Garage Organization 101

Let's face it: garages are some of the most notoriously disorganized spaces in our homes. Don't have room for something in your house? Throw it in the garage. Only use it during one season? Keep it in the garage. Too dirty to keep inside but can't leave it outside? You guessed it—store it in the garage!

It's easy to turn your garage into a catch-all room for anything that doesn't fit or belong indoors. But just because it’s a multi-functional space doesn't mean you can't organize it. Here are some smart, easy ways to organize your garage.

DIY Tool Storage Hacks for Your Garage

Tools, especially the small or seasonal ones, can sometimes take up the most space in a garage. But there's a simple way to get those that clutter under control.

• For small tools, make storage holders out of PVC pipe. Use 3/4-inch pipe or one-inch pipe to make individual holders for things like screwdrivers and other small tools. Attach the pipe to a 2x4-inch piece of wood and attach that to the wall. You have the perfect way to keep your tools organized, and they're easy to find when you need them.

• Pegboard is a classic way to organize tools and is easy to hang. It's simple to modify, too. Hang small baskets for odds and ends, or add hooks for things like duct tape or hammers. An old paper towel roll works well for holding multiple rolls of tape. You can even hang your PVC pipe holders on hooks if you don't want to use a 2x4-inch piece of wood.

• Another fun idea: Bolt an old wooden tennis racquet to the bottom of a workshop table. Use it to hold tools while you work, or use it to hold screwdrivers (or anything else that will fit in the strings).

• Use storage tubs for larger things like rakes, shovels, and other garden tools. Tubs and bins are great ways to get these tools out of the way and keep them from ending up on the floor. They are cheap and can be found at your local home improvement store.

Use Vertical Space

Most garages have enough room for one or two cars and not much else. But don't forget to look up! Use that extra space on the ceiling to hang things like large plastic storage bins or bicycles. You can make a rail system for plastic storage containers so you can easily slide them in and out. Just be sure to label containers so you know what's in them.

Pro Tip: Put the label on the bottom of the container so you can easily see what you need before you climb a ladder.

Back-to-Basics Garage Organization

Garage organization doesn't have to be complicated. Simple hooks and under shelf storage can work wonders for even the messiest garage. You can add shelves just about anywhere in the space and vary their height.  You can even use the bottom of the shelves for hanging storage! Magnetic containers work well for this. You can also create a foldable workspace that folds out of the way when not in use.

Garage Organization Tips and Tricks

Now that you have some ideas for how to organize your garage, where do you start? Here are some tips and tricks for when you start the process:

• Keep similar items together. For example, if you keep pet food and other supplies in your garage, put them together in a cabinet or standing shelving unit. You can do the same thing with pegboard for tools.
• Use what you have first. Don't have a big budget for containers? No problem. Start by reusing things from around the house. Items like mason jars can hold small items like screws and nails. You can even use clean soup cans for small tools or supplies.
• It's ok to start small. Depending on what's in your garage, the time it will take you to organize may vary. Maybe you can get in done in a few hours, or maybe you'll need a few organizing sessions over a few weeks. Don't feel pressure to get it all done in one afternoon. Break down your project into sections—sometimes smaller tasks make it easier to get started.

Need More Ideas?

Stop by Twin Cities Habitat ReStore locations in New Brighton or south Minneapolis! You'll find plenty of inspiration for your weekend garage organization project. Plus, our friendly staff may be able to give you practical DIY tips.