The 5 Best Garage Storage Ideas
Whether we mean them to or not, our garages often become a clutter-filled chaotic mess within just a few months. We store so many different things that don’t have a place in our homes, but this leads to our garages becoming pits of no man’s land. If you’re sick of endless searching through piles of stuff to find what you need, it’s time to employ one of the 5 best garage storage ideas to get your garage, and your life, back on track.
Vertical Storage
Vertical storage solutions are one of the best options for a garage since they provide so much storage space without taking up any bulk of your floor space. They are incredibly slim storage places and come with accessories for all of your belongings. Let’s take a look at three vertical storage options.
Panelized Systems
Also known as slatwalls, panelized systems are one of the best ways to maximize your garage storage systems. They can hold cleaning supplies like mops, brooms, and rakes, sporting equipment, tools, and more. You can cover entire walls with this system to take advantage of every inch of wall space available to you.
They are made out of PVC, so they’re available in a few different colours and are lightweight for less stress on your garage walls. These systems are one of the easiest to clean as well since dirt and grime wipe right off! You could even spray them down with a hose and call it a day.
To store things on a slatwall or panel system, you’ll use a variety of accessories including shelves, brackets, hooks, and bins that slide into the panel for a sturdy storage surface. Most panels can support up to 40 lbs. per square inch, which is enough for most anything you’ll want to store in a garage.
Track Systems
Track systems are another popular vertical storage solution for your garage. Track systems are a smaller storage solution if you have gardening tools, lawn care equipment, ladders, and other long tools that you want to hang up out of the way.
Track systems install on the studs in your garage walls and can support more weight than a panel or slatwall since they are usually made of steel. They come with the same accessories as panels, including bins, hooks, shelves, and caddies.
Track systems are ideal for people who have limited space for a wall storage solution or have just a few things they want to hang up. They’re customizable and are available in a variety of lengths to fit any garage wall.
Peg Board Systems
Finally, we have peg board systems. They are very similar to the other two wall storage options but are designed a bit differently. Peg boards are large or small boards, usually made of metal, that are covered in small holes. These boards come with a huge variety of accessories that hook onto the board through the holes to hold your things.
They are ideal for smaller items such as tools, gardening supplies, hardware, and more. Peg boards are highly popular since you can customize the layout and spacing of your belongings in an infinite number of ways.
Open Shelving
Open shelving is another great storage idea for your garage. Unlike closed shelving, open shelving forces you to keep things organized since your piles of junk are on full display otherwise. When paired with clear plastic bins, open shelves keep things organized, tidy, and easy to find.
Using shelves for storage in your garage is great because they provide a lot of storage at very low cost, especially if you build them yourself. Shelves can be customized to fit most belongings, but they do take up a bit more of your garage floor real estate and aren’t always practical in single-car garages.
Rolling Cabinets
Open shelves are great, but there are some things you may need to store in a garage that your kids shouldn’t have access to or that shouldn’t be exposed to dust. If you need a little extra security and safety in your garage storage, rolling cabinets are the way to go.
Rolling cabinets often feature locked doors to keep tiny hands out of harm’s way, and they’re available in a variety of sizes. Since they roll, they can be conveniently relocated or shunted out of the way whenever needed. Plus, they provide a very clean aesthetic since things are hidden away behind closed doors – just don’t use them as a means to become unorganized!
Overhead Storage
Lofts seem like the height of luxury in a home, and the same is true for your garage. Overhead storage is an excellent storage option that keeps your garage floor free and clear of clutter and tripping hazards. Creating a storage loft in your garage mimics the usefulness of under-stair storage in your home since you can keep seasonal things out of the way until you need them.
They can be a bit trickier to utilize since you’ll need a ladder to reach things. There is of course the potential for injury if you overbalance when moving something a bit heavier as well. Maybe not ideal for everyone, but overhead storage provides a lot of space for belongings without affecting your mobility on the ground, which is the draw. Just be sure that your overhead space won’t interfere with the operation of your garage door.
Ceiling Racks
Ceiling racks are similar to overhead storage but don’t have a bottom surface. They are easier to install and are available in a number of different formats. Ceiling racks are the most popular choice for bike storage since you can hook a wheel and easily lift it on and off.
Some racks are designed to hold storage totes, but these can be awkward if they get too heavy. Some racks even have retractable mounts that lower your belongings to ground level for easy access. Many even come with accessories for storing smaller things.
Ceiling racks are great, but by hanging things like bicycles, you lose a lot of the floor space in your garage. If you have the room, ceiling racks can be incredibly convenient when used properly.
Conclusion
Each and every one of these 5 best garage storage ideas can work in your space depending on what and how much you need to store. Of course, if you’re the independent sort and prefer the unconventional route, a general contractor can help you customize your setup. Get started with custom garage storage here!
