If your garage has turned into a jumble of holiday decor, sports gear, and scattered tools, it might be time to tackle the garage clutter head-on. An organized garage isn’t just visually satisfying. It’s practical and can help you get the most out of every square inch of real estate. From overhead storage ideas to organizational solutions, let’s explore creative ways to transform your garage with DIY projects. We start with the core idea, gather materials, and show you the simple step-by-step process to make it happen!
The Ultimate DIY Garage Storage Strategy
Remember, a little preparation goes a long way. Before grabbing the nearest screwdriver, take a moment to plan to make sure your garage storage solutions work for you. Here’s how to streamline the process:
- Sort and Declutter: Pull everything out, group like with like, and ditch unused items.
- Measure Your Space: Measure all walls, nooks, and crannies so you know what areas you can use effectively.
- Map Out a Layout: Think about where things make sense. Tools might be best near the workbench, while seasonal items could fill in vertical space like the garage wall.
Once you’ve got a plan, you’re ready to get to the fun part of your garage organization project – building!
1. DIY Garage Storage Shelves: Simple Shelving for Big Impact
DIY garage shelves are some of the easiest and most impactful upgrades you can make in your garage. With a few sturdy boards and some brackets, you’ll have storage that can hold bins of items without cluttering the floor.
Materials:
- 2×4 wooden boards
- Shelf brackets
- Screws
- Drill
Step-by-Step:
1. Install the Brackets: Choose a wall, then use a stud finder to locate and mark the studs. This will give your shelves the strength they need to hold heavy loads.
2. Cut and Attach Shelves: Depending on the size you need, cut your boards to fit. Attach the boards securely to the brackets. Be sure to cut deep shelves for those large items.
3. Organize: Place plastic bins, boxes, or loose items on the shelves to clear up that floor space!
This easy garage storage solution not only adds tons of storage but keeps everything in plain sight and easy to access. Clear plastic bins are ideal for protecting your items from pests and moisture, keeping everything neatly contained, and allowing you to easily see what’s inside without rummaging through each box.
2. Go Vertical with Overhead Garage Ceiling Storage DIY Racks
If you’re pressed for space on the ground, think vertically! Overhead storage is fantastic for bulky items you don’t need every day, like camping gear, winter sports equipment, or your beloved seasonal decorations.
Materials:
- Heavy-duty metal racks
- Screws
- Drill
Step-by-Step:
1. Install Overhead Racks: These metal racks come in kits and can be easily installed into ceiling joists. Make sure they are level and secured tightly.
2. Organize Your Items: Use large bins or baskets that fit on the racks, clearly label each container, and you’re good to go. Adding overhead storage racks for long-term storage is a great way to make use of overhead space and free up wall space and your entire garage floor, creating room for more day-to-day storage where you need it most.
3. Floating Shelves for a Clean Look
If you love the idea of an uncluttered look, DIY floating shelving garage projects add storage without visible brackets. These wall-mounted shelves are sleek and simple, creating the extra storage you need with the modern look you want.
Materials:
- Sturdy wooden planks (like plywood)
- Wall anchors
- Screws
- Drill
Step-by-Step:
1. Mount the Supports: After measuring and marking, attach anchors to the wall.
2. Secure the Shelves: Slide the wood planks over the anchors and ensure they’re level.
3. Organize Items: Use the floating shelves for lighter items like gardening tools, lightweight boxes of holiday decorations (think string lights), or cleaning supplies. They’re not built for heavy-duty storage, but they look great and add functionality.
Floating shelves can also be customized with a fresh coat of paint or stain to match your style. Who says you can’t have a beautiful garage?
4. Garage Organization DIY With Peg boards
Looking for a way to organize tools and small items in your garage workspace? Peg boards are an inexpensive and easy way to get organized. You can customize peg board layouts to store everything from screwdrivers and wrenches to garden shears.
Materials:
- Peg board
- Hooks and pegs
- Screws
Step-by-Step:
1. Mount the Pegboard: Drill the peg board into the wall at your desired height.
2. Customize with Hooks: Arrange hooks for various tools, and hang them up.
3. Add Small Bins: For nails, screws, and other bits, small bins can be clipped onto the peg board.
This is an ideal DIY project for organizing small items that you want to keep in reach.
5. Rolling Storage Carts
Need a mobile storage solution? This is one of our favorite garage storage ideas. A rolling storage cart is an easy garage storage solution that lets you keep all your tools and materials in one place, and is great for small garages where space is tight.
Materials:
- Wooden planks
- Heavy-duty caster wheels
- Screws
- Drill
Step-by-Step:
1. Build the Base: Assemble a sturdy base with a few planks and attach the caster wheels.
2. Add Shelves or Bins: Depending on what you need to store, you can add small shelves or bins to the cart.
3. Organize and Roll: Load up your tools or materials and easily roll the cart to wherever you’re working.
A rolling cart is a fun, flexible storage solution that adds mobility to your organization efforts. You can also purchase small rolling carts, like IKEA’s RÅSKOG cart, that can be tucked into corners or beneath workbenches for easy access to small tools and supplies.
6. DIY Bike Storage Solutions: Wall Racks or Ceiling Hooks
Bike storage can be tricky, but there are a few DIY options for keeping bikes out of the way. Wall-mounted racks or ceiling hooks allow you to store bikes vertically, freeing up floor space.
Materials:
- Wall-mounted bike racks or heavy-duty hooks
- Screws
- Drill
Step-by-Step:
1. Choose a Spot: Find a wall or ceiling area with enough room to store bikes vertically or horizontally.
2. Install the Racks or Hooks: Follow the instructions for wall mounting or use ceiling hooks for an overhead storage option.
3. Hang the Bikes: Make sure each bike is securely stored and easy to reach.
Both options utilize vertical storage to keep bikes out of the way while making them easily accessible when it’s time to ride.
7. Create a DIY Workbench With Built-In Storage
Adding a workbench to your garage is a game-changer, especially one with valuable garage storage underneath. It’s the perfect solution if you’re a DIY enthusiast who needs a dedicated space for projects.
Materials:
- 2×4 wood for the frame
- Plywood for the surface
- Storage bins, drawers, or carts
- Screws
- Drill
Step-by-Step:
1. Build the Frame: Use 2x4s to build a solid base for the workbench.
2. Add the Surface: Attach a plywood sheet on top to create a sturdy work surface.
3. Install Storage Underneath: Add bins, drawers, shelves or rolling carts for easy access to tools and materials.
A workbench with storage underneath is both functional and space-saving, making it a go-to for any DIY lover.
8. Wall-Mounted Cubbies for Kids’ Gear and Sports Equipment
For families, wall-mounted cubbies can streamline organization. It’s an easy garage storage project that helps keep everyone’s things separate and orderly.
Materials:
- Wooden crates or cubbies
- Screws
- Drill
Step-by-Step:
1. Mount the Cubbies: Attach them securely to a wall where they’re accessible. If you want children to be able to access them easily, make sure you hang them at a suitable height or provide a sturdy stepladder.
2. Label Each Cubby: Give each family member their own space. This is perfect for storing sports gear, bike helmets, or bags.
3. Decorate and Personalize: Use fun paint colors or add name tags for a family-friendly touch.
This project keeps things organized and easy to find, and it’s simple enough to do in an afternoon. It gets the kids involved in keeping the garage clean!
9. Cabinet-Style Storage for Bulkier Items
If you want to take your garage organization up a notch, consider building DIY garage cabinets. They offer tons of closed storage and can hide items you don’t want on display.
Materials:
- Plywood or particle board
- Hinges
- Screws
- Drill
Step-by-Step:
1. Build the Cabinet Frames: Measure and cut the wood to the desired size and assemble the frames.
2. Install Doors: Attach doors with hinges, creating an enclosed space to hide clutter.
3. Organize and Close Up: Store tools, paint cans, or other items inside and then close the doors to keep it all under wraps. This gives any garage an instant cosmetic boost.
These cabinets help your garage look clean and polished while giving you ample storage space for holiday decorations, seasonal items, camping gear, gardening supplies, and more.
Final Tips for DIY Garage Storage Success
Once your DIY garage storage projects are in place, here are a few extra tips to keep things organized long-term:
- Label Everything: Labels cut down on rummaging time, making it easier to find the things you need, when you need them!
- Use Clear Bins: Clear storage bins also reduce rummaging by allowing you to see what’s inside beforehand.
- Keep Frequently Used Items Handy: Store things you use often at eye level and within easy reach.
- Maintain Your Organization: Set a routine to tidy up the garage regularly, so you can control the clutter!
- Seek Inspiration: Vintage how-to manuals, such as The Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual from Reader’s Digest, offer a wealth of ideas and plans for building shelving and other projects. Look for vintage DIY books at your nearest thrift store.
With these simple and straightforward DIY projects and our favorite garage organization ideas, you’ll transform your garage into a clean, functional space that serves your needs. Grab your tools, gather your materials, and get that garage organized!
If you’ve got valuables that don’t fare well in fluctuating garage temperatures, or you’re simply running out of space in your newly organized garage, consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit. At Storage.com, we make it easy to find the perfect storage solution near you. Start protecting your seasonal treasures today—find a storage unit now!
