Five Fantastic Storage Options for the Garage

The garage does not have to be the place where you store everything you do not want to get rid of but don't know where to keep in one big, undecipherable mess. Instead, use these five storage options to get your garage in tip-top, completely organized space. You will thank yourself if you do.

One: For those items that you need on occasion but are too big or bulky to store in the house, install a tilt-down shelf that attaches to the roof of the garage. This kind of shelving offers a large expanse of space to put items into and gives you easy access to them as well, but keeps them well out of the way. You can purchase them in heavy duty plastic or metal, depending on the style and design that you like.

Two: Utilize corner space by installing two rows of wire shelving along the top part of the wall, by the ceiling. This will give you a great place for storing seasonal items that you do not want broken, tubs and bins with miscellaneous items in them, bulk items from warehouse shopping, etc. The corner mount will give it added strength and durability and the two rows, additional organizational room.

Three: Get those bicycles out of precious floor space by mounting them on racks on the wall or on pulley systems on the ceiling.

Four: Every garage that doubles as a work space has a lot of tools and miscellaneous items laying about that do not have a home. You can fix this problem by adding shelving, cabinetry and/or peg boarding to the wall. The peg boarding can hold loose tools and still leave them visible and accessible. The cabinetry can be equipped with a lock to protect small children from harsh or dangerous chemical items such as paints or cleaners and other items that could hurt them (such as sharp objects or edges on tools). If you really want to get fancy you can create a workspace by situating two cabinets one each side of a finished, tough top counter space and apply the cabinetry and pegboards above it. Or you can mount the countertop to the wall securely and place a roll out tool box on either end of it for your work space. You can add a light and power strips for added convenience, and maybe even a small radio, television or CD player. You can also put a chair in place for sit-down work and provide slide out bins for larger tools, such as saws, drills and tool box accompaniment kits. Make sure if you are taking any of these suggestions that you secure the items to the wall with the proper fastening equipment to prevent them from tipping over with use.

Five: Book shelves can create a wonderful area for storing hard to fit items in. You can mount them to the wall or you can leave them free standing in a safe area. You can make them yourself to customize the size and style you want or you purchase premade shelves for the job. You can paint or stain them to match the rest of the décor if you so desire.

With just a few simple steps you can turn that bumbling mess of a garage into a convenient and well-organized space for working (and playing).