5 Ways to Use Vertical Storage in Your Garage

 The warm weather is here and we are in full garage organizing mode. Wisconsin garages serve many purposes. They store our yard maintenance equipment, snow removal equipment, toys, tools, bicycles, vehicles and even serve as entertaining space. That is a big responsibility for a small space. Utilizing vertical space to store as much as we can is necessary. Here are five tips on how to get the most out of your vertical space, keep the floors clear and have space for your vehicles.

1. Overhead Storage

Install overhead storage racks or shelves to take advantage of the vertical space in your garage. These racks can be used to store items such as seasonal decorations, sports equipment, or rarely used items. Be sure to securely fasten the racks to the ceiling or wall to ensure safety.

2. Wall-Mounted Shelving

Install wall-mounted shelves or cabinets to maximize vertical storage space. These can be used to store smaller items, tools, or gardening supplies. Use hooks or pegboards on the walls to hang frequently used tools or accessories, keeping them easily accessible.

3. Hanging Bins and Baskets

Hang plastic bins or wire baskets from the ceiling or walls of your garage. These are great for storing lightweight items such as balls, camping gear, or automotive accessories. Use hooks or a hanging system to suspend the bins or baskets at various heights, making use of the vertical space.

4. Pegboard Organization

Install a pegboard on the walls of your garage to create a versatile storage system. Attach hooks, hangers, or specialized pegboard accessories to hang tools, power cords, and other items. This not only keeps your belongings organized but also saves space by utilizing the vertical area.

5. Vertical Tool Storage

Utilize vertical tool storage solutions to keep your tools organized and easily accessible. For example, you can mount a pegboard or a magnetic strip on a wall to hang and display your tools. Alternatively, invest in a tool cabinet or a vertical tool rack specifically designed for vertical storage of various tools.

The engineer in me reminds you to consider the weight-bearing capacity of your garage walls, ceiling, or overhead structure when implementing any vertical storage solutions. Properly secure shelves, racks, and cabinets to ensure safety and stability. At Top Shelf Home Organizing, we take pride in our ability to organize garages to make them the best use of space for you and your vehicles. If getting your garage summer-ready is overwhelming, please reach out to Jayme for a consultation.

 

This article was written in collaboration with our newest organizing expert, Open A. I. 

 

6 Steps to Organizing Your Garage

The warm weather is here and we have been thinking about organizing the garage. The patio furniture, lawn mower and bicycles need to be more accessible, and the snow shovels, sleds and road salt can be packed away. Organizing a garage can be a daunting task but breaking it down into smaller steps can make the process more manageable. We share six steps to organizing your garage:

1. Declutter

The first step is to sort through all the items in your garage and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. You may want to categorize items into piles based on their function or purpose.

2. Clean and prepare

Before you begin organizing, it is essential to clean the garage thoroughly. Sweep the floors, wipe down shelves and cabinets, and dust off any cobwebs. Make any necessary repairs, such as fixing broken shelves or repairing damaged walls. It is ideal to completely empty a space to thoroughly clean it.

3. Group by Category

Sort the items you have decided to keep into categories such as sports equipment, gardening tools, automotive supplies, etc. Grouping similar items together will make it easier to find what you need.

4. Storage solutions

Based on the items you have and the space available, decide on the type of storage solutions you need. Consider using shelves, cabinets, pegboards, or hooks to maximize space and keep items organized. Clear bins are helpful for finding and putting away items.

5. Label and arrange

Once you have your storage solutions in place, label each container or shelf so that you know what goes where. Arrange your items by category or frequency of use, with frequently used items easily accessible.

6. Maintain

Maintaining an organized garage requires ongoing effort. Regularly assess whether items are still needed and adjust your storage solutions as needed. Try to put things back in their designated spots after use, so they don’t accumulate and clutter the space again.

At Top Shelf Home Organizing, we take pride in our ability to organize garages to make them the best use of space for you and your vehicles. If getting your garage summer-ready is overwhelming, please reach out to Jayme for a consultation.

This article was written in collaboration with our newest organizing expert, Open A. I.