How to Organize Your Garage on Nearly Any Budget
Control the clutter in your garage with ideas that address your storage needs and work with your budget
Jeanne Taylor
June 6, 2022
Houzz Contributor. Jeanne Taylor is a professional home organizer in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the co-owner of Tailorly with her business partner Patricia Lee. Together they create beautiful homes through decluttering, organizing, and styling. For more information visit www.tailorly.net.
Houzz Contributor. Jeanne Taylor is a professional home organizer in the San Francisco... More
Many of us covet a tidy, organized garage. But let’s face it, organizational supplies and systems can be expensive, and the choices confusing. Fear not! A well-organized garage is within reach, thanks to different products and solutions that suit a wide range of budgets.
Whether you’re looking to repurpose what you already own or you’re planning for custom-designed garage storage, this guide can help. (Keep in mind that prices vary by location, so check with local retailers and tradespeople for accurate costs.)
Whether you’re looking to repurpose what you already own or you’re planning for custom-designed garage storage, this guide can help. (Keep in mind that prices vary by location, so check with local retailers and tradespeople for accurate costs.)
What to Do Before You Organize
Declutter. I recommend paring down your belongings before deciding on a storage system. Every item in your garage should have a permanent home. Even if you purchase a top-of-the-line storage system, you can’t use it effectively if you have too much stuff to fit in the space.
Garages can become dumping grounds for all kinds of items that don’t fit in the house. If this describes yours, be aware that decluttering might take several days.
How to Pare Down and Pack Up for a Garage Makeover
Declutter. I recommend paring down your belongings before deciding on a storage system. Every item in your garage should have a permanent home. Even if you purchase a top-of-the-line storage system, you can’t use it effectively if you have too much stuff to fit in the space.
Garages can become dumping grounds for all kinds of items that don’t fit in the house. If this describes yours, be aware that decluttering might take several days.
How to Pare Down and Pack Up for a Garage Makeover
Paint the walls. I recommend painting the walls after decluttering, for a fresh backdrop. If the walls are finished with drywall, you might be able to prep, prime and paint them yourself; make sure to research the process before you start. If your home is older or your garage walls are not finished with drywall, the job will be more complicated and you might want to hire a professional.
Prepping and painting can be time-consuming, but the results tend to be worth the effort. If you have more money than time, think about hiring a professional painter.
Find a painter in your area
Prepping and painting can be time-consuming, but the results tend to be worth the effort. If you have more money than time, think about hiring a professional painter.
Find a painter in your area
Research flooring. If finishing the garage floor is in your budget, have it done before you install an organizational system. If your finances allow, you might hire a professional for this.
Many of the garage photos on Houzz, including the one seen here, have floors finished with epoxy. Epoxy is a highly durable resin coating that is applied to a concrete surface; it’s popular because it’s attractive and easy to clean. You might be able to apply epoxy yourself, but it can be difficult to work with if you are unfamiliar with the product.
Rubber flooring is popular among people who use garages for home gyms or children’s playrooms. Two options are precut interlocking tiles and rubber matting rolled out like wall-to-wall carpet.
After decluttering and researching paint and flooring, you are now ready to identify the best storage solutions for your needs and budget.
Many of the garage photos on Houzz, including the one seen here, have floors finished with epoxy. Epoxy is a highly durable resin coating that is applied to a concrete surface; it’s popular because it’s attractive and easy to clean. You might be able to apply epoxy yourself, but it can be difficult to work with if you are unfamiliar with the product.
Rubber flooring is popular among people who use garages for home gyms or children’s playrooms. Two options are precut interlocking tiles and rubber matting rolled out like wall-to-wall carpet.
After decluttering and researching paint and flooring, you are now ready to identify the best storage solutions for your needs and budget.
Basic Improvements
Freestanding shelving units. As mentioned above, every item in a garage should have a permanent home. A heavy-duty freestanding shelving unit designed for garages might be an affordable solution to corral your belongings. Shelving units can be purchased online and at most home improvement stores.
Garage shelving units are specifically designed to support heavy objects. They function well for storing large items, such as coolers, camping gear, toolboxes and bulk packages of paper towels and bath tissue. Smaller items can be grouped together in storage bins and placed on shelves.
Shop for utility shelving on Houzz
Freestanding shelving units. As mentioned above, every item in a garage should have a permanent home. A heavy-duty freestanding shelving unit designed for garages might be an affordable solution to corral your belongings. Shelving units can be purchased online and at most home improvement stores.
Garage shelving units are specifically designed to support heavy objects. They function well for storing large items, such as coolers, camping gear, toolboxes and bulk packages of paper towels and bath tissue. Smaller items can be grouped together in storage bins and placed on shelves.
Shop for utility shelving on Houzz
Wall-mounted rail systems. A wall-mounted track rail system can be a cost-effective organizing solution. Several companies manufacture track rail systems, and you can purchase them online and at home improvement stores.
Assorted hooks and attachments are available to hang different household items. (Check with the manufacturer for details, as accessories might vary.) Accessories easily attach to the rail and can be used for hanging sports equipment, backpacks, ladders, extension cords, hoses, bikes, folding chairs, strollers, brooms, garden tools and power tools. Wire baskets and shelves are available for some systems as well.
Track rail systems are modular, so it is easy to add new attachments to an existing rail at a later date. And you can easily relocate hooks without drilling a new hole in the wall. With a few accessories, you can get clutter off the garage floor and neatly organized.
Note: Accessories generally are not compatible across different systems.
Assorted hooks and attachments are available to hang different household items. (Check with the manufacturer for details, as accessories might vary.) Accessories easily attach to the rail and can be used for hanging sports equipment, backpacks, ladders, extension cords, hoses, bikes, folding chairs, strollers, brooms, garden tools and power tools. Wire baskets and shelves are available for some systems as well.
Track rail systems are modular, so it is easy to add new attachments to an existing rail at a later date. And you can easily relocate hooks without drilling a new hole in the wall. With a few accessories, you can get clutter off the garage floor and neatly organized.
Note: Accessories generally are not compatible across different systems.
Repurposed household furniture. Consider turning an old dresser, bookshelf, armoire or wardrobe into an effective, budget-friendly option for garage storage.
A small bookshelf can hold shoes. Dresser drawers can store small objects, such as packing tape, hooks and small tools. An armoire with shelves can house sports equipment or paper products. Label the exteriors of the drawers and cabinet doors to make finding things easier.
Also consider repurposing or buying storage containers to to keep shelves and drawers tidy. Make sure to measure spaces carefully before purchasing containers to ensure the right fit! Keep in mind that household furniture is not designed to support heavy toolboxes or power tools, so plan for yours to store lighter objects.
A small bookshelf can hold shoes. Dresser drawers can store small objects, such as packing tape, hooks and small tools. An armoire with shelves can house sports equipment or paper products. Label the exteriors of the drawers and cabinet doors to make finding things easier.
Also consider repurposing or buying storage containers to to keep shelves and drawers tidy. Make sure to measure spaces carefully before purchasing containers to ensure the right fit! Keep in mind that household furniture is not designed to support heavy toolboxes or power tools, so plan for yours to store lighter objects.
Overhead garage storage rack. Look to your garage ceiling for additional storage — you can fasten a rack there for items not needed on a regular basis, such as holiday decor. Overhead racks come in various sizes and at a range of price points; some are relatively economical. And if you’re handy, you might be able to install one yourself.
Midrange Improvements
Modular storage systems. These are generally secured to a garage wall. There are many options and accessories, such as pegboards, drawers and shelves. If you’re interested in a modular system, read reviews to make sure you’re getting a durable and quality product. And make sure to look for a system manufactured specifically for a garage, which will be designed to hold the weight of heavy tools and will include many storage accessories.
Modular storage systems. These are generally secured to a garage wall. There are many options and accessories, such as pegboards, drawers and shelves. If you’re interested in a modular system, read reviews to make sure you’re getting a durable and quality product. And make sure to look for a system manufactured specifically for a garage, which will be designed to hold the weight of heavy tools and will include many storage accessories.
Modular wall panel systems. This system is similar to a wall-mounted rail system except that it is supported by a panel instead of a rail. The panel provides more hanging space. The price will vary depending on the size of the panel and the accessories, but in general, panel systems are slightly more expensive than rail systems.
Panels can cover an entire garage wall or just a small portion; you can usually cut them to fit your needs. You can attach various modular hooks and other accessories for hanging tools, sports equipment and other items.
Panels can cover an entire garage wall or just a small portion; you can usually cut them to fit your needs. You can attach various modular hooks and other accessories for hanging tools, sports equipment and other items.
Stand-alone tool cabinets and workbenches. Stand-alone tool chests and cabinets generally come with locking wheels and are available in many sizes. Heavy-duty drawers are excellent for storing hand tools; some even have a larger compartment for storing power tools. Several models have a wood panel top, which can be used as a work surface. If you require a large, flat work surface and don’t require much tool storage, you might prefer a freestanding workbench.
Freestanding garage cabinets. If you prefer to store gear behind closed doors, a freestanding garage cabinet might be the ticket. Many are made of 24-gauge steel and have adjustable shelves. Designed specifically for garages, they can withstand the weight of heavy objects. Alternately, they may be used to store bulk packages of bath tissue, paper towels and cleaning products. Multiple sizes and colors are available.
Deluxe Solutions
Custom cabinetry. Garage cabinets designed to fit the exact dimensions of a space are generally quite costly. But if you dislike visual clutter, prefer items hidden behind closed doors and have the budget, built-ins can be an excellent choice. Aside from getting storage customized to meet your specific needs, you’ll be able to choose from many attractive design and finish options.
Not all custom cabinetry is created equal, so research the options and read reviews carefully. A product might look great when new but might not hold up over time. With that said, there are many reliable companies who provide high-quality craftsmanship that will not disappoint.
Custom cabinetry. Garage cabinets designed to fit the exact dimensions of a space are generally quite costly. But if you dislike visual clutter, prefer items hidden behind closed doors and have the budget, built-ins can be an excellent choice. Aside from getting storage customized to meet your specific needs, you’ll be able to choose from many attractive design and finish options.
Not all custom cabinetry is created equal, so research the options and read reviews carefully. A product might look great when new but might not hold up over time. With that said, there are many reliable companies who provide high-quality craftsmanship that will not disappoint.
Heavy-duty tool storage. If you own a large collection of tools, you might be pining for specialized tool storage. Heavy-duty tool storage is generally an investment. However, if you have the budget for it, specially designed storage will protect your tools and make it easier to keep them organized.
Browse garage and tool storage
Browse garage and tool storage
Refrigerator, wine cooler and sink. High-end garages are often outfitted with refrigerators, wine coolers and sinks. As with kitchens, garage appliances generally fit into custom spaces within built-in cabinets. When considering appliances as part of a custom garage plan, make sure to account for the cost of installing electrical and plumbing systems.
Garages equipped with appliances are beneficial for those who host large parties and gatherings. And a garage sink allows efficient cleanup of soiled items without bringing the mess into the house.
Garages equipped with appliances are beneficial for those who host large parties and gatherings. And a garage sink allows efficient cleanup of soiled items without bringing the mess into the house.
Garage attic with pull-down ladder. If your garage has a high, peaked ceiling, you might consider hiring a contractor to create a storage loft.
One of my clients recently built an attic space in her garage with a pull-down ladder. Her contractor added several structural beams across the width of the garage and created a floor strong enough to walk on and to hold heavy boxes. She also had a light installed. This was a relatively painless way to add storage space and remove some of the items cluttering the main garage area. I highly recommend this option if your garage has enough height and you can afford a good contractor.
I am convinced that any garage can be organized, no matter what the budget is. Just remember: The key is paring down your belongings first, so you have enough space to implement one or more of these solutions.
More on Houzz
7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Garage
Get design ideas
Find a professional organizer
Browse products
One of my clients recently built an attic space in her garage with a pull-down ladder. Her contractor added several structural beams across the width of the garage and created a floor strong enough to walk on and to hold heavy boxes. She also had a light installed. This was a relatively painless way to add storage space and remove some of the items cluttering the main garage area. I highly recommend this option if your garage has enough height and you can afford a good contractor.
I am convinced that any garage can be organized, no matter what the budget is. Just remember: The key is paring down your belongings first, so you have enough space to implement one or more of these solutions.
More on Houzz
7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Garage
Get design ideas
Find a professional organizer
Browse products
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Wonderful photos!
I want to see what these garages look like after one year...
There are comments on Houzz about epoxy floors. Unless done properly, preferably commercial grade, they can have problems. I have read on Houzz about regular tile floors working well in a garage. I'll check out garage floor vinyl.
There are overhead racks in my garage and I plan on clearing them out. It is too difficult to get things down from them safely. To easy to have an item hit a car too. In the comment about a pull down ladder to a loft, I have something similar. I'd rather have a set of stairs. I'd be concerned about things being put away in the loft and never looked at again. However, better in a garage loft than in the house!
Whose garages look like these???