The first step to achieving the garage of your dreams? Start noting which items you are actually storing. During this process, you may notice several items you rarely use that could be donated or sold, empty boxes that could be recycled and loose items that could be better stored.

Make note of any supplies you’ll need to clear out and organize the space. Block off a day or two in your calendar for this task (keeping in mind that clocks move double time when you’re organizing). If possible, try to align it with your recycling or garbage pickup day.

As the saying goes, it has to get worse before it gets better. Don’t let this step deter you from getting the most organized garage of your life. Start by sweeping the floor, then categorize items into piles. Once you can see all your items laid out, you’ll be able to determine which storage bins and tools require the most organizing attention. If possible, remove any items from cardboard boxes, as these can become a breeding ground for mould and garage critters.

If you are torn about how to best use your garage, don’t choose! Create a multifunctional space with rolling storage, like in this garage by Garage Living.

During the planning process, park your car in the garage if you plan to have it inside on a regular basis. This will help you better visualize how much room you’ll have to work with, and which storage solutions are most practical. With rollaway shelving and worktops, space for an at-home gym or new project can be in the cards.

Now that your garage (and its contents) are ready to be put back together, two important decisions must be made: shelving and bins.

If you already have plastic storage bins, opt for shelving in the correct dimensions. And if you already have the shelving, source bins that can slide in and out easily. Uniform storage bins aren’t just aesthetically pleasing but extremely functional when it comes to stacking and utilizing shelving space most efficiently. As you fill each bin, be sure to label each side so you can easily find what you’re looking for.

You can also up the ante with your garage shelving by opting for one similar to the IKEA BROR unit with built-in drawers for smaller, more frequently used items.

If you have been sleeping on slat walls, you’re likely not utilizing the plethora of vertical storage available in your garage. Slat walls offer flexible storage that can be effortlessly changed as your needs change.

Once the slat wall is installed, a variety of hooks and shelves can be purchased individually to hang bikes, sporting equipment, garden tools and so much more.

Keep your garage floor clear by utilizing the square footage above your head. Upper storage racks are the perfect solution for storing less frequently used items (such as holiday decor or camping gear).

Larger items such as kayaks or tires can also be stored above head, just be mindful that upper storage doesn’t get in the way of where your garage door opens. 

Whether you’re taking up pottery or providing at-home classroom space for your kids, the garage can become an additional hangout for your household.

If you intend for your garage to become more than an oversized storage closet, add LED lighting to brighten up a typically dark environment. Strip lighting can provide warm hues and make your garage a space you want to spend time in.

How you use your garage will likely change based on the season (for example: easy access to a shovel in the winter and lawn chairs in the summer). You might park your car in the garage during the colder months, and spend more time in a workspace come summer.

With slat wall storage and rollaway work benches and shelving, this space by Garage Guru showcases how to easily customize a garage for the time of year or season of your life.

Depending on how you plan to use your newly organized garage, you may want to consider a polyaspartic floor coating.

Polyaspartic flooring is similar to epoxy but has better abrasion and chemical resistance. Typically, professional installers can refinish a garage floor in less than a day. Especially for those with attached garages who may want to use the space as a family drop zone, mudroom or gym, garage flooring can be a game changer —or should we say garage changer?

The garage is one of the most customizable spaces in your home. Though you’re likely to find garage staples such as recycling and garbage cans or gardening tools, many of the items we store are based on our lifestyle and interests.

With a number of specialty storage options and companies that specialize in creating the most functional space for your needs, the possibilities are unlimited.