Did you know that as of 2021, two-thirds, or around 33%, of U.S. housing units came with garages or carports?
Ironically, people store so much junk in their garages that they have no room to park their vehicles, leaving cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers in the driveway without protection from the elements.
If you’d like to store your vehicle in the garage but don’t have the room, here are 16 tips to organize your garage and change the status quo.
Declutter
Considering that 54% of Americans are overwhelmed by clutter, you’re not alone if clutter has gotten the better of you. But just because clutter is a problem doesn’t mean it has to remain one.
If your garage has become a storage unit, change things around to make space for your vehicle. Trim the fat by throwing stuff away, donating excess, and selling possessions you don’t use.
Use Clear Storage Bins
Another way to arrange your garage to maximize the available space is to use clear storage bins. Store tools, vehicle cleaning supplies, and more in these bins. Purchasing clear bins will make it easy to find what you want in no time.
Label Everything
Label everything. Yes, that includes clear storage bins. If you want to make the most of the space by keeping everything organized, label everything that can be labeled. You’ll be glad you did since finding things will be easier.
Buy Some Shelves
Another way to make the most out of whatever space you have is to get some shelving. Buy wall-mounted or freestanding shelving units to maximize vertical space.
Install Pegboards
Pegboards are a great addition to your garage. You can attach them to a wall and use them to organize stuff. Whether small equipment, tools, or extension cords, you can use pegboards to organize your things and facilitate easy access. Moreover, since pegboards are installed on walls, they won’t take up the floor space needed to park your car.
Hang Bicycles on the Wall
Families that cycle together benefit from better fitness levels, stress reduction, and fun outdoors. But storing bikes in a garage can take up a lot of floor space—unless you hang them on the wall. Get wall-mounted bike racks to store your bikes and free up valuable floor space for your vehicle.
Use Overhead Storage
Another way to organize your garage for parking is to use overhead storage. Ceiling-mounted storage units help store large items or seasonal gear that would otherwise take up a ton of floor space.
Use Magnetic Strips
Another way to organize your garage is to install magnetic strips. Attach them to walls to hold wrenches, screwdrivers, and other tools.
Remove Unused Furniture
If, after removing clutter, you still have furniture that hardly ever gets used, get rid of it. Move it to the house or dispose of it. It makes little sense to keep furniture you don’t use. All it does is take up space.
Use Stackable Storage Bins
Another way to use your garage space more efficiently is to obtain stackable storage bins. Yes, you can stack bins in general. However, the stackable variety is meant to be stacked on top of one another, allowing you to achieve greater stability than other bins.
Hang Ladders
While ladders don’t take up much floor space if you lean them against the wall, you can maximize floor space by hanging them on the wall instead.
Put Garden Tools in a Shed
One way to tame the chaos is to set up sheds on your property to house various things. If you have a ton of garden tools, for example, it makes sense to put them in a shed rather than the garage.
Your garage shouldn’t be a storage space for everything. A shed is a great way to ensure you have enough space to store things.
Create Zones
Another way to create more space for your vehicle is to be more purposeful about how the space in the garage is divided. For instance, you can create specific zones. One zone can be reserved for your car, another for your tools, and others based on your needs and the available leftover space.
Use a Rolling Cart
Store tools or equipment on rolling cars to free up space. You’ll have what you need within reach without cluttering your garage.
Avoid Storing Items on the Floor
Try to avoid storing things on the floor. If you take advantage of some of the tips above, you can achieve that goal. The fewer things you keep on the floor, the more floor space for your car.
Follow These Tips to Free Up Space for Your Car
Remember, garages are for cars, not junk. These tips will help you get things under control so your car doesn’t have to sit in the driveway.
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