Your garage is so much more than mere storage space for your car and all that clutter you don’t want in the rest of your house. When arranged strategically, it can transform into a workshop, workout studio, sewing and crafts space or pet mud room, in addition to providing a place for your kayak and Kia.
To transform your garage into your favorite room, all you need are the best organizational tips and tricks. Here’s your step-by-step guide.
Choose a Sunny Day
You need room to work, and you probably don’t want to drag dusty objects into your home, so plan your garage cleanout for a sunny weekend. Make it a group activity by inviting everyone to join the action. The youngest family members can serve as “security guards, keeping watch from the doorway and alerting you to curious folks stopping by.
Depending on the extent of your remodel, you may wish to rent a storage pod for valuables you want to protect against weather and theft. Some upgrades, such as epoxying your floor, can take a day or longer to dry, during which time your stuff will otherwise remain exposed to the elements.
Secure Your Door and Floor
Organizing your garage is an excellent time to secure your door and floor, which benefits your entire home. A secure garage door safeguards your stuff and insulates against outdoor temperature extremes, saving you money on heating and cooling. If the room above your garage is constantly freezing even when you turn up the thermostat, the right insulated door can make a noticeable difference in your utility bills.
Now is also the time to add insulation elsewhere, including the walls and ceilings. You may apply insulation directly to exposed rafters. If you have existing drywall and aren’t sure of the insulation status, running a drill bit through an open area will often result in shreds of it clinging to the bit — or you can use a light to glance around inside. Removing the drywall can be tricky, but spray foam insulation may make additional application easier if necessary.
Protecting your garage floor with epoxy prevents stains and cracks. Begin the process by spot-cleaning and sealing existing damage, then give the floor a thorough scrub or two with a deep cleaner. Then, apply the epoxy near the door first, allow it to dry, and complete the job using caution tape to keep people from the area during the curing process.
Designate a “Home” for Everything
Every object in your house should have a “home” where it belongs — and where you can always find it in a jiffy. The stuff in your garage is no exception. Now’s the time to check out free design apps and software to help you arrange this space in a manner that best suits your needs.
Your first order of business is to designate garage zones. Depending on the size of your space, you may have several. For example, folks with three-car garages may reserve an entire extra bay for a workout room, workshop or mudroom. Those with two-car garages and smaller might have to get a bit more creative on how they utilize the space based on your needs and vehicles.
For example, you might add storage along each wall — but you still need to divide zones between sports equipment, automotive needs, household goods, seasonal storage and special needs like firearm safes. Those with compact cars may use the front of their garages as an extra room. Hanging a shoe rack on the door leading to your home reminds folks to wipe their paws and remove their shoes before stepping on white interior floors.
Break out the label-maker, especially if you have family members who consider the entire garage fair game for laying their tools and hobby materials down anywhere and losing them. It’s much easier to keep everything in its place with visual reminders — while not a foolproof solution, it really helps.
Get Creative With Storage Solutions
If your garage seems cluttered, it may be because you lack the right cabinetry, shelving and cupboards to provide a home for everything. While your space remains empty, take a good look around. For example, many garages today feature exceptionally tall ceilings to fit oversized vehicles, but this overhead space often goes to waste. Use it to create a miniature attic for your most space-hogging objects, like those totes of holiday decorations you pull out once a year.
Your local scrapyard is a fantastic place to find affordable garage organizational supplies. For example, old-school lockers are great for storing hazardous materials or weapons — they come equipped with a handy padlock slot. If you get lucky, you may even find some of those narrow automotive tool organizing cabinets. Pegboards are excellent for hanging small lawn or automotive tools.
Look for storage solutions that deter insects without harmful pesticides. Metal is a good material, as it is infinitely recyclable, won’t rot and doesn’t attract termites. Plastic deters insects but breaks down over time. Rehome anything stored in cardboard boxes, as these create the perfect nest for insects and rodents that you don’t want infesting your home.
Keep the Space Cozy
You’ve created zones and organized your belongings, but you still don’t like spending time in your garage because of the chill. Adding climate control to your garage greatly increases all-season enjoyment. Insulation helps to lower your utility bill, but making the room inhabitable all year long requires additional solutions.
If you designate one area as your workout or workspace, adding heated flooring to that area is an eco-friendly choice. Heat rises, and this solution clearly demarcates one region for a specific activity. Another answer involves adding to your existing ductwork to heat your garage, although it may require you to drill and cut holes in drywall, so consider your DIY aptitude. You may decide it’s safer to hire a contractor.
Finally, a space heater is a simple solution but may draw the most energy. If you choose this option, ensure you place the device on a flat, nonflammable surface far enough away from any heat-sensitive chemicals. Always unplug your heater when not in use, and never leave it running with the garage unoccupied. Go with an electric model, as propane heaters can emit carbon monoxide, an odorless, undetectable gas that can kill.
Tips and Tricks to Organize Your Garage
Your garage can be so much more than storage space. It can provide a separate area for hobbies, relaxing or simply arranging those supplies you don’t use every day. Taking a step-by-step approach to organizing your garage creates a sense of pride each time you open your door and makes you the envy of your neighbors, so plan your long weekend renovation today.
