Most people love having a tidy, well-organized garage, but its supplies and systems can be expensive, and the choices could be even more confusing. But this does not mean that a well-organized garage is not within your reach. There are various products and solutions that will fit your budget. Whether you want to repurpose or redo the home or are planning a custom garage storage installation, here are a few tips to help you get started and organize the garage optimally.
Declutter
The first thing you must do is declutter. Put down all the belongings before you finalize a storage system so that each item in the garage has a permanent home. Unless you know what you want to fit in the storage space, you will not be in a position to start. Even if you buy the best storage system, you will not be able to use it efficiently if it has a lot of stuff to fit in. In most households, garages become the dumping ground for the items that do not fit in the house. If it is the same with you, remember that decluttering might take up a lot of time, but it will be worth it.
Change the wall paint.
Paint the garage walls after you have decluttered so that it has a fresh backdrop. Once the drywall is finished, you can prime and paint them without professional help. However, research the process before getting started. If the home is older or the walls are not yet finished with the drywall, your job will become more complicated, and professional help might be required. If you have the time and money, hire a professional.
Change the flooring
If you think changing the garage floor is within the budget, you should get it done before setting up the organizational system. You can have the floors finished with epoxy since it is a very durable resin coating applied to the concrete surface and is very popular as it is easy to clean and maintain. It is possible to apply epoxy yourself if you are familiar with the product. Even rubber flooring is a good choice for people who use garages for playrooms or home gyms. Once you have decluttered and worked on the flooring and paint, you are ready to look for the best storage solutions for your garage.
Shelving units
Consider using freestanding shelving units, so every item in your garage has a place. The unit is considered ideal for garages and is affordable for several belongings. Garage shelving units are designed to support heavy objects and function well for keeping large storage items like camping gear, coolers, toolboxes, or even bulk packages of tissues and towers. You can then group the smaller items into storage bins and put them on the shelf.
Wall-mounted storage solutions
Using a wall-mounted track rail system is also a cost-effective solution. They come with attachments and assorted hooks so that you can hang different household items. These accessories can be attached to the rail and then be used for hanging your equipment like strollers, power tools, backpacks, etc. Since they are modular, you can easily add new attachments to the current rail whenever you want to. The hooks can also be relocated without having to drill a new hole in the wall.
Overhead storage rack
If there is adequate space in the garage ceiling, you can fasten a rack there and store items you do not need regularly. It is advisable to have affordable ceiling storage racks in your garage to enjoy additional storage space. The racks come in various sizes and can be easily installed by you.
Modular wall panel storage
A wall-mounted system is ideal for those who have enough space and several items to store. It is similar to the rail system, but instead of the rail, it has a panel that provides the hanging space. Panels often cover the entire garage wall, but you can modify them to fit your needs. That said, you can also attach hooks or other accessories for hanging items.
Freestanding garage cabinets
Those who like to store their gear behind closed doors might want to consider a freestanding garage cabinet. It is made of steel and comes with adjustable shelves. You can use it to store heavy objects or for bulk packages of different items.
Custom cabinets
A garage cabinet can be designed to fit all that you own and can be made as per your requirements, but that could be quite costly. If you have the money, it can be an excellent choice. Research the market well before you decide to invest in a custom cabinet.
Any garage can be organized irrespective of the budget or the number of items. The key is to plan well and start with decluttering, so you will have enough space to implement a storage solution.