Garage storage ideas: Functional and practical solutions

When it comes to garages, speaking from experience, it can be all to easy to ignore the growing pile of boxes and debris. The proverbial dumping ground for everything from Christmas decorations to DIY kit, it can be hard to justify spending time and expense on the space, especially if you're not considering a garage conversion to turn it into something more habitable.

But with clutter comes chaos and the continual hunt for elusive items. If you've had enough of being asked where something is - and never being able to find it - check out the 14 garage storage ideas below to turn your chaos into calm.

Organise before implementing garage storage ideas

Although it may be tempting to wade in and simply put everything in boxes, out of sight out of mind is not the best approach say the experts.

Marie Bateson, APDO's volunteers director and owner of Cut the Clutter says, "The best method?  Separate your objects by purpose and then start clearing out unwanted items by asking yourself a series of questions - and of course, check if the item actually still works." 

Only then will you see exactly what you need to store and make the best choices. Keen to get going? Here's our selection of functional and practical garage storage ideas.

Marie Bateson

Marie Bateson is APDO's Volunteers Director and Founder of Cut the Clutter. Marie is also a member of the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) and trained to specialist level in Hoarding. Marie helps her clients to achieve the organised home they desire and works sensitively and confidentially, teaching her clients new skills to help them achieve a clutter free and organised home. She gives them back the space and time to enjoy the things they like to do the most.

1. Wall mount racks for your smaller sports kit

"Racking is great for everything from hanging up bikes and scooters (and helmets!) to rucksacks," says Simon Glanville, managing director at A Place for Everything.

But before you proudly display a range of children's bikes that are now all too small, follow Marie's advice.

"It’s only convenient to have a personal sporting goods store in your garage if you actually use the equipment," says Marie. "Rather than having it sit in your garage collecting dust, recycle it if the equipment is worn or damaged, or donate it if it can still be used. Most local recreation centres gladly accept gently used equipment."

Once you've decluttered, make sure you hang a rack, such as this pre-packed Elfa Storage Rack from A Place for Everything, at an appropriate height where users can access their kit safely and easily.

Simon Glanville

Simon Glanville has lived and breathed storage for over 20 years, growing the storage and organisational retailer 'A Place for Everything' from an initial bricks and mortar store in Chester. When it comes to practical and stylish storage solutions, there's very little Simon can't help with.

2. Use specialised bike mounts if cycling is your sport

"If your family is keen on cycling, bikes might take up a lot of the garage space," says Victoria Fearnley, founder of Surrey Decluttering. "Consider investing in metal racks that go on the wall that lock leaning bikes (in a vertical position) into place."

As well as freeing up valuable floor space, wall mounted bike racks can prevent damage from bikes being accidentally knocked over, or at worst, run over if one is abandoned on the driveway or garage floor.

Be sure to check you have the right wall fixings and follow the manufacturer's instructions before you install them. For a ready made solution, head to A Place for Everything for this Elfra wall mounted bike rack or try an individual Steadyrack bike rack from Amazon if you only have one bike to secure.

Victoria Fearnley

Victoria's background in research and development serves her well in her role as a decluttering expert. Her methodical approach combined with a keen eye, attention to detail and a creative side means she is is able to come up with clever storage solutions and smart organisational hacks.

3. Dedicate time to creating a tool storage station

I'll admit to having been so frustrated in the past with unorganised tool boxes, filled with items accumulated over the years that I've been known to throw them out and start again. 

Fast forward to life without a garage, and I've learnt to streamline and only keep the essentials. Marie says it's the first thing we should do if we've got space to create a dedicated tool storage station.

"First sort and categorize. Put any rusty or broken items in the appropriate recycling box and if you find duplicates, consider the need for these," says Marie. "Most of us have two hammers and many screwdrivers.

"If you've got old power tools you never use, do you know someone who would make use of them? You can always borrow them back. Also, thin down those nails and screws."

And don't forget to think of alternatives to recycling unwanted items or paying a visit to the tip. 

"There are artists that use old metal items," adds Marie, "so take a look online to see if your recycling could go to a good cause or artistic group, rather than the local tip."

Then, once you've got your tools organised neatly into piles and categories, tailor your storage to suit. Choose racking systems with racking shelves that can be staggered at different heights, peg mounted style panels for quick access to regularly used small tools such as screwdrivers and spanners, and add hooks, shallow boxes and a worktop.

4. Pop a mini potting shed in one corner

If your garage doubles up as your shed, make good use of your space and use a small wooden cabinet with sturdy work top as a mini potting shed. Fit shelving above for spare pots and packets of seeds and hang smaller trowels and forks from the brackets. 

Choosing a unit with slatted doors, such as this Ashworth Slatted storage unit from Garden Trading will also allow air to circulate around the contents, protecting them from damp or over-heating during warmer summer months. If you are concerned about your garage temperature, make sure you follow best advice on insulating a garage. 

5. Take advantage of cooler temperatures for storing food and drink

Although it may not be the first thing you associate with garage storage ideas, if your garage is accessed from inside your home, it could provide you with storage space for food and drink - and yes, even wine. Wall mount a rack for safety and place it close to the door between the two spaces.

Garages can also be handy locations for an extra fridge or freezer, especially if you like to batch cook or need somewhere to store extra supplies at seasonal times such as Easter and Christmas. This Electriq chest freezer from Appliances Direct  stores up to 16 bags of grocery shopping making it ideal for bulk buying.

Or, if you've recently drawn on utility room ideas to turn yours into a pantry, "and you buy dried ingredients in bulk then you can store them in the garage," suggests Simon Granville, "but you definitely need durable and airtight storage for that – and preferably opt for a modular shelving system where you can store goods off the ground."

6. Limit damp ingress with plastic boxes

"The garage is nearly always going to be a place where dampness can be an issue," says Craig Sammells, UK & Ireland country Manager for Orthex Group, "especially if goods are stored on the floor. So when considering how best to organise your gear - from sports and old toys to tools and even DVDs - it is crucial to use storage designed for the purpose.

"Choose water-resistant storage so you can ensure the contents remains clean and dry. This sort of storage will keep out damp, humidity, dust and insects. It needs to be durable too and resistant to temperatures.

"Stackable storage is another plus-point for areas of the home like the garage," adds Craig, "so you can maximise the footprint. Look for durable storage with sturdy lids. If you’re able to store boxes on shelves then modular stacking storage is useful."

A range of SmartStore storage boxes is available from John Lewis.

Craig Sammells

Craig Sammells is country manager for the UK and Ireland at one of Scandinavia’s biggest storage manufacturers, Orthex Group. Craig has worked with retailers to create a collection of products under the group’s SmartStore brand that is perfect for UK consumers’ love of decluttering. As it's made from either fully recycled or recyclable plastic, it’s perfect for eco-conscious consumers too.

7. Add moveable storage to save heavy lifting

If you often need to move heavy tools or equipment around your garage, a trolley with shelves and wheels can be a handy addition. As well as providing a worktop for minor DIY repair jobs, the shelves below can be used to store heavier tools and small machinery which can then be wheeled to the next job as opposed to being carried.

Alternatively, load it with your gardening kit and if you've got a level floor from garage to garden, use it for ease of transportation outdoors instead of a small garden trug or a wheelbarrow.

For a multi storage unit that includes a matching trolley, check out this Bror unit from Ikea. 

8. Clearly label your storage boxes 

"Although you may want to hang onto your child’s first holiday ornament or the Halloween skeleton that’s past its best,," says Marie, "it all takes up space. There’s no need to keep storing decades-old decor just to use it once a year. Downsize your decor and clear out any item that is damaged or hasn’t been used in a few years."

Once you've completed your decluttering, make them easy to access by using semi transparent plastic boxes and print or handwrite corresponding labels. Then, follow Victoria Fearnley's advice and use a shelving system.

"I would definitely recommend shelving versus just stacking boxes," she says. "How likely would you be to return something to the bottom box? Whether you prefer boxes, baskets or drawers, having your items labelled and stored in such a way whereby you can reach them without having to move three other things, will increase your chances of continued organised garage bliss."

9. Creating a recycling hub is a practical garage storage idea

If you regularly find your recycling bins overflowing, create an extra recycling hub as one of your garage storage ideas. With the space to potentially house larger recycling tubs, it can be a smart solution to dealing with the overflow of plastic, glass and paper or cardboard that enters our homes.

If you've got a variety of recycling needs, consider this range of Hallbar bins with lids from Ikea which come in different sizes, giving you the opportunity to stack vertically as well as placing them next to each other in deeper shelving, or on the floor.

10. Build your own garage storage idea with leftover pallets and boxes

Although there's no denying the simplistic stylishness of this Hejne wooden shelving system from Ikea, creating your own version could be easy if you've got plenty of pallets, wood and boxes left over from your renovation project. 

Building your own garage storage idea also gives you scope to define exactly what you need in terms of dimensions. Only have large items? Make the bottom level of shelving larger to store weightier goods safely. Or, if you find yourself the owner of items that are far better hung from hooks, build your storage at a lower level and add peg boards or a series of hooks above. The options are endless.

11. Think vertically for a gardening garage storage idea

"I have found that the biggest un-utilised space amongst my clients, is the vertical space in a garage," says Victoria. 

"There is so much that can be hung from walls with a simple nail or screw; bags of sport equipment, gardening tools and outdoor toys to mention a few."

Or, if you're really planning on looking at garden landscaping ideas as your next big project, designate a full wall and kit yourself out in preparation.

For practicality, make sure the shelving is partially open and keep the area below the unit clear. It'll make cleaning up any dirt or garden debris far easier than emptying shelves or moving heavy storage racks.

12. Don't forget to consider your ceiling as a storage spot

"If your garage already has rafters (in a pitched roof), these make perfect storage for rolled-up outdoor rugs, timber and snow sledges," says Victoria. 

But, if it doesn't and your garage is part of a new self-build project which gives you some control over the height, make sure there's enough head clearance height but keep it within arm's reach so you can add a clever ceiling storage solution such as this Overhead Ceiling Storage Rack from the Garage Store.

It's also important to adhere to health and safety guidelines when installing overhead storage.

Make sure you follow any product notices displaying maximum weight limits and for added peace of mind, consider employing a professional installer to make sure the system is bolted securely to the ceiling.

They will also be able to navigate any existing systems you have in place within your garage, such as up and over garage doors.

13. Add a wood store outside your garage

If you find that logs take up a large part of your garage floor, consider building a separate store outside to allow you to free up space inside. 

However, as wood becomes unusable when wet - a problem if you have a log burning stove, make sure it is well covered but still has room for air to circulate.

Alternatively, if there are other more sheltered areas or spaces for building a dedicated wood store elsewhere, use this space so that there is no obstructions or buildings interfering with vehicle traffic. 

14. Zone around edges to free up floor space

If you still want to use your garage to park your car, it could be that zoning will give you the space you need. 

Instead of randomly stacking shelves and hoping you'll remember where things are, allocate different areas of your garage to certain categories such as sports items, gardening tools and dIY kit. 

With organisation front and centre, you could find yourself with more space than you realise. 

The key to keeping it this way? Regular decluttering sessions.

"Decluttering and organising a garage is not a once-only job, unfortunately," says Victoria Fearnley. 

"Life gets busy and you may dump stuff into the garage that you don't know what to do with or with the intend to deal with it later, but that later never seems to happen and things pile up.

"Regular sessions of just 15-30 minutes every month, or few months, going through anything that's not in its correct, allocated space should do it," she recommends.

Keen to get started on your garage storage ideas but conscious you've got some roof repairs to do first? Find out how much you can expect to pay for garage roof replacement costs.