The following is a guest post written by Kevin Connors of  inspiredorganizersaz.com.

Best Storage Solutions to Keep  Everything In Your Garage Organized

The garage often becomes a catch-all for items in your home that don’t have a designated place. However, with the right storage solutions, you can easily regain control and transform your chaotic garage into a well-organized space.

In this article, we will explore various common garage items and discuss specific storage products that work best for each category. Additionally, we recommend measuring your garage and planning the placement of each storage product based on the frequency of use and the value of different categories.

Holiday Decor

Delicate Christmas ornaments and string lights require protection from damage. Consider using clear plastic bins or specialized storage containers with dividers. Clearly label each container for easy identification and retrieval. Additionally, there are special wreath boxes available to store uniquely shaped decorations without taking up unnecessary space.

Hand Tools

For DIY enthusiasts, the accessibility and organization of hand tools are crucial. A pegboard system or wall-mounted magnetic tool holders are excellent options to keep your tools organized and easily accessible. Splurge on aluminum or steel pegboards to avoid the common deterioration of cheap particle board versions. Workbenches are also a must-have. Modern workbenches often come with their own pegboards and additional features like built-in surge protectors and LED lighting.

Power Tools

Power tools, such as drills, saws, and sanders, are more valuable than other tools and typically take up more space. Invest in lockable cabinets or sturdy tool chests to safeguard them from damage and theft. If you live in a hot climate, store batteries in room-temperature spaces to extend their lifespan. Some modern tool chests even come with built-in USB ports and electrical outlets, allowing you to charge your tools while they’re securely locked up.

Garden Tools

Storing garden tools can be challenging due to their size and shape. They often end up tangled and broken in the corner of the garage, a danger to people, pets and vehicles. Maximize space and maintain organization by utilizing a combination of wall-mounted tool racks and freestanding tool organizers. Hooks, brackets, or specialized garden tool racks are ideal for securely storing these items.

Bicycles

Improperly stored bicycles can take up a significant amount of space. Save room and secure your bikes by installing wall-mounted bike racks or ceiling-mounted hoists. These storage solutions elevate your bicycles, making them easily accessible while freeing up valuable floor space. It is recommended to seek professional installation of ceiling-mounted racks to avoid any damage to parked vehicles.

Children’s Toys

Organize children’s toys by using labeled bins or stackable storage containers. Shelves or cabinets with adjustable compartments enable easy access while maintaining a tidy appearance. Brightly colored storage containers help young children identify different toy categories. Scooters and similar toys can also be hung on bike racks to free up floor space.

Camping Gear

Efficiently store camping gear, such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment, by using large plastic storage bins or duffel bags. Create subcategories for items like stoves, pots and utensils, hiking and climbing equipment, and fishing equipment. Place items from each subcategory into their own bin to avoid having to search through multiple bins when you’re only going to use certain gear. 

Paint Cans

Store paint cans upright on sturdy shelves to maintain an organized paint collection. Consider using wire shelving units or specialized paint storage racks to prevent leaks and simplify the process of locating specific colors. Find an inside location for paint during summer to prevent drying out in extreme heat. Dispose of paint cans according to your state’s regulations or use powder products to solidify paint for regular trash disposal.

Small Hardware

Small hardware is usually a large category with anyone who likes doing their own home improvement projects. They are best kept in compartmentalized storage containers or transparent plastic drawers for easy organization and accessibility. There are a wide variety of containers available on Amazon that will fit whatever you’ve got lying around. Thoroughly label these containers to save time when searching for specific hardware items. You really don’t want to open 50 hardware drawers trying to find one specific hardware item. 

Sports Equipment

Utilize wall-mounted racks, specialized sports equipment organizers, and freestanding storage units to maintain an organized space for sports equipment. Super-tall cabinets are useful for storing bats, rackets, and hockey sticks. Canvas or heavy-duty cloth bags provide added protection for storing items in different categories. Garden tool organizers are also excellent for storing hockey sticks, baseball bats and other long gear. 

If you have old furniture in the garage, ask yourself, “If I really need this, why is it still in the garage?” Furniture takes up space, and if it’s not in your house, you probably don’t need it anymore. If you have a good reason to keep it, consider disassembling each piece to take up less space. A ceiling-mounted garage rack is a good place for sentimental furniture. 

While everyone’s garage contains different items based on their hobbies, most of what’s in your garage probably fits into these categories.

For other categories, it’s easy to use a few factors to decide on the right storage solution:

-Value: Invest in storage solutions that will protect high-value items from the elements and extreme temperatures. 

-Size: Opt for larger storage solutions like ceiling-mounted racks for infrequently used, large, or oddly shaped items. Use large floor cabinets for frequently used items. 

-Frequency of use: Keep commonly used items easily visible and accessible on shelves. Store infrequently used items in harder-to-reach areas. 

-Cleanliness: Consider the cleanliness of items when determining storage locations. Keep dirty items out in the open where cleaning is easier, and use weatherproof cabinets to protect electronics and other high-dollar items.

Planning your garage layout will result in a more functional and organized space. A clean and organized garage brings a breath of fresh air compared to a cluttered space.

If you need professional assistance with organizing your garage in the Phoenix area, visit www.inspiredorganizersaz.com. Kevin Connors, a professional organizer and the Director of Membership of the NAPO AZ Chapter, enjoys golf and traveling in his spare time.