Organizing Ideas for the Garage

The first step in organizing your garage is the same as with any other room: declutter. Get rid of the stuff that doesn't belong.

What doesn't belong? Only you can answer that. Here are some things I've seen in this room:

-toolbench;

-gardening area;

-off-season storage for clothing, sports equipment, and decorations;

-fitness equipment;

-washer and dryer

Your first priority will probably be to free up space to store your car. If you live in a nice climate, you might decide that you'd rather have the space for other things and park your car outside. There is no wrong use for this room if it's the right use for you.

The messy garage above shows how to use wall space to its full advantage. Use hooks to hang shovels and rakes and put up shelves to stow boxes.

Look up. Does the ceiling have rafters? If so, you can store long items up there, like scrap lumber, skis, and ladders. If you hang anything from them, make sure the rafters can support the weight.

Do you occasionally need a surface for potting plants or setting down your laundry basket, but don't want it in your way the rest of the time? Install a panel against the wall that you can pull up in the manner of a drop leaf table.

If you have some extra deep shelves for storing larger items, use crates with casters under the shelves. You'll be able to pull the crates out easily to access the contents. This is a great way to store balls, rackets, croquet sets, and other outdoor toys.

If you're going to use your garage as your workshop, these principles will allow you to organize your tools very efficiently.