Is your garage feeling more like a chaotic jungle than a practical space? If your car barely fits amidst the clutter of old holiday decorations, forgotten tools, and half-finished projects, it’s time to take back control! Organizing your garage can feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right storage solutions, you can transform your garage into a functional, tidy space. Let’s dive into some of the best ways to organize your garage and maximize every inch of it.

Shelving is the backbone of any good garage organization system. With shelving, you can store items vertically, clearing up floor space and keeping everything visible and accessible. But not all shelves are created equal, so let’s break down your options.

Types of Garage Shelving:

• Wall-Mounted Shelves: These are perfect for garages with limited floor space. Wall-mounted shelves allow you to use your vertical space, which is often underutilized in garages.
• Freestanding Shelves: If you prefer something less permanent, freestanding shelves are a great option. These units can be moved around as needed and offer adjustable shelving for storing various-sized items.
• Overhead Storage Shelves: Great for rarely-used items like holiday decorations, overhead shelves take advantage of ceiling space. Just be sure to store lightweight items here and keep frequently-used stuff within reach.

Pro Tip: Label your storage bins! Nothing's worse than digging through a dozen bins trying to find that one wrench you swore you left on the workbench.

Garages often double as workshops, which means tool organization is a must. Keeping your tools organized not only saves you time but also helps extend their lifespan.

Tool Storage Ideas:

• Pegboards: Mounting a pegboard on your garage wall is a simple and affordable way to keep tools organized. Pegboards are customizable with hooks and baskets, allowing you to hang everything from hammers to garden shears.
• Tool Chests: These are excellent for serious DIYers with a vast collection of tools. Tool chests come with multiple drawers to keep tools sorted and protected.
• Magnetic Tool Strips: For smaller, frequently used tools like screwdrivers and wrenches, magnetic strips allow you to store tools in plain sight, making them easy to grab and use.

Quick Tip: A pegboard isn't just for tools—use it for organizing garden equipment, hoses, or even your kids' sports gear!

For those who like their garage to look sleek and clean, cabinet systems are your go-to solution. They offer a polished look while keeping everything out of sight. Plus, cabinets can be locked to keep dangerous items, like chemicals or sharp tools, away from children.

Types of Garage Cabinets:

• Modular Cabinets: These are customizable, allowing you to mix and match different sizes based on your storage needs.
• Pre-Assembled Cabinets: If you're not into DIY, pre-assembled cabinets are ready to install straight from the box.
• Lockable Cabinets: For those who store valuable tools or hazardous chemicals in the garage, a lockable cabinet adds extra security.

Pros of Cabinet Storage:

• Keeps everything hidden, which helps your garage look organized even if it's not.
• Easy to install, with many DIY options available.
• Offers adjustable shelves, so you can store items of various sizes.

Pro Tip: Want to store bulky items like lawnmowers? Opt for a tall cabinet, or even a corner unit to maximize space.

Let’s face it, garages often have a lot of unused vertical space. Overhead storage solutions help take advantage of this space, especially for items you don’t need to access frequently.

Benefits of Overhead Storage:

• Keeps Seasonal Items Out of the Way: Overhead storage is perfect for seasonal items like holiday decorations, summer patio furniture, and camping gear.
• Maximizes Vertical Space: If your floor and walls are crowded, the ceiling is your next best option!
• Clear the Floor for Your Car: Overhead storage clears out bulky items that typically take up valuable floor space, like bicycles and kayaks.

Types of Overhead Storage:

• Ceiling-Mounted Racks: These are designed for long-term storage of larger items. Be sure they’re installed properly and can handle the weight!
• Pulley Systems: These are perfect for bicycles, kayaks, or other bulky equipment. With a pulley system, you can easily hoist items up to the ceiling and lower them down when needed.



Quick Tip: Before installing overhead storage, make sure your garage ceiling can handle the weight capacity. Safety first!

Not every storage solution requires a trip to the hardware store or a professional installation. There are plenty of budget-friendly DIY garage storage hacks to keep your space organized. Get creative with items you may already have around the house!

Easy DIY Garage Storage Hacks:

• PVC Pipe Tool Holders: Cut PVC pipes into sections to create holders for rakes, shovels, and other long-handled tools.
• Tension Rods for Spray Bottles: Install tension rods under cabinets or along a wall to hang spray bottles, keeping them organized and easy to reach.
• Repurpose Old Filing Cabinets: Filing cabinets can be converted into storage units for tools, garden supplies, or sporting goods.
• Bungee Cord Ball Storage: Hang bungee cords vertically on a wall to create a simple and effective ball storage system for your kids’ sports gear.

Pro Tip: Embrace your inner DIYer, but don’t forget safety! Secure all hanging items properly to avoid accidents.

A well-organized garage often doubles as a workspace. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, having a functional workbench is a must. It provides a designated area for projects and keeps tools and materials within arm’s reach.

Types of Garage Workbenches:

• Wall-Mounted Workbenches: These fold-down benches save space and are perfect for garages with limited room.
• Freestanding Workbenches: For a larger garage, a freestanding workbench gives you ample space to work, with drawers and shelves for tool storage.
• Rolling Workbenches: If you like to move around while working, a rolling workbench with wheels allows you to take your project wherever it’s needed.

Workbench Features to Consider:

• Storage Drawers: Look for workbenches with built-in drawers to store small tools, screws, and other materials.
• Durable Surface: A sturdy work surface is key, especially if you’re using heavy-duty tools.
• Pegboards: Some workbenches come with pegboard backings, adding extra storage for hanging tools.

Quick Tip: Add a stool to your workbench setup to create a comfortable space for detailed work.

If your garage is beyond a simple weekend project and you’re ready for a complete transformation, it might be time to call in the pros. At MBC Builders, LLC, we specialize in custom garage builds and renovations. Whether you’re looking for a simple storage upgrade or an entirely new garage space, we’ve got the expertise to bring your vision to life.

Give us a call today at (406) 291-7608 for professional garage builds in Libby, MT, and the surrounding areas. From design to construction, we’ll work with you every step of the way to create the garage you’ve always wanted. Plus, we offer a range of other services, including custom homes, log home maintenance, concrete work, and deck & porch construction. Let us help you create the perfect space, whether it’s for your car, tools, or hobbies.

Frequently Asked Questions