Your garage is often where you store all the things that don’t have another spot in your home – tools, paint, gardening gear, cleaning supplies, sports equipment, and more. While it’s handy, your garage can quickly turn into a cluttered mess.

The key to having a tidy garage is to maximize space with the right mix of cabinets, shelving, wall organizers, and other storage systems, plus a little sprucing up. Take a look at these cool garage ideas to improve your space.

“If you only use your garage for storage, you’re missing out on an opportunity to have a handy workspace for woodworking, arts and crafts, or other hobbies.”

1. Edit Your Space

It’s much easier to declutter than create more storage space. Before you start organizing, eliminate the items you no longer use or need, such as old paint or wood stain, rusted tools, or athletic equipment that’s seen better days. Donate what you can and recycle or toss the rest, then group your remaining items into groups that complement one another, such as your gardening tools.

2. Add Hooks for Easy Access

Many items in your garage, such as rakes, brooms, and cords, can be stored on a hook system instead of shelves or bins. For example, you can install a row of hooks to store your garden rake, hoe, outdoor broom, gardening apron, and hat. For small items, hang a bag or basket and keep your gardening gloves, small tools, or other items you use inside. Get creative!

3. Install Shelving Units

Most garages benefit from a set of shelves to store loose items like tools or bins full of holiday decorations. Corner shelves are beneficial if you have a small garage. You can choose between polished interior shelves or metal industrial shelves that are more durable for heavy power tools. You’ll get things off the floor and ensure easy access to everything you need.

4. Maximize Your Ceiling Storage

If your garage is overstuffed and cluttered, take your storage solutions up. Mounted overhead racks are a great option to get items off the ground and store the items you may not need all the time, such as seasonal decorations or gardening tools. Many options are on the market so that you can find the perfect size for your space.

5. Use Dividers in Drawers

If you have cabinets in your garage, your drawers can become a catchall for all the small items you don’t have a spot for – a junk drawer. Then, when it comes time to search for those screwdrivers or extra nails, you’re digging through a bunch of stuff. A divider is an excellent tool for making space and keeping handheld tools and accessories well organized.

6. Consider Dual Purpose Solutions

One of the best ways to maximize space is to create solutions that serve multiple purposes, such as a storage bench. These benches come with shelves or drawers to hold shoes or other items, but you can also use them to sit and put on your work boots or gardening shoes. If you use your garage as an entrance, this bench could be handy for storing hats, scarves, purses, dog leashes, and more, as well as keeping the dirt and mud confined to one area for quick cleaning.

7. Create a Workspace

If you only use your garage for storage, you’re missing out on an opportunity to have a handy workspace for woodworking, arts and crafts, or other hobbies. Once your garage is clean and organized, you can design a small workspace with a workbench, drafting table, or sewing machine bench to give you a functional space.

8. Organize Your Bikes

It’s common for people to keep their bikes and biking gear in the garage, but they take up a lot of space. If you don’t have a good spot for your bikes, consider installing a bike rack and shelves to store your bikes off the ground and keep your helmets and other accessories nearby.

9. Give Your Garage a Fresh Coat of Paint

After decluttering, spruce up your garage with a fresh coat of paint. This will not only improve the look of the space but it will also make it easier to keep clean. While at it, finish your concrete floor with an epoxy finish that ensures oil from your car or other spills won’t stain.

10. Change Things Up with a New Garage Door

Whether your garage door has seen better days or it’s a burden to open and use, installing a new garage door gives the space a “facelift.” Get a new door that complements your home, and consider some upgrades like an automatic opener or a lightweight material. A professional garage door contractor in Austin can help.

11. Install a New Garage Door Opener

A new garage door opener is one of the cheapest and simplest ways to upgrade your garage’s functionality. From simple openers to security features and lighting, garage door openers from a garage door contractor in Pflugerville can help you choose the right option for your budget and lifestyle.

Looking to Spruce Up Your Garage?

Contact the garage improvement pros at Austin’s Greater Garage Doors if it’s time to give your garage a new look. We specialize in garage door replacement, installation, and repair in Austin and Pflugerville to help with your garage renovation ideas. Contact us today to learn more about upgrading your garage!