It’s a garage, not a junkyard.
So why have you crammed it so full of stuff that you can no longer park your car in it?
The garage is often the most cluttered area of a house, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple DIY storage solutions, you may be able to reclaim your garage as an organized, functional space.
This guide will cover 10 affordable and easy-to-implement storage ideas to get you off the couch and into the garage for a makeover.
1. Install Wall-Mounted Shelves
Wall-mounted shelves keep items off the floor, giving you more room to move around.
How to Do It
- Purchase metal shelving brackets and a few wooden planks cut to the correct size.
- Use a stud finder to locate studs in your walls, then install the brackets.
- Place the planks on the brackets, and you’re ready to go!
What to Store
- Paint cans, screws, and nails
- Cleaning supplies
- Lightweight storage bins
Metal shelves are even stronger and deeper than wooden shelves and can be purchased as kits.
Metal shelves are even stronger and deeper than wooden shelves and can be purchased as kits.
2. Create Pegboard Tool Stations
Are you tired of digging through drawers to find the right tool? A pegboard tool station can organize your tools and give you easy access.
How to Do It
- Purchase a pegboard from your local hardware store.
- Attach it with screws to a clear section of the wall.
- Use metal hooks or clips to hang tools like hammers, wrenches, and pliers.
What to Store
- Hand tools
- Gardening supplies
- Extension cords
Labeled outlines or painted shapes of each tool on the pegboard make it easy to see what’s missing after a project.
A pegboard is one of the best ways to organize tools.
3. Install Overhead Storage
Overhead storage is ideal for housing seasonal items and rarely used equipment.
How to Do It
- Look for pre-assembled garage ceiling storage racks.
- Securely attach the rack to the ceiling joists, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
What to Store
- Holiday decorations
- Camping gear
- Off-season sports equipment
This solution frees up valuable floor and wall space, making your garage feel more spacious.
Overhead storage can clear valuable floor space for other things, like more junk.
4. Build Custom Storage Crates
If you have more time and are handy with a saw and hammer, consider building stackable wooden crates to organize smaller items.
How to Do It
- Cut wood panels or repurpose wooden pallets to desired crate sizes.
- Nail or screw the panels together to form a sturdy box.
- Sand and paint for a polished look (optional).
What to Store
- Power tools
- Sports balls
- Car cleaning supplies
Place your crates under workbenches or shelves for maximum efficiency.
You can build stackable storage crates out of old pallets.
5. Hang Small Metal Tools with Magnetic Strips
Magnetic strips are an inexpensive way to store metal tools while keeping them visible and easy to reach.
How to Do It
- Purchase a magnetic strip online or at a hardware store.
- Mount it securely on a wall or workbench.
- Attach metal tools like screwdrivers, scissors, or small wrenches.
No more lost tiny tools in random corners!
Magnetic storage strips work well for kitchen utensils. They’ll work for light hand tools, too.
6. Install Sliding Storage Barrels
Hang sliding storage barrels for smaller items if you have open wall space.
How to Do It
- Purchase metal barrels, hooks, and a sliding bar system.
- Attach the hooks to the wall and hang the barrels on them.
- Place the sliding bar through the barrel handles for easy access.
What to Store
- Sports equipment
- Cleaning supplies
- Garden tools
7. Use Vertical Space with Ceiling Bike Racks
Bicycles can take up valuable floor space in a garage. Ceiling racks keep them out of your way.
How to Do It
- Install two hooks in the ceiling about six feet apart.
- Hang a long piece of rope or chain between the two hooks.
- Thread it through each bike’s center frame and secure it tightly.
- Adjust the height of each bike to your liking.
What to Store
- Bicycles
- Ladders
- Foldable chairs or tables
This method also stores large, bulky items like kayaks or surfboards.
Ceiling racks keep bicycles out of your way.
8. Repurpose Old Furniture as Storage Solutions
Don’t have a budget for new storage systems? Look around your home for unused furniture you can repurpose as garage storage.
How to Do It
- Clean out old dressers, cabinets, or bookshelves.
- Paint or seal them with weather-resistant materials if necessary.
- Use them to store smaller items in organized drawers or shelves.
What to Store
- Sports gear
- Tools and hardware
- Paint cans and brushes
Don’t throw out that old dresser! Refinish it, or use it as garage storage.
9. Install a Foldable Workbench
A foldable workbench can provide a designated space for DIY projects only when you need it.
How to Do It
- Purchase a folding workbench online or at a home improvement store.
- Mount it on the wall with hinges to be folded up when not in use.
- Attach a pegboard above the work surface for additional storage possibilities.
What to Store
- Hand tools
- Power tools
- Crafting supplies
10. Create a Sports Equipment Corner
Due to its size and shape, sports equipment can be challenging to store. A designated corner with specialized storage solutions can help keep it organized.
How to Do It
- Install vertical ball organizers or baskets on the wall.
- Use bungee cords or elastic straps to hang sports gear like helmets, pads, and gloves.
- Install hooks for hanging tennis rackets, golf clubs, and baseball bats.
What to Store
- Balls of all sizes
- Bats, clubs, and racquets
- Helmets and protective gear
Additional Tips & Ideas
- Use clear plastic bins for storage to easily see what’s inside without opening them.
- Label all storage containers and shelves to keep items organized and easy to find.
- Install a slat wall system for customizable storage solutions.
- Use stackable storage bins with lids to safely store household chemicals and hazardous materials.
- Consider adding shelves to the inside of cabinet doors for additional storage space.
FAQs: DIY Storage Building
Q: How can I be sure I use my garage space efficiently?
Install shelves, cabinets, or racks on walls and ceilings to maximize vertical space. Remember to leave enough room for you to move around comfortably and access your belongings easily.
Q: What materials should I use for DIY storage solutions in the garage?
For heavy-duty storage solutions, opt for metal or durable plastic materials; for smaller items or decorative storage, wooden crates or bins work well. Ensure all materials are weather-resistant if your garage is exposed to outdoor elements.
Q: How do I keep my garage organized in the long term?
- Establish a routine for cleaning and decluttering your garage at least twice a year.
- After use, put items back in their designated places.
- Avoid accumulating clutter.
Q: How can I store hazardous materials safely in the garage?
Hazardous materials should be stored in clearly labeled, airtight containers out of reach of children and pets. Store these items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consider a dedicated lockable cabinet if you have more than a few hazardous items.
Q: What’s the best way to store gardening tools?
Gardening tools can be stored using wall-mounted hooks, pegboards, or shelving systems. Bins, buckets, or an old toolbox can organize small tools like trowels. Larger tools like rakes or shovels can be hung vertically to save space.
Q: Are there eco-friendly storage solutions for the garage?
You can repurpose old items such as crates, barrels, or furniture into storage solutions. You can also use recycled materials, like reclaimed wood, for shelving or bins.
Q: Can I use my garage for both storage and a workspace?
Yes. Designate separate zones for each purpose. Use vertical storage solutions and overhead racks to keep the floor space open for work. A foldable workbench or wall-mounted desk can maximize space without overcrowding.
Q: How do I prevent pests from invading the garage?
Seal all food items or pet food stored in airtight containers. Regularly clean the garage to eliminate crumbs or debris that attract pests. Plug any cracks or gaps where rodents or bugs may enter, and install weatherstripping on doors for added protection.