As storage specialists, we believe this is often due to a lack of proper, thoughtful garage storage. No matter what kind of shelving you reach for, bringing some order to the clutter will save you plenty of time and frustration.
To help you tackle this often-ignored spot in the house the quickest and most effective way possible, we’ve put together a list of simple tips to help you organise your garage storage. Read on, take what serves, and leave what doesn’t.
1. Start with A Good Clear-Out
Let’s face it, a lot of what’s sitting in your garage right now probably doesn’t need to be there. So, a good first approach to organising your garage storage is to set aside a little time and commit to pulling everything out. This allows you to see what you’re working with.
Create three piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Rubbish. Try to be honest with yourself about what you use, and let go of those “just in case” items that have sat untouched for years. You may even be able to fund your entire storage project by utilising trader sites to sell unused items!
A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, ‘Have I needed this in the last year?’. If the answer is ‘no’, then it may be time to consider donating or selling it. The less clutter you have to work around, the easier organising becomes.
2. Categorise What’s Left
Once the garage is cleared out, it’s time to group what’s left. This is one of the most important steps if you want your garage to stay tidy.
Sort everything into logical categories, and take your time figuring these out. Some of the most common categories include:
· Tools
· Sports gear
· Gardening items
· Camping equipment
· Seasonal decorations (Halloween, Christmas, etc.)
Storing similar items together makes them a lot easier to find and return after use. This is especially helpful for shared spaces, if you have family members who would be looking for things at different times.
3. Create ‘Zones’
Now that everything has been categorised, create physical zones in your garage for each group. For example, keep all your gardening gear in one designated area and your tools within easy reach of the workbench.
Consider how often you use various items and store them accordingly. Everyday items, such as brooms, power tools, or kids’ bikes, should be kept within easy reach. Less frequently used items (such as snow chains or Christmas decorations) can be stored high or tucked into corners. If your laundry is also stored in your garage, consider creating a dedicated laundry storage setup to ensure everything looks neat and functions efficiently.
Consider labelling your zones so that the whole household is on the same page. Labels on bins or shelves are ideal for spotting what you need at a glance.
4. Go Vertical for Garage Storage
Utilising vertical space is a game-changer for garage storage, especially when working with a small footprint. It gets your gear off the ground and creates a lot more room for parking, working, or hitting the home gym.
There are numerous vertical storage solutions available, so choose the ones that best suit your categories. If you have a lot of tools, consider a workshop pegboard to keep them all organised and visible. Wall-mounted racks are ideal for storing gardening tools, while ceiling-mounted storage units are perfect for holding seasonal items.
5. Use Cabinets for Hazardous Items
Finally, ensure that you keep sharp or toxic materials safely out of reach of children and pets. Paint and other chemicals, power tools, fuel, motor oil, and pretty much anything that could be hazardous if little hands find it; all of it needs to be stored behind closed, lockable doors. Hiding all these items also makes your garage look a lot tidier.
The last and most important step is to maintain the system. The easiest way to keep your garage organised is to make time to maintain that organisation. Every time you grab something, put it back where it came from. Check in every few months and have a mini sort-through. And if you haven’t touched something for a year, it might be time to find it a new, loving home.
We firmly believe that garage storage and organisation doesn’t have to be a mammoth task. Be willing to let go of what you no longer need, and your garage can transform from a chaotic catch-all to a functional space in no time.
There’s nothing like a clutter-free garage…
If you’re after top-notch garage storage that will make your space feel bright, inviting, and functional, look no further. The team at Wardrobe World Solutions has been creating storage solutions for Aucklanders since 1991, and we’re proud to provide a combination of wire and melamine garage essentials and accessories that make organising your garage genuinely satisfying.
Skip the frustration with our range of durable storage solutions, from heavy-duty shelves to simple pegboards to tackle those loose tools. Enquire with our team for a custom setup today.
