Dreaming of the perfect garage? Don’t allow it to be just a dream any longer. Establishing an organized garage can be achieved by understanding the dos and don’ts of functional garage design. And before you set to work, consider decluttering the area by tossing useless items, giving stuff away or even holding a garage sale. Doing so is good for the soul and will leave you feeling lighter and rejuvenated!

Everything has its place

When I say everything needs a place to live I mean EVERYTHING, including brooms, tools, screws, light bulbs, cords, etc. The cornerstone of keeping a work/storage space organized is giving items a home while being able to quickly return them to their permanent locations. This is the only way to ensure your garage remains organized over time. For example, if every cord doesn’t have a hook to be placed on, then they could get lost. And without a hook there isn’t anything to remind you to put a cord away.

Take advantage of height

Many garages have high ceilings with a lot of extra real estate overhead. The ceiling can be a great place to store bikes or to hang overhead shelving. Take advantage of the space high up on walls as well. But remember, when using high storage you will require a ladder for access, as well as space to store said ladder. These higher locations are best suited to things that are rarely used.            

Lighting is key

Lighting that reaches into every corner is essential in a garage – it is almost impossible to over-light a garage space. Dark spaces make it easier to lose track of items, which often results in forgetting to return them to their proper homes. Task lighting atop work areas, lighting under stair landings and lights within shelving units are huge assets. LED lighting is the best option as it is good quality light with low heat output and doesn’t hum or cause eyestrain. Another great option to consider is motion sensors, so as you walk or drive into the garage the lights turn on, leaving your hands free.    

Select the right storage units

There are a number of storage products on the market you might want to consider. Storage units are also helpful in taking advantage of height and getting things off the floor. Some storage items that every garage needs include: tool cabinets, shelving, work benches, tire storage and tote boxes. Tool cabinets usually come with built-in small and large drawers, as well as space for larger tools.

Depending on the type of tools you have (woodworking, automotive, etc.) you may need to look into unique storage options for different varieties of tools, hardware and parts. Shelving is best if it is adjustable so you can customize by item size. Tote boxes are ideal for keeping things clean, dry and organized. Label and colour coordinate the totes to streamline your organization.   

Access

Always ensure travel corridors are clear so that opening doors and parking vehicles won’t pose a challenge. Place bigger objects like large tools, trailers and/or quads in places that won’t block safe passage from one area to another. Think about also placing large items on casters for easy moving and custom setups. Determine which doorways are required for routine entry and exit for garbage and recycling access or coming to and from the house. These doors are your high-priority throughways.

Cleanability

Even though we are discussing garages, they still need to be cleaned and washed. Some considerations include washable flooring, ability to open overhead doors, blowing or sweeping out dust, used oil storage and disposal, wipeable surfaces, catch basins, hot and cold water lines, and vacuum systems for various DIY projects. Having a clean garage helps maintain an organized work and storage space.  

Your garage can overwhelm you or inspire you to build, create and explore. Think of how much easier it will be to get things done when your garage space is planned and everything is at your fingertips. So get out there and get organized!