The Garage Plan Shop Blog

Now that you’ve built your dream garage, it is time to make this fabulous new addition functional, satisfying all of your needs. Note: It is important to add all storage items and accessories before you begin moving anything into your brand new detached garage. Otherwise, the clutter might take over before you’ve even had a chance to begin organizing the garage in a useful and efficient manner. One rule of thumb to follow: Think vertical! From floor to ceiling, capitalize on vertical space keeping the parking and walking areas free and clear for easy movement.

Walls

There is a wide range of wall accessories to maximize your garage storage safely. Pegboards and hooks deliver plenty of vertical storage space and cabinets can be easily arranged to offer floor and overhead cabinets with a countertop or work bench resting on top of the floor units. Both pegboards and hooks can be arranged to fit any size garage. Another good choice for storage is a slotted panel system which combines the use of hooks, shelves and cabinets. No matter which organizational method you choose for your walls, make sure each piece or item is securely mounted to the wall and do not store anything that exceeds the maximum weight capacity.

Shelves

Traditional shelving units are available in a many different sizes and styles and can easily stretch from floor to ceiling. Shelving units should be anchored to the wall so they cannot be toppled easily. (This is especially important where young children are present.) Place open bins on the lower shelves to organize children’s toys and sporting equipment in a place the kids can easily access it. Also, use bins on the middle shelves to group other similar items such as gardening gloves, flower pots and small shovels or lifejackets and water shoes. Covered bins are great for folding and storing seasonal outerwear such as winter jackets and hunting clothes. Use the higher shelves for items that may be harmful or dangerous to your children such as chemicals and larger items that do not easily hang on the wall like the leaf blower. (Pay attention to chemical labels regarding temperatures. Some items are best stored indoors where the temperature is more constant.)

Ceiling

Though we don’t traditionally use the ceiling for storage in our homes, the garage is one place where you can make use of the space above. In many cases, hooks can be installed in the ceiling that work well for hanging bikes, lawn chairs and even strollers in some instances. If there is room above the rafters for a storage loft, use the space for seasonal items such as holiday decorations or items you only need once or twice a year. Often a ladder or pull-down stair is the easiest way to access the space. Just be sure the floor is sturdy enough to support the weight of the items you plan to store and be careful climbing the ladder with heavy boxes or bulky items.

With a little thought and planning, you can turn your fabulous new garage into a functional and efficient storage space that keeps everything in its place.

Tags: garage organization, garage storage ideas, garage storage tips

If you’ve decided to build your dream garage, or just add that extra space you’ve been needing, it is important you make plans to keep your garage safe and hazard free. Knowing how to safely store chemicals and other hazards should be one of your top priorities as many of these dangers usually end up in the garage. Educate yourself and plan ahead so you know just how you are going to store these potentially dangerous items keeping you and your family safe, not to mention your dream car that will be parked inside your new garage. These tips will help you.

Tools and Ladders

·         Make sure extension cords stored or used in the garage are rated for outdoor use due to possible moisture in the garage. Those not rated for outdoor use can easily cause an electrical short or possibly catch fire if stored and/or used outside.

·         Plan to store ladders horizontally against a wall or at floor level using storage hooks to secure them. If stored vertically and not tightly secured, they can easily tip or fall harming people and damaging property.

·         Lawn and garden tools and other small hand tools such as a screw driver or hammer should be placed in a secure space such as a toolbox. If possible lock the toolbox preventing children from accessing dangerous items.

·         Store tools, especially those with sharp points or blades, out of reach of children, but make sure the adult accessing the tools can retrieve it easily without causing any danger or harm to themselves. Also make sure all power tools are turned or switched off before storing after each use.

Chemicals

·         Chemicals should be stored in their original containers with complete warning labels so you know what is inside and what dangers or threats each may pose. Store out of reach from children and in a safe place where they will not fall or spill. They are best stored away from the home in a detached garage or storage shed rather than an attached garage.

·         Anti-freeze is a sweet smelling liquid that can be a killer to pets. As little as one tablespoon can make your pet sick or even be lethal to cats and small dogs. Make sure all caps are secured tightly and store in a safe place. Keep anti-freeze away from children too.

·         Do not store paints, pesticides or auto fluids in old food containers. These containers might leak causing fumes resulting is breathing and respiratory problems, burns and fire hazards.

·         Propane is highly combustible. Propane containers and anything that uses propane should be stored away from the home in a detached garage, shed or outbuilding. It is not safe to store propane in your attached garage.

·         Ice-melt mixtures and road salt can be very harmful to children and pets. Make sure these items are stored in non-spill, childproof containers. Put them in a locked closet in the garage or out of reach of children and pets.

Tags: garage organization, garage safety tips, garage storage tips