Your garage is often one of the most spacious areas in your home, making it a prime spot for storage. However, without proper planning, it can quickly become cluttered and chaotic. These garage storage ideas, ranging from easy DIY projects to more advanced garage hacks, will help maximize floor space, boost functionality and turn your space into an organized haven.
1. Wood Pallet Holder
Do your brooms and rakes keep falling over in one corner of your garage? Here’s a quick garage organization tip: attach an old wooden pallet to one of the garage walls and slide your rakes and brooms through the planks to keep them stored upright. It provides a sturdy holder and keeps them neatly stored and within reach. You can even customize the pallet with a coat of paint to match your garage’s color scheme.
2. Decorative Storage Baskets
Baskets are a simple way to free up space in your garage without the need for complicated installations. You can use wire, plastic or woven baskets to store a number of items, from gardening tools to sports equipment. Stack them neatly in corners and place them on shelves to keep everything organized and accessible.
Tip: Add labels to each basket to easily spot what you’re looking for.
3. PVC Pipe Holders
Using PVC pipe holders is one of our more versatile and effortless garage organization ideas. They are incredibly versatile and can be repurposed for garage storage with minimal effort. Use smaller pipes to weave cords through and keep your cables tangle-free, or transform them into knife holsters for safe garage tool organization.
Tip: For heavier items, attach three-inch PVC piping to the underside of a shelf or table to create holders for power tools.
4. Wooden Shelf
Looking into garage shelving ideas is a great place to start if you’re considering building a workshop. One of our garage tool storage ideas involves building a DIY wooden shelf to create extra room for power tools and other small accessories. Customize the shelf by drilling small holes throughout to thread cords, turning it into a functional charging station.
5. Fishing Rod Holders
Create an easy DIY fishing rod holder using a pool noodle and a PVC pipe. Cut halfway through the pool noodle evenly five inches to make slots for the rods. Then, drill matching holes in a similar PVC pipe to secure each rod’s base. The PVC pipe provides a stable holder for the handles, while the notches keep the rod ends firmly in place, preventing them from tangling or falling over.
6. Repurposed Plastic Bottles
Cut off the tops of old plastic bottles to create wide openings, perfect for storing nuts, bolts, and nails. Place them on a shelf or in a drawer to keep your workspace tidy. Just make sure to place them in a secure spot where they won’t tip over, and consider labeling each container so you can grab and go.
7. Cardboard Paper Tubes
Cardboard paper tubes are an affordable trick for storing longer tools like rakes and shovels. Simply attach them to your garage wall with plumbing straps for convenient access. Have a bunch of items to hang? Line up multiple tubes next to one another to keep everything together in one line of sight.
8. Kitchen Cabinets
If you recently remodeled your kitchen, consider repurposing old cabinets for your garage makeover. They provide extra space for housing tools, cleaning supplies, or seasonal decorations. To guarantee they last in your garage, coat them with damp-proof paint to protect against moisture and temperature changes.
9. Bungee Cord Ball Organizer
Hook the ends of your bungee cords around a mounted shelf to create a quick and simple storage solution. The cords’ flexibility allows them to stretch for any ball size while keeping them securely in place. A setup like this makes it easy to slide balls in and out, saving time when you’re gearing up for different outdoor activities.
10. Garbage Bag Roll Dispenser
Mount a paper towel rack on your garage wall to create a handy garbage bag dispenser. Just slide the roll onto the rack, and you’ll have garbage bags ready to grab in seconds. This way, you’ll avoid messy, tangled rolls and free up drawer space.
11. Repurposed Magazine Holders
Did you convert your garage into a home office? Reuse old magazine holders to neatly store and organize books, pens, and more. Place them next to your desk to keep it clutter-free. For added convenience, label each holder for specific items, like incoming mail or office supplies, so everything has a designated spot.
12. Upcycled Hose Holder
Turn a large metal pail or an old flower pot into a stylish hose holder. Coil the hose neatly inside to prevent it from tangling and creating clutter. Decorate the container to match your garage’s design for a functional twist. You’ll hide the hose and add a touch of personality to your space.
13. Reused Coffee Cans
Give your old coffee cans a new life by using them to store ropes and twine. Poke a hole in the lid to pull out the length you need without compromising the rest. Wrap the cans in decorative tape for a more polished look, turning them into a decorative accent.
14. Color Coding Systems
Keep your garage space clean and organized with a color-coding system. Assign different colors to storage bins or labels to categorize items by size and function. You can even use garage flooring, such as colored mats, to create designated zones of the space.
15. Clothespin Holders
Hang a wooden planter on the wall and attach a few clothespins along the side to create an easy-to-use holder. This is a great solution for organizing lightweight accessories like gloves, handkerchiefs, or hats. Beyond function, you’ll notice the setup also adds a rustic touch to the space.
16. DIY Rag Dispenser
You can make a handy dispenser for your rags by cutting a hole in the bottom of an old plastic laundry basket. Nail the basket against the wall or hang it on a hook so you can pull the next clean rag through the hole in the bottom. To keep things even neater, sort the rags by type or use so you’re always grabbing the right one for the job.
17. Repurposed Golf Bag
You can use an old golf bag to store lawn tools and cleaning supplies of all shapes and sizes. The side pockets are perfect for holding clippers, gardening shovels, and gloves. Meanwhile, the main compartment can store long-handled tools like shovels or rakes.
18. Pool Noodle Stopper
Use a pool noodle as a door stopper to prevent your car door from banging against the wall. Stretch the noodle horizontally across the wall and attach it with nails. Next time you open your door too fast, the foam will cushion the blow and prevent damage.
Tip: Consider upgrading to a two-car garage or two-car carport if you need more space to safely park.
19. Ladder Organizer
You can repurpose your ladder as a shelf for any wooden planks you plan to use for future garage design projects. Just lay planks at 90-degree angles across the steps of your ladder. Make sure to move your ladder to a convenient location before you use it for storage since it will be more difficult to move once it’s weighed down. Decorate it by adding potted plants and other knick knacks you find lying around your garage.
20. Use Pegboards
Pegboards are one of the most useful tools to free up garage space since they lie flat against the wall. Customize yours with hooks, nails, baskets, and bins so you can hang tools, cleaning supplies, and just about anything else from your walls. Make sure to map out your layout before hanging items to reduce clutter.
21. Wrench Storage
Install a belt track on your garage wall to keep your wrenches organized. Hang each wrench on the individual prongs, allowing you to quickly see and grab the right size at a glance. This way, your tools won’t pile up in drawers and toolboxes, saving you time during projects.
22. Mason Jar Organizers
Mason jars are perfect for holding small accessories like nails, screws, nuts, and bolts. Rest them atop or inside cabinets, or screw the mason jar lids into the bottom of shelves to leave them hanging. You can then choose how you want to organize them, be it size, frequency, or project type.
23. Wooden Screwdriver Racks
Buy a screwdriver rack or build one yourself by drilling holes into an appropriately sized wooden plank. Stagger the holes at different heights to store standard and longer screwdrivers without crowding the space to make it more functional. Then, mount it onto the wall closest to your workspace for easy access.
24. Folding Workbench
A folding workbench can be a lifesaver if your garage workshop is tight on space. There are folding benches you can install on your wall with steel brackets and others that are mobile, standing on their own like a TV tray. Just be conscious about the weight limits of a bench.
25. Spray Paint Holders
If you have lots of spray paint, it’s worth investing in a holder. To save some money, you can purchase or reuse a hanging shoe organizer for your cans, fitting two cans per pocket. Mount the organizer on the back of a door or along a wall to keep the cans visible without taking up shelf space.
26. Extension Cord Organizer
Keep your extension cords tangle-free by hanging them from wall hooks and chains. Just loop the cords and hang them on the hooks to prevent knots and damage. You’ll free up floor space and rid your life of piles of extension cords stuffed in corners.
27. Paint Supply Shelving Unit
For a simple way to store your paint buckets and brushes, search for appropriately sized bookshelves to place against your garage walls. Consider adding adjustable shelves to accommodate different bucket sizes. Once that’s up and set, you can install plumber straps along the sides of the bookshelf to hold your paint brushes and rollers.
28. Tool Storage Drawers
If you want to organize your nails, screws, and other small tools, install drawers in your cabinets. You’ll have neatly separated items, making it easier to find what you need quickly. With clear labeling or transparent fronts, you can see what you have at a glance.
29. Towel Rod Clamps
Repurpose towel rods in your garage as a storage solution for woodworking clamps and C-clamp pliers. By hanging the clamps on the rods, you’ll keep them off the workbench and within reach. Place this near your most used tools throughout the day for easy access while you work.
30. Magnet Strips
Mount kitchen magnet strips along your garage wall to keep metal tools like drill bits, screwdrivers, and wrenches in one place. They’ll hold your tools securely and make it easy to grab what you need without digging through a drawer. Also, opt for heavy-duty strips that can handle the weight of multiple tools without slipping.
31. Garage Door Brackets
The garage door is the most underused storage space in a garage. Install brackets and hooks along its surface to hold lawn tools, cleaning tools, and fishing rods.
If you’re still pressed for storage space after this hack, consider a garage alternative to store your vehicles.
32. Extension Ladder Hooks
Extension ladders are difficult to store because of their heavy weight and large size. To keep them out of the way, install some L-shaped ladder hooks on your wall. If there’s not enough room there, find U-shaped ladder hooks to attach to your ceiling and hang it there.
33. Wall Tracks
Installing wall tracks allows you to store heavier items such as shovels, clippers, lawn chairs, and folding ladders. Tracks are customizable and typically work with J-hooks in any material and style. However, you’ll want to ensure the tracks are mounted into wall studs to support heavier pieces of equipment.
34. Garage Lockers
Check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for inexpensive lockers. Place multiple side by side and label each one according to its storage use. You could also add shelving or bins inside to further maximize their storage capacity.
35. Sports Equipment Racks
Managing a lot of outdoor activities throughout the year? Declutter your sports equipment using laundry baskets to store hockey sticks, baseball bats, or any sports balls. Use wall-mounted ball claws to decorate your wall with your sports equipment and add some personality to your garage.
36. Tire Mounts
Tires are difficult to maneuver and take up a lot of space. To keep them out of the way, hang them from the wall using peg-shaped mounts. This helps with accessibility and declutters your floor.
37. Mudroom Shoe Storage
As one of the most trafficked entrances to your home, garages can easily get covered in mud. Place a cubby bench by the entry door to store muddy shoes and wet clothes on hangers before you enter. Consider adding a waterproof mat beneath the bench to catch any dirt or moisture that might track in as well.
38. Snowboard Wall Rack
Is winter your peak season in terms of activities? If so, you may want to invest in a snowboard and ski rack to keep your gear tidy. A rack is a quick vertical storage solution, preventing snowboards from getting damaged or lost in garage clutter.
39. Corner Shelves
Install corner shelves to take advantage of that often-overlooked space. Use them to store small items such as compressed air, cleaning sprays, and glues. Alternatively, you could use this space for decor, such as candles and framed photos.
40. Open Metal Shelving
Use an open metal shelving system to hold storage bins, paint buckets, crates, and anything else. When investing in your garage shelving, be conscious of its weight capacities and dimensions to ensure it’s a good fit for your purposes. To prevent items from shifting, add shelf liners or small barriers along the edges for added stability.
41. Bike Mounts
Are you a cycling enthusiast? Use wall-attached bike racks to keep bikes out of your walking space. Heavy-duty hooks can help ensure your garage bike storage space can handle any weight requirements. However, you can also invest in a metal bike stand for something more reliable.
42. Overhead Garage Racks
Overhead garage racks are a great way to utilize the space near your ceiling. Add hooks and clamps to your racks to hang bikes, duffel bags, or lawn chairs. Just make sure not to store items you need readily accessible.
43. Recessed Lighting
Dark and stuffy garages are uninviting and make it harder to find items. With recessed light fixtures, you’ll have a brighter space without taking up room. This type of garage lighting is particularly helpful when momentarily turning your garage into a gym or for recreation.
44. Sports Ball Storage Cart
For a sports ball storage system, attach one end of a bungee cord to a low wooden shelf or ledge in your garage. Clip the other end to a high shelf, ensuring the cord is taut. Repeat this process with about three other cords, leaving several inches of space between them. Once your cords are connected, drop your sports balls in the middle, and you’re set.
45. Plant Hangers
Hanging planters come in various designs and colors, and most can double as a garage storage solution. While you don’t want to hang items that are too heavy, you can use planters to store small objects visually appealingly. For example, try using them to hold rolled-up extension cords or rope to avoid unnecessary eye sores throughout your garage.
46. Storage Cubbies
Use cubbies in the garage to store shoes, toys, sports equipment, and more. Categorize each cubby for more accessible storage. Add labels or color-coded bins to the cubbies for an extra touch of personalization.
47. Sticky Tab Labels
Use small, colored stickers to label switches for lights and garage breaker boxes. On the inside of the panel, you can write out and attach a key explaining what each sticker color means. To make it even more user-friendly, ass glow-in-the-dark stickers that are frequently used at night.
48. Storage Bins
Storage bins are great for garage organization. However, without a proper system, finding what you need can quickly become frustrating. Label, color coordinate, and place your storage bins on shelves for extra peace of mind.
49. Overhead Plastic Tubs
Plastic tubs with rope handles can be hung on hooks, making them great for storing lighter objects. Label the outside of each container to remind yourself what you stored inside. Try arranging the tubs by size or color for a more streamlined look to keep everything visually appealing.
50. Joist Space Storage
Take advantage of the space between your garage’s joists. The vertical space will allow you to store extra items, freeing up floor and wall space. For added security, ensure the shelving is properly anchored to support the weight of your belongings.
51. Canvas Bag Hooks
Zip-up canvas bags protect items, camping supplies, and outdoor gear from dirt, dust, and moisture. Install sturdy hooks on your garage wall to hang the bags, keeping them out of the way. You’ll preserve your stored items and free up valuable shelf space.
52. Dry-Erase Labels
Seasons change, and so do your storage needs. Organize and categorize storage bins and items with dry-erase labels. Instead of replacing a label, you can easily wash off markers with a damp cloth and reuse them as necessary.
53. Seasonal Bins
Do you have seasonal decorations or tools that go into storage for long periods? Use colored labels to categorize bins by season. For example, put a blue sticker on a bin containing ornaments for the winter holidays and an orange sticker for bins with fall decor.
54. Kayak Lift
Use a high-lift system to hang kayaks or canoes from the ceiling, perfect for showing off your love of the water. This keeps your gear safely out of the way and prevents it from hogging valuable garage space. Plus, it adds a fun, adventurous vibe to your garage.
Customize Your Garage for Maximum Storage
While the garage storage ideas above will help you maximize your space, sometimes a standard-sized garage doesn’t offer enough room. Check out our customizable metal garages, learn about metal garage pricing, and plan your ideal garage with our 3D builder to find the perfect size for your storage needs.
Garage Storage FAQ
How Do You Maximize Storage in a Small Garage?
Use the tips below to make the most out of limited garage storage space:
• Use vertical space with garage shelving, pegboards, and wall-mounted racks.
• Install ceiling storage for your seasonal items.
• Consider stackable bins to save floor space.
• Organize items by frequency of use for convenient access.
How Can You Organize a Two-Car Garage?
Two-car garages offer more room than standard garage units. Here are a few ways to maximize your space and keep everything organized:
• Divide the garage into parking and storage zones.
• Install corner shelves to optimize unused areas.
• Use a sliding storage system to access items in smaller spaces.
• Create a mudroom for shoes and gear near your entrance.
What Is the Best Way To Organize a Garage?
Follow these six essential steps to organize your garage space:
• Declutter by clearing everything and sorting items into categories.
• Create zones for different purposes, such as tools, sports equipment, and seasonal items.
• Maximize wall space by leveraging shelves, hooks, and pegboards
• Use clear bins with labels to find anything you need easily.
• Maintain a routine to ensure your space remains organized.
