Your garage can be a valuable zone for a wide variety of tools and hobbies, but it won’t do you much good if it’s more like a black hole than an efficient storage space. This summer, make the most out of your garage by creating a storage plan, so you never have to rummage through a pile of stuff to find that misplaced hammer or bike pump.
“I recommend measuring and sketching out the space and then mapping out where you want to store different things,” says Mallory Micetich, Angi Home Care Expert. “For example, you can designate different areas of your garage to different categories, like tools, sports equipment or lawn care. Storing your items by category makes upkeep easier and can help you find things faster.”
If you’re organizing your garage independently, prioritize items by size. The biggest elements dictate the space you’ll work around for everything else. Appliances, parking for cars, and large tools such as a riding lawn mower should have a specific area set aside. The rest of your garage items should be arranged around them to allow easy access when needed.
“Pay attention to your natural habits to make the system easy to maintain,” Micetich says. “Ask yourself questions like ‘Where do I tend to leave things that I use a lot,’ ‘What am I always losing,’ and ‘What are things that I need access to consistently?’”
Once you’ve organized your garage, make a schedule to keep it that way. A few minutes per day or week can go a long way toward preventing chaos from overtaking your belongings.
And if you want to really upgrade your garage to the next level, a professional organizer or garage contractor can set you up for success.
What a pro can offer
“A pro can help you come up with an organization system that is perfect for your specific needs and your specific garage,” Micetich says. “They’ll set you up for success, so you can have an organized garage for years to come.”
Price varies widely based on what you’re looking for. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect for your organizing and remodeling dollar:
Basic DIY setup: $50-$200
This will get you the shelving, hooks and tool racks to bring your garage workshop under control.
Simple pro shelving: $1,000-$1,500
A contractor will install a basic shelving and organizational system.
Mid-range custom job: $3,000-$5,000
A more significant investment will get you epoxy-sealed floors, open shelving, cabinets, a work area and wall storage.
Upscale custom work: $5,000 and up
If you’re willing to spend the money, you can overhaul your garage into a customized organizational dream or a living area conversion. If you want it to be a separate living area, such as its own apartment, expect to pay up to $30,000.
