Garages are one of the hardest-working spaces in any home, often crammed with everything from garden tools and gym gear to old furniture, paint tins and DIY kits. But with the right garage organisation ideas, you can turn a messy space into something practical, safe and easy to use. Discover three simple garage storage solutions that will help you get there.
Storage Ideas for Your Garage Tools & Equipment
Loose tools, tangled cords and piles of gear aren’t just messy—they’re a safety risk. With the right garage tool storage, you can keep everything organised, easy to find, and out of the way.
Here are a few simple ways to make your garage safer and more functional:
- Use your wall space first. Wall-mounted shelves are great for storing daily-use items. Store bulkier gear—like outdoor cushions or camping kit—on deeper shelves higher up. Always secure shelving properly, especially overhead.
- Keep the floor clear. Pegboards, wall hooks and magnetic strips lift sharp or heavy tools off the ground and make them easier to access.
- Choose shelves that suit your space. Wire or ventilated metal shelving improves airflow and helps prevent mould—ideal for garages with poor insulation or ventilation.
- Storing items at ground level? Use plastic storage boxes with tight-fitting lids to protect against moisture, damp and temperature changes. Perfect for cables, tools, fabrics and anything else you want to keep dry.
A Step-by-Step Guide to a Smarter Garage Layout
The best garage layout ideas aren’t just about fitting shelves and boxes—they’re about creating a space that works. Whether you’re making room to park your car, converting your garage into a workshop space, or just trying to move around freely, layout matters. Here’s how to rethink your garage layout step by step:
1. Group your items by category to cut the clutter
Start by organising your garage into zones, grouping similar items together by type or use. It makes things easier to find and helps prevent clutter from building up in corners. A few simple garage organisation ideas include:
- Keeping all your sports gear and outdoor equipment in one area
- Storing gardening tools and supplies together
- Creating a separate section for household overflow or seasonal items
Another top tip is to keep the things you use most often near the entrance, so you’re not digging through boxes every time you need a screwdriver or football pump.
2. Plan storage around the shape of your garage
You don’t need to be a builder to come up with ideas for your garage shelving and storage—just work with what you’ve got.
- Got high ceilings? Fit garage overhead storage using ceiling racks or raised platforms—perfect for bulky items you don’t use regularly.
- Low ceilings but long walls? Install wall-mounted shelving or sturdy hooks. You can also fix plywood panels over bare walls or studs, making it easy to hang tools, folding chairs and more.
3. Let go of what you don’t use
Still got old furniture, random bits of kit or things gathering dust? Be honest—does it need to be in your garage? Moving unused or bulky items into our long-term storage is a straightforward way to free up room for things you actually use.
DIY Storage Cabinets for Your Garage Space
Custom-built or pre-made, garage storage cabinets are one of the most effective ways to reclaim floor space and stay organised. They’re ideal for households that need extra storage but still want to use the garage as a workspace or home gym. Here’s how to make your DIY setup work:
- Plan your layout with masking tape. Use tape to mark out where your cabinets will go on both walls and floors. This helps you get the sizing right and check that doors, drawers and fixings won’t get in the way. It’s also a useful step before you drill into any walls.
- Make use of existing features. Got high windows? Use the windowsill as a handy ledge for items you use often—but avoid storing anything sensitive to damp, as sills can attract moisture.
- Don’t forget awkward corners. Garage corner shelves are great for making use of underused areas, especially in tight or narrow layouts. They’re ideal for small tools, paint tins, or odds and ends that don’t need to be on open display.
Whether you build it yourself or fit off-the-shelf units, garage storage cabinets allow you to tailor your space to your exact needs.
If bulky hobby gear is taking over your garage, it might be time to move it elsewhere. Storing larger items like bikes, canoes or car parts in a self storage unit is a practical way to clear space without compromising on what you keep. It’s an easy fix when things start to feel cramped—and gives you breathing room to use your garage the way you want. Short-term storage is also ideal if you want to declutter without shifting everything into other parts of the house.
Posted on 17th July 2017 by Sophie Bagnall | Last updated on 7th July 2025
