store Wall Panels can be cut to size.
UltiMate Garage Storage System – 8 Piece 12′ Unit by Organize.com: This state of the art system transforms your old garage into a functional workspace and provides plenty of storage options for tools, sporting goods and household accessories.Developed to add style and sophistication through modern design, the UltiMATE GARAGE System is built using polyurethane coated MDF doors, drawers and facings for a clean, finished and refined look. Cabinets are assembled using a thermofused melamine laminate over MDF for maximum strength and stability. Oversized 20mm brushed zinc pulls and handles offer comfort and utility, while European hinges and pre-assembled drawer glides offer ease of use, quality feel and reliability.
Storage 2 Systems Wall Storage System Tool Center Kit: Storage 2 Systems delivers the modern solution to home organization. Our flexible, ergonomic panels and accessories provide incomparable form and function. Engineered with the highest quality materials and patented technology, S2 features unique square holes that firmly grip interchangeable accessories like shelves, hanging bins, tool holders and multi-functional hooks. Storage in a snap: The S2 Tool Center Kit can be installed and reconfigured in just minutes. The kit features four plastic panels, or two metal panels, and a variety of “snap” in accessories such as a tool cassette, hooks and shelves.
Wall Mount Tool Organizer by Jobar: Customize your own storage system with the Wall Mount Tool Organizer by Jobar. This simple garage organizer is easy to install and is equipped with its own 1 1/4″ hook clearance. This organizer includes 18 hooks for a variety of tools and various holes that allow you to customize the placement of tools to meet your specific needs.
HOMAK HA01039001 39-Drawer Plastic Parts Organizer: The 39 Drawer Plastic Parts Organizer is a great way to organize your work area with 30 small drawer and 9 large drawers. Clear durable plastic allows easy visibility of the items being stored in the drawer. This product is manufactured of a heavy duty plastic for durability and strength.
Racor Pro Golf Storage Rack, Black #PG-2R: Store two golf bags filled with clubs and two pairs of shoes in one compact space with this golf rack from Racor. This wall-mount storage rack keeps bags in easy reach for quicker outings. Shoes are held securely and with enough space between them so that they can dry out. The system is compact enough for closet use, and is made of sturdy solid steel construction and a durable epoxy finish for optimal durability and corrosion resistance. With no assembly required, the rack mounts easily to just about any wall with the included hardware.
Finley 2×4 Basics Workbench Assembly Kit #14429: The 2×4 Basics workbench assembles to any size and fits anywhere. Shops and garages come in all shapes and sizes, and as a consequence, standard prefabricated workbenches are often too big or too small. This workbench customizes to fit any space. Featuring a comfortable 36-inch-high work surface and large under-bench storage shelves, the workbench is super easy to assemble–you just add any length lumber you want. Better yet, all you do is make simple straight cuts–no miters, no angles. The result is a customized, rugged workbench that’s capable of holding up to 1,000 pounds per shelf. And because it’s so versatile, you can also use it as a hobby table, power-tool stand–you name it.
Suncast Golf Organizer: Reduce clutter in your closet or basement with this efficient storage system. Holds 2 golf bags and golf accessories. 5″ deep bin and 3 shelves for shoes, balls, rain gear and more. Foam strip protects clubs. Durable metal construction. Adjustable feet.
Racquet Rack by Stanley: Safely holds up to 7 racquets, any size or type; up to 35 lbs./16kgs. Foam cushioning protects racquets from scratches. Handy accessory rack holds 6 balls, loose or in cans. Manufacturer’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Rolling Garden Storage Cart with Canvas Pouch by Jobar International: Organize all your outdoor and garden tools with this convenient Rolling Garden Storage Cart by Jobar International. This handy cart features various sized slots to hold shovels, rakes, brooms and other garden tools. Equipped with a side cord caddy, this cart even allows you to store your hoses, extension cords and other wires. The 6 pocket canvas pouch is specifically designed to hold hand tools and other smaller items. Working out in the garden? Well, don’t drag those tools outside just to drag them back in when you’re done. The 4 easy rolling casters add mobility and convenience to this ultimate tool cart.
