Ways to Affordably Maximize your Garage - Contributed Post

Garages can provide incredibly useful storage, work and workout spaces, as well as offering a safe place to keep your car sheltered from the elements. If your garage has become a dumping ground, or you're not maximizing the space, here are some tips that can help you make better use of this valuable square footage without blowing the budget or devoting every second to DIY.

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Storage and shelving

Many of us use our garages for additional storage. If you’re running out of room indoors, you have a supply of tools, or you're a fan of outdoor activities, a garage is a fantastic space to keep bikes, helmets, coats, tools and garden toys. There are myriad options when it comes to storing items in your garage, and you can choose systems, units and shelving according to how much floor space you have available and what kinds of items you’re looking to store. If you’re short on space, making use of the walls is an excellent idea. You can fit shelves or opt for a wall-mounted unit to keep your stuff in order and preserve valuable floor space for your car. Another option is to use hooks to hang coats and store tools. You can also use chests or free-standing units if you have power tools or household cleaning substances, for example, which need to be kept away from small fingers or paws. Open units with cubby holes work brilliantly for smaller items like bike helmets, torches and umbrellas. We personally use a pallet we cut into two, and stand our kids bike tires in them allowing them to stand neatly in a line, which conserves a lot of space vs. being dropped wherever.

Below is a picture of what we did to affordably organize our garage space:

• We built a rack on our ceiling for our long pieces of wood 
• Spent around $18 at Home Depot for the unit hanging on our wall to hold our shovels, rakes, etc 
• Used cupboards we no longer needed in our office to build a workbench, taking off one of the cupboard doors to hold small pieces of wood
• Put up pegboard on the wall to hang tools (I'm not organized enough to really maximize this space, and wish my husband took an interest to the tools since he would really know how hang the tools most efficiently)
• For a few dollars we bought brackets for the wall above the workbench, and used leftover wood to span the space between them to hold paint, etc.
• Lastly there is the 5 shelf storage by our workbench that someone gave to us, but can be purchased very affordably. In January storage shelves are normally at their lowest point, or at least Costco told me that is when they have theirs on sale. You can also find them often on the Nextdoor app from your neighbors wanting to get rid of theirs for free or on the cheap.

Flooring

If you plan to make the most of your garage and use it as a workspace, gym or storage facility, it’s crucial to have a level, stable, robust floor. When choosing garage flooring, there are several questions to ask, including which garage flooring type is easier to clean and how much do different kinds of materials cost? Choose a type of flooring that reflects how you plan to use the space. If you’re going to be using your garage as a studio or a workshop, for example, it’s wise to invest in heavy-duty flooring that will be easy to maintain, as well as being durable. 

Finer details

For some people, a garage is a place to park the car. For others, it’s an extension of their living space. If you’re keen to create an attractive, functional space, it’s worth putting a little time and effort into the finer details. You can create a fabulous workspace, a den for teenage kids, a gym,  games room or the storage space of your dreams with a few carefully-selected accents and accessories. From potted plants and wall art to cool shelving, floor cushions and funky lighting, you can style the area based on your requirements and your personal taste. 

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Whether your garage is lying vacant, or it’s crammed full of stuff, it’s possible to transform the room to create a usable, versatile, attractive space. Investing in innovative storage solutions, affordable, durable flooring and adding personal touches will help you achieve a makeover that works for your family. From storing your car safely and keeping your tools and bikes out of the house to designing a workspace, a studio or a den, there are all kinds of things you can do to revive your garage.