How To Make Better Use Of Your Garage Space at Home

Many homeowners often use their garage as a place to store their car at night, but more often than not, a lot of garage users will find themselves filling the empty space with things they no longer need.

Belongings such as old bikes, tools, and even old memories usually end up in the garage, but this isn’t always the safest or most secure option, and your garage has more potential than you may initially realise.

The garage is a valuable and versatile space in your home that often goes underutilised. With proper planning and organisation, you can transform your garage into a functional and efficient area that maximises its potential. In this article, we discuss the ways you can bring your garage to life, with a little help from self storage.

A spare room

You can never have too many bedrooms, and if your home is feeling a little crowded it’s not such a bad idea to consider revamping the garage space into a spare room. Many house extensions begin with a garage, and with the right people, tools and vision, you can convert the once-messy space into a brand-new bedroom.

If your garage is next to the kitchen, you could even look at knocking the wall down and creating a comfortable dining room area – this is especially useful if the garage space is currently just used for storage.

Utility space

Utility rooms are often a rare advantage when purchasing a house, and who doesn’t dream of extra space with the sole purpose of keeping everything in the house tidy? A utility room is a great space to keep washer/dryers, and acts as the perfect spot to prevent mess coming into the home from a fun day out with the children and pets.

Work from home

With covid no longer looming over us, it doesn’t mean many of us aren’t still working from the comfort of our own homes. But how much comfort is taken away when the place you work is also the place you are also supposed to relax?

Garages are often located away from key living areas of the home, which means they are very quiet and far from distractions. Converting your garage into office space allows you to separate your home from work, and provides an element of peace and quiet.

Making use of your garage

Clear the clutter

Before embarking on any garage transformation project, start by decluttering the space. Remove items that you no longer need or use, and consider donating or selling them. Group similar items together and discard any broken or unusable belongings. Clearing out the clutter will give you a better understanding of the available space and allow you to plan accordingly.

Utilise wall space

One of the most effective ways to optimise garage space is by utilising the vertical walls. Install sturdy shelving units, cabinets, or wall-mounted storage systems to store frequently used items such as tools, gardening equipment, or sports gear. Consider utilising adjustable shelves or modular storage systems to accommodate items of varying sizes. By taking advantage of the wall space, you can free up valuable floor areas and keep your garage organised.

Create zones

Dividing your garage into functional zones can help you make the most of the available space. Identify your specific needs and allocate areas for different purposes. For example, designate a workbench area for DIY projects, set up a gardening station with shelving for pots and tools, and create a sports equipment zone with dedicated storage for balls, bats, and bicycles. Clearly defining these zones will streamline your activities and enhance overall efficiency.

Install overhead storage

If your garage has a high ceiling, installing overhead storage is an excellent way to maximise space. Overhead racks or platforms provide a convenient solution for storing items that are used less frequently, such as seasonal decorations or camping gear. Make sure to securely fasten the overhead storage units to the ceiling joists for safety and stability.

Utilise hooks

Pegboards and hooks are versatile and cost-effective storage solutions for organising and accessing frequently used tools and equipment. Mount a pegboard on a wall and hang various tools, ensuring easy visibility and accessibility. Use hooks to hang items such as extension cords, hoses, or ladders. By utilising pegboards and hooks, you can keep your garage tidy and efficiently utilise vertical space.

Cabinets and workstations

Modular cabinets and workstations offer a flexible and customisable storage solution for your garage. These systems typically feature a combination of cabinets, drawers, and countertops, allowing you to create a functional workspace or store items of various sizes. Consider investing in cabinets with locking mechanisms to safely store hazardous materials or valuable tools.

Enhance lighting and ventilation

Proper lighting and ventilation are essential for a functional garage space. Install bright LED lights or overhead fixtures to ensure adequate illumination, especially in work areas. Additionally, consider adding windows or vents to improve natural light and airflow, creating a more pleasant and comfortable environment.

Utilise floor space

While optimising wall and overhead space is crucial, don’t overlook the floor area. Maximise the floor space by using stackable storage bins or installing modular flooring systems that allow for easy cleaning and provide insulation. If you have multiple vehicles, consider using car lifts or compact storage solutions to create additional space underneath.

Help from Apex Self Storage

If you’re looking to transform your garage space, self storage is the perfect support system to help make the process easier. From bikes to tool kits, self storage units are secure and safe, and you can trust that your belongings are in the best place as you enjoy your new space.

Get in touch with us today to discuss the right storage option for your home.