The garage is more than just a place to park your car; it’s a versatile space that can serve multiple purposes, from storage to a workshop or even a play area. However, with so many potential uses, it’s easy for the garage to become cluttered and disorganized. To make the most of this valuable space, it’s essential to know what items to store in your garage and how to organize them for easy access.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what you should store in your garage, including tools, toys, and other household items, and offer tips on how to keep everything organized.
1. Tools and Equipment
One of the most common uses for a garage is storing tools and equipment. Whether you’re an avid DIYer or just need a place to keep basic tools for household maintenance, your garage is the ideal spot. Here’s what to consider storing:
- Hand Tools: Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and other small hand tools should be kept in a toolbox or mounted on a pegboard for easy access.
- Power Tools: Items like drills, saws, and sanders can be stored on shelves or in cabinets. If you use these frequently, consider installing a charging station for cordless tools.
- Garden Tools: Rakes, shovels, hoes, and other gardening tools are best stored on wall hooks or in a corner of the garage. A garden tool rack can help keep them organized and easy to reach.
- Ladders: Store ladders horizontally on wall-mounted brackets to free up floor space and make them easy to grab when needed.
2. Sporting Goods
For families with active lifestyles, the garage is the perfect place to store sporting equipment. Keeping these items in the garage ensures they’re readily available when you need them:
- Bikes: Hanging bikes from ceiling hooks or wall-mounted racks can save space and make it easy to grab them for a quick ride.
- Balls and Bats: Use bins or wall-mounted baskets to store balls, bats, and other sports gear. Label the bins to make it easy for everyone to find what they need.
- Seasonal Gear: Store skis, snowboards, or surfboards in specialized racks or overhead storage to keep them out of the way during the off-season.
3. Toys and Recreational Items
If you have children, the garage is an ideal place to store toys and recreational items. By keeping these items organized, you can ensure they’re easy to find and put away:
- Outdoor Toys: Balls, frisbees, scooters, and other outdoor toys can be stored in bins or baskets. Consider using clear plastic bins so kids can see what’s inside.
- Ride-On Toys: Bikes, tricycles, and ride-on cars can take up a lot of space. Store them against a wall or in a designated area of the garage to keep them out of the way.
- Pool and Beach Gear: Items like inflatable pool toys, beach chairs, and coolers can be stored in overhead storage or on shelves, freeing up floor space.
4. Household Items
Your garage can also serve as a storage space for various household items, particularly those you don’t use daily:
- Bulk Storage: Store bulk items like paper towels, toilet paper, and bottled water on sturdy shelves. Label the shelves to keep track of your inventory.
- Seasonal Decorations: Holiday decorations, such as Christmas lights, Halloween inflatables, and other seasonal items, can be stored in labeled bins. Consider using clear bins or adding a list of contents to the outside for easy identification.
- Cleaning Supplies: If you have an extra vacuum cleaner, mop, or other cleaning supplies, store them in the garage. A cabinet or shelving unit dedicated to cleaning supplies can keep everything organized.
5. Automotive Supplies
Since the garage is where your car lives, it’s a natural place to store automotive supplies. Keeping these items organized ensures you can quickly find what you need for car maintenance:
- Motor Oil and Fluids: Store motor oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and other car fluids on shelves. Keep them in a designated area to prevent spills and leaks.
- Car Wash Supplies: Buckets, sponges, and car wash soap can be stored in a bin or on a shelf near the garage door for easy access when it’s time to clean your car.
- Tire Storage: If you have an extra set of tires, consider investing in a tire rack or stack them in a corner of the garage.
Organizing for Easy Access
The key to effective garage storage is organization. Here are some tips to keep everything accessible:
- Use Vertical Space: Install shelves, hooks, and pegboards to maximize vertical space. This frees up floor space and keeps items within easy reach.
- Label Everything: Labeling bins, shelves, and storage areas make it easier to find and return items to their proper places.
- Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible: Place frequently used items, such as hand tools and outdoor toys, in easily accessible spots within your garage. For items that are used less often, like seasonal decorations, consider storing them in higher or less convenient locations. If you’re in Salt Lake City, custom garage cabinets can be a great solution to keep everything organized and within reach, making it easier to manage your space efficiently.
In Conclusion
Your garage can be a highly functional space when organized effectively. By storing tools, toys, sporting goods, household items, and automotive supplies in your garage, you can keep your home clutter-free while ensuring easy access to the things you need most. With a little planning and the right storage solutions, your garage can become a well-organized space that serves your family’s needs for years to come.
