For many people, the garage doubles as a storage room, housing not only cars but also hardware, lawn tools, sports gear, cleaning supplies, seasonal items, and pretty much anything you can’t find a place for in your home. If you don’t have a good system for storing all this stuff, things can get a little chaotic.

For one thing, you won’t be able to find the things when you need them if everything’s a mess. And, a disordered garage is unsafe for you and your family due to tripping hazards and the risk of objects falling. Keep in mind that all that clutter can get in the way of your garage door opening and closing and also prevent you from inspecting it and noticing any emerging maintenance issues.

To this end, here are some tips for getting rid of the clutter and implementing some garage door storage solutions, courtesy of Creative Door and our friends at Garage Strategies in Edmonton.

Clear out your garage

It’s always best to work with a clean canvass. Take everything out of your garage and separate items into different piles, depending on what you want to keep, toss, donate, and sell. Among the things you’re keeping, group together similar items that you’ll want to store in the same area or same container, such as garden tools, sports gear, and seasonal items.

This is also the time to clean your garage from top to bottom. Sweep the floor, wash away any oil stains, and wipe down the walls. And, don’t forget about your garage door. To do a top-notch job, read our complete guide to cleaning your garage door.

Make a plan

Next, determine which storage solutions to use to optimize the space and provide convenient access to your items. You’ll want to keep things off the floor whenever possible. This means making the most the vertical space available by installing shelving, hooks, pegboards, and other wall storage. Overhead storage is a great option, too. We’ll discuss these options in greater detail below.

In addition, don’t hesitate to draw up a paper plan before getting started. This helps ensure that you make the best use of your space. Diagram your garage on graph paper; note measurements, indicate the placement of windows, doors and utilities, and determine how much room your car will need.

Install wall shelves

Shelving is one of the most affordable storage options available and installing it is a simple DIY project that’s easy to complete for those who are handy. Having shelves in your garage is especially useful if you have a lot of things in boxes and containers. Garage Strategies offers a wide selection of durable shelving options that are easy to install and use.

Before you stick your boxes on the shelf, however, make sure you label them so that it’s easy to find things in your garage. Also, consider using clear plastic storage bins that allow you to see the contents inside.

Use hooks and hangers

Hooks and hangers are perfect for putting away rakes, brooms, ladders, sports equipment, and tools. In addition to keeping these items off the ground, hooks and hangars give you convenient access to them. Hooks are also great for hanging bikes over the winter.

The most efficient way to put up hooks and hangars is to install slatwall panels, which allow you to hang various hooks, hangars, shelves, baskets, and racks from wall to wall. Garage Strategies installs the most flexible and durable slatwall on the market and provides a wide range of hooks and brackets, which are made of steel, rust-resistant and rubber-coated for superior grip.

Create overhead storage

Ceiling storage is an efficient way to stow large items that you don’t use regularly, such as sporting gear, holiday decorations, and other seasonal items. This can be a good DIY project for the right person, but if you aren’t experienced or particularly handy, you should leave the installation to a professional.

If you do handle the task yourself, make sure you always nail or screw items into ceiling joists, and verify beforehand that your garage is capable of supporting heavy loads.

Consider cabinets

If you have enough space, storage cabinets are a worthwhile investment. They provide you with lots of extra room to store your items, and you’ll have the option of getting a unit that includes a work table.

Garage Strategies carries and installs quality Redline Garagegear cabinets designed to fit your space and budget.

Your garage is a true extension of your home and keeping it organized simplifies your life. Garage Strategies can help you completely transform the look of your garage. Their design, delivery, and installation teams will work with your schedule to discuss your storage needs. Contact their experienced team today for a free consultation.

QUALITY GARAGE DOORS IN WESTERN CANADA

Looking to upgrade your garage with a new door? Browse Creative Door’s residential garage doors to look at affordable options. Then reach out to us or visit any of our eight locations, including ones in Regina and Saskatoon, to speak with our helpful sales and service teams.