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As long as there’s plenty of room to park the car, it’s easier than you’d expect to have the garage’s leftover space consumed by camping gear, cleaning supplies, holiday décor, and other essentials, and trust me—as someone who regularly tests all kinds of consumer products, anyone’s garage can be overrun by your stuff.
I’m certainly no packrat, but it felt like my garage-testing lab was filling up too quickly, that is until I researched and applied the best floorspace-preserving techniques I could find and test out for myself.
With the addition of pegboards, a series of hooks, and extra shelving, I’ve reclaimed my own garage with space to spare for future review testing, and I’ve listed the 15 most useful garage storage ideas that worked for me and others online to help tidy and organize yours too.
What to consider when choosing a garage storage product
Garage size
It doesn’t matter if your garage is spacious or cramped, it’s a good idea to measure your space as well as the storage solutions you are considering to ensure that your containers, shelves, or overhead storage unit will easily fit in corners, along walls, and suspended on the ceiling.
Storage type
The kind of storage product you need will be most influenced by the types of items you need to store. For example, bicycles can be suspended on a wall-mounted bike rack, and pegboards are the easiest way to organize and lay out your tools while getting the most from your garage’s vertical space. Both heavy-duty storage containers and steel cabinets are excellent solutions for hiding and protecting large amounts of gear from the elements. Big and bulky things like luggage, sleeping bags, and holiday decorations are easily tucked away into an overhead storage unit, and simple wall-mounted shelves or racks work well as a catch-all for frequently used items and long equipment like fishing poles and surfboards.
Your storage needs
There are many excellent storage options for your space; however, you should think about your budget, what you need to put away, and the best solution for your one-of-a-kind garage and collection of belongings.
Our top picks for the best garage storage ideas and solutions
Hang up your bike(s): Monkey Bars 3-Bike Rack
Riding your bike around the neighborhood can be a lot of fun, but having to squeeze by in your garage will get old fast. You’ll be impressed with the amount of floor space you’ll get back once you’ve hung your bike up on the wall between rides, and this ultra-rugged vertical bike rack is an essential storage solution for homes with multiple bikers (including kids' bikes).
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 36 inches deep x 4 inches high x 3 inches wide
- Material: Steel
- Price on publish: $87.99
What we like:
- Easily suspend up to 3 bikes on the wall
- Quick and easy to install
- Impressively sturdy
What we don’t like:
- A smaller option would be best if you only own one bike
The bottom line:
If you own up to three bikes and need a sturdy spot to hang them, this vertical bike rack will save you space.
Gray 3-Bike Wall Mounted Garage Bike Rack
Wall-mount your tools: Wall Control 2-Piece Steel Pegboard
A pegboard is an adaptable storage solution that allows you to place your most-used hand tools, cleaning supplies, power tools, and other lightweight items on your garage wall for instant access. The combinations are endless; you can suspend drills, saws, and other tools with pegs, insert hooks to get items like brooms and rakes off the floor, and use peg holes to mount even more shelves. I’m especially fond of these extra-durable, vibrant, and easy-to-install steel pegboards myself!
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 32 inches high x 16 inches wide
- Material: Steel
- Price on publish: $47.98 to $59.98
- Colors: green, yellow, white, red, orange, silver, blue, and black
What we like:
- Ample room for brackets, shelves, hooks, etc.
- Available in many stylish colors
- Rugged design
What we don’t like:
- Some color options are pricier than others
The bottom line:
Extra-durable, colorful, and easy-to-install steel pegboards will help you de-clutter in style.
Wall Control 2-Piece Steel Pegboard in Green (16-in W x 32-in H) | 30-P-3232 GN
Organize the bulky tools: Project Source Utility Hook
When it comes to getting a single bulky item like a snow shovel, rake, or tennis racket off the floor, a single hook is the thriftiest storage solution out there. Whether you add it to a preexisting pegboard or screw it directly into your drywall, a utility hook takes seconds to install, and with a price of around three dollars per hook, it’s easy to buy as many as you may need to organize your garage.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 2.28 inches long x 2.35 inches wide
- Material: Steel
- Price on publish: $2.98
What we like:
- Simple yet effective
- Affordable
- A snap to install
What we don’t like:
- Only available in gray
The bottom line:
An affordable way to easily install all the hooks you need for your garage.
Project Source Utility Hook 2.28-in Gray Steel | 55434
Add stackable bins: Project Source Commander Heavy Duty Tote
If you’re sick of looking at bunches of Christmas lights, bottles of cleaning supplies, paint buckets, and other unattractive odds and ends collecting dust in the garage, simply stick them in a storage bin.
The best models are made with heavy-duty plastic, are both water and dustproof to keep everything safe while it’s in storage, and are designed to be stacked. I highly recommend getting a set of labels alongside your containers so you’ll know which bin to pull out at a glance whenever you need something.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 30.6 inches deep x 14.3 inches high x 20.6 inches wide
- Material: Plastic
- Price on publish: $10.98 (27-gallon bin)
- Capacity: 5-75 gallons
What we like:
- Offered in seven sizes
- Extremely rugged design
- Stackable
What we don’t like:
- Only made in black
The bottom line:
If you don’t mind all-black bin, these are deep and stackable, plus affordable, so you can store all your holiday gear, spare parts, and other odds and ends for less.
Project Source Commander Large 27-Gallons (108-Quart) Black Heavy Duty Tote with Standard Snap Lid | 44066
Make a spot for odds and ends: Craftsman Steel Magnetic Board
It’s always tempting to chuck loose screws, bolts, and nails into a drawer, but this handy magnetic board makes it a snap to organize small metal pieces at the bottom of a drawer. It’s never too late to undo “the junk drawer” and organize your wrenches, scissors, drill bits, and nuts before your next big home improvement project.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 12 inches long by 6 inches high
- Material: Steel
- Price on publish: $32.98
What we like:
- Perfect for keeping drawers organized
- Durable
- Effortless to set up
What we don’t like:
- Additional size options would be appreciated
The bottom line:
We love a great magnetic board, and this one is easy to set up and keep up over time.
CRAFTSMAN Steel Magnetic Accessory 12-in x 6-in Magnetic Board in Black | CMMT99406
Free up space with shelving: HDX 4-Tier Steel Wire Shelving Unit
Good shelving units tend to be pricey; however, thrifty homeowners will get plenty of value from this spacious and fairly affordable model. I enjoy filling shelves like these with my stackable containers to keep them off the floor, and it's easily the best alternate way to free up space if you are unable to hang shelves, pegboards, or hooks directly on your garage walls.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 18 inches deep x 72 inches high x 47.7 inches wide (other sizes available)
- Material: Steel
- Price on publish: $119
- Colors: Chrome, black
What we like:
- Easily holds up to 350 pounds per shelf (evenly distributed and without casters for a 1750 total unit capacity; 660 pounds total unit capacity with casters)
- Fairly priced
- Includes optional casters
- No-tool assembly
What we don’t like:
- Some colors are more readily available than others
The bottom line:
These shelves will hold up to 350 pounds per shelf and are relatively affordable so you can get your things off the ground for less.
4-Tier Steel Wire Shelving Unit in Chrome (36 in. W x 54 in. H x 14 in. D)
Find things easily with QR labels: QR Code SmartLabels
Instead of labeling bins and boxes with permanent markers (and crossing out the old label when the bins and boxes are inevitably reused), opt for QR code labels. These durable stickers are excellent for labeling your storage bins—just add the label, then scan using the SmartLabels app, and enter the contents of the bin.
Specifications:
- Material: Adhesive-backed labels
- Price on publish: $15.95
What we like:
- Includes 48 labels
- Easy to use
- Thick, durable labels
- SmartLabels app works with both iOS and Android
What we don’t like:
- The SmartLabels app is free for one year (regardless of how many packs of labels purchased); after that, you have to pay for an annual subscription that starts at $11.95
The bottom line:
Enjoy these for a year, then plan on paying an annual subscription for this label maker app.
QR Code Smart Labels | Color Coded Scannable Stickers for Storage Bins, Moving Containers & Organization | Pack and Track Inventory on iOS & Android App | Pack of 48 (Original)
Get a reel for your garden hose: Suncast Hose Reel
Leaving your garden hose outside or in a coil in the garage will get it trampled at best, and tripped over at worst, so do yourself a favor by getting a hose reel to store it when you’re not tending to the plants. This hose reel is quick to set up, a breeze to wind it back up again, and its compact footprint is much smaller than a heap of unkempt coils left on the ground.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 22 inches deep x 32.5 inches high x 24.75 inches wide
- Material: Plastic
- Price on publish: $39.88
What we like:
- Convenient wheeled design
- Stores up to 175 feet of hose
- Easy to wind and unwind
What we don’t like:
- Not the most durable hose reel, but it’ll stay safely stored in your garage
The bottom line:
Not as durable as some, but it is easy to wind and unwind when you need it.
Suncast 175 ft. Hosemobile Hose Reel Cart Mocha and Taupe
Take advantage of overhead space: Fleximounts Overhead Garage Storage
If your vertical space isn’t a good fit for your storage needs, there’s plenty of room on the ceiling. Overhead storage racks work well for bulky items that take up a lot of space such as plastic containers, sleeping bags, luggage, and holiday decorations, and since they tend to have high weight limits, these mounted units are a top pick for anyone looking to create a lot of extra floor space in their garage.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 96 inches deep x 40 inches high x 48 inches wide
- Material: Steel
- Price on publish: $137.99
- Colors: black, white, gray
What we like:
- Holds up to 600 pounds of items
- Extremely easy way to free up floor space
- Height-adjustable
What we don’t like:
- It’s a little cumbersome to install
The bottom line:
Grab a friend to help you install this overhead garage storage unit and then pack it full of 600lbs of things to free up floor space.
Fleximounts Overhead Garage Storage
Add extra storage with a cabinet: Gladiator GearBox Steel Garage Cabinet
A premium cabinet is an easy way to get the most storage space out of a relatively small area. Gladiator’s GearBox Cabinet is a favorite of mine because it is easy to assemble, sports a sturdy steel design, and includes both lockable doors and four extra-wide shelves to store a huge amount of containers, tools, equipment, and anything else cluttering up the garage.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 18 inches deep x 72 inches high x 48 inches wide
- Material: Steel
- Price on publish: $399.99
What we like:
- Holds up to 450 pounds of storage.
- Perfect for stowing large items.
- Includes two adjustable shelves
What we don’t like:
- Its instructions are functional, but they could be a bit clearer
The bottom line:
This GearBox Cabinet is favored for its sturdy steel design, lockable doors, wide shelves, and it is easy to assemble.
Ready-to-Assemble Steel Freestanding Garage Cabinet in Silver Tread (48 in. W x 72 in. H x 18 in. D)
Wall-mount everything via rails: Rubbermaid FastTrack 24-Piece Storage Rail System
When it comes to versatility, you can’t top this infinitely customizable rail set from Rubbermaid. Simply install the rails along your garage’s drywall, and clip on the best hook for your ladders, gardening tools, hoses, and whatever else you need to tidy up.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 48 inches of railing
- Material: Steel
- Price on publish: $189
What we like:
- Fully customizable rail storage system
- A breeze to install
- Good price
What we don’t like:
- Intended to be installed on drywall, so this is NOT for all garages
The bottom line:
A fully customizable rail storage system for under $200 but it must be installed only on drywall, so take note.
Rubbermaid 24-Piece FastTrack Garage Wall-Mounted Storage Kit, 6 Rails and 18 Hooks
Create a sports equipment storage center: LTMATE Sports Organizer Rack for Garage Storage
Households who appreciate golf, hockey, soccer, and other outdoor sports can easily be overwhelmed by all of their gear when it needs to be stored during the off-season. I’m a big fan of this comprehensive storage system because it was clearly designed for as many activities as it could be; a cubby for golf bags, shelves for skate and shoe storage, racks for bats, a ball bin, and so much more, making it a must-have for the family athlete.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 13 inches deep x 65.7 inches high x 62 inches wide
- Material: Steel
- Price on publish: $179
What we like:
- Huge amount of storage
- Relatively compact
- Extra-durable components
What we don’t like:
- Only available in black
The bottom line:
If you have a family of athletes, this storage system will keep you from tripping over all the gear in your garage thanks to this comprehensive sports equipment storage system.
265 lbs. Weight Capacity Sports Organizers Rack for Garage Storage
Organize small items in compartments: TOUGHBUILT 11-Compartment Small Parts Organizer
You’ll never misplace “that one tool, washer, or screw” you needed in the moment with one of these parts organizers. With 11 compartments, a water and dust-proof seal, a rugged design, and an auto-locking latch, this is easily the most reliable way to sort out small components, parts, and tools while keeping them safe and secure.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 16 inches deep x 7.2 inches high x 21 inches wide
- Material: Plastic
- Price on publish: $69.98
What we like:
- Automatically locks when closed
- Dust and waterproof
- Features 4 dividers and 8 bins
What we don’t like:
- Pricy for what it is
The bottom line:
Price is on the higher side for a compartment organizer, but the heavy-duty construction is worth the price.
TOUGHBUILT STACKTECH 11-Compartment Plastic Small Parts Organizer | TB-B1-O-30
Store long items on wall-mounted racks: BORA Steel Garage Storage System
Long and awkward items like surfboards, fishing poles, and spare pieces of lumber can be a pain to store in the garage unless you take advantage of your vertical space. Bora’s storage racks are inexpensive, easy to set up, and can easily support massive amounts of weight, allowing you to store much more on your walls than you may expect.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 39.5 inches high x 72 inches wide x 12.5 inches deep
- Material: Steel
- Price on publish: $55
What we like:
- Holds up to 600 lbs
- Extremely durable steel shelving
- Simple installation
What we don’t like:
- Wall mounting hardware not included
The bottom line:
These storage wracks are great for long and awkward items (lumber, fishing pools, and surfboards) and can hold up to 600 pounds.
24.25 in. H x 72 in. W x 12.5 in. D Black/Gray 4-Level Garage Wall Mounted Rack
Customize your entire garage with a modular storage solution: NewAge Products Steel Garage Storage System
If your garage doubles as a workshop or if you’re overwhelmed with too much stuff, this comprehensive storage system excels at organizing and stowing an impressive amount of items. The classy color options caught my attention, but the ability to customize how the cabinets are arranged, adjustable steel shelving, lockable doors, rugged steel components, and the ability to store thousands of pounds of items won me over—this is hands-down the nicest garage storage option money can buy.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 76.75 inches high x 18 inches deep x 132 inches wide
- Material: Steel
- Price on publish: $2,239.99
What we like:
- Mammoth storage space
- Capable of holding over 2,000 pounds
- Ultra-rugged construction
What we don’t like:
- Pricey
The bottom line:
Expensive, but worth the investment if you own a lot of gear.
Bold Series 132 in. W x 76.75 in. H x 18 in. D 24-Gauge Steel Garage Cabinet Set in Black (8-Piece)
How we selected the best garage storage ideas
Everyone has their own preferred way to keep their garage neat, while giving themselves extra floor space, and I wanted to highlight the best techniques for tradespeople with an array of tools and materials, sports enthusiasts with golf clubs, helmets, and bikes to spare, and everyone in between.
After a ton of research and experience with storing my own gear for maximum garage space, the most interesting storage solutions were simple, dependable, able to hold plenty of items, and relatively affordable.
How can I maximize my garage space?
There are a few key techniques to keep in mind when making plans to reclaim your garage space, including:
Spring cleaning
You may be surprised at the amount of space you’ll recover in your garage if you simply throw out, sell, or donate things you don’t use or need anymore. Some of the easiest things to toss in the trash are expired, broken, or contaminated with moisture or bugs.
Vertical and ceiling space
Why clutter up the floors and corners, when you can hang items on pegboards, hooks, and rail-based shelving systems, or fill up an overhead ceiling rack with bulky belongings?
Containers
Although recycled cardboard boxes may work in a pinch, it’s worth getting a few stackable heavy-duty containers with sturdy lids to minimize the clutter and organize your garage. Consider buying a set of label stickers so you can recall what is in which bin at a glance.
Cabinets
Best reserved for large collections of stuff and big garages, a well-made steel cabinet is a top pick for securing your tools, gardening supplies, sporting equipment, and camping gear.
Is it cheaper to buy or build garage shelves?
Since the materials needed to build your own garage shelves are notably cheap, it’s tempting to go ahead and do it yourself. All you need are some quality 2x4s, plywood, wood screws, and a power drill, and if you already own a drill, it’s certainly more affordable to make your own shelves in whatever size you want.
However, if you’re not used to making measurements, cutting wood, or comfortable working with power tools, it may be far more convenient to buy a premade shelf set despite the extra cost.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do I store bulky items in my garage?
It’s easy to place smaller things like tools, cleaning supplies, and Christmas lights, in a cabinet or on a shelf, but big and unwieldy items such as bikes, ladders, and luggage can be a challenge.
Hooks are a cheap and efficient way to get big items like ladders, ropes, roses, brooms, rakes, and shovels off the floor and onto the wall.
Although quality overhead storage racks tend to be pricey, these sturdy metal shelves can hold hundreds of pounds, and are well-suited for bulky things including sleeping bags, luggage, coolers, and pet crates.
Cabinets are a must-have for securely storing a sizable collection of power tools, sports equipment, and camping gear in one handy location.
When it comes to surf boards, lumber, fishing poles, and other extra-long items, a simple wall shelf is an excellent way to free up wasted floor space.
What are the categories for garage storage?
There are many types of items that are commonly stored in a garage, and here are the best ways to keep each of them:
Sporting, camping, and other outdoor gear: You may love the great outdoors, but storing bulky items such as golf clubs, coolers, sleeping bags, and balls seem to take up a lot of space between adventures. Enclosed storage solutions like cabinets and stackable boxes will get all of your essential sports equipment and camping gear out of sight and protected from dust.
Construction and gardening tools: Whether you’re the proud owner of a beautiful garden or your home’s go-to repair person, pegboards and hooks are hands-down your best garage space-saving solution. Larger tools such as rakes and shovels are suitable for hooks, while smaller handheld tools like trowels, screwdrivers, and hammers are a snap to arrange on a handy pegboard for instant access.
Holiday décor: The electric lights, inflatable reindeer, and glittery wreath may impress the neighbors during the winter, but labeled stackable storage bins and boxes are the best place to neatly organize and protect them throughout the rest of the year.
Automotive equipment: Every motorist has at least a small collection of fluids, tools, and extra parts just in case something happens to your ride. It’s a good idea to store oil, antifreeze, gasoline, and other hazardous automotive-related items in a metal cabinet or container far away from potential heat sources. Consider keeping your other car, truck, or motorcycle tools, parts, and tools in the same general area for future convenience as well.
How do I hide junk in my garage?
It’s like they say, “One homeowner’s junk is another’s treasure,” but too much of it spread across your garage will make it look unkempt, and well- “junky,” so here are a few quick tips to keep your home’s ugly essentials out of sight:
Bins and boxes are an simple and effective way to categorize and put away the smaller things you’re sick of looking at, but whether it’s scrawled with a marker or a adorned with a stylish label sticker, it’s a good rule of thumb to tag your storage containers for quick access in the future.
Storage cabinets and drawers are simple to set up and place against your garage walls, and will hold a substantial amount of “junk.” If you have a big garage and too much stuff to manage, a sizable steel storage cabinet is an excellent investment for tidying up your space.
If you use your garage as a TV or gaming area, consider hiding extra stuff inside decorative drawers, storage beds, or chests. Some chairs, tables, and ottomans were designed with extra storage space in mind, making them the best addition to your live-in garage area.
If you’re tripping over gardening tools and sports equipment, it’s time to give your space a makeover with these must-do garage storage ideas.
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