Have you ever forgotten gloves on a cold day and then it snowed…and your car was parked outside? Or even worse, forgot a window scraper!? I’ve used a cereal box to clean snow off of my windows (true story) and I think it goes without saying that a flimsy box is not the best tool for the job. The moral of the story is, if you have the opportunity then park your car in the dang garage!
The garage can be an easy dumping ground for seasonal gear, junk, and overstock items. But to ignore this sacred snow-free space just isn’t right. You pay for every square foot of that house so, to quote Tim Gunn, “make it work people”.
Moving on… Fall is the perfect time to prioritize a tidy garage. Enjoy the cooler temps, organize your outdoor gear, and eliminate the nice warm home certain furry friends look for this time of year with these 6 must-haves.
1. Drop Zone
Set aside space to drop dirty shoes, coats, and sports gear before entering the house. A storage bench and wall hooks aren’t just for indoors! Try adding a door mat as well for a warm welcome and dirt/snow free entry.
2. Storage Bins
Uniform stackable storage makes the most efficient use of space and keeps everything looking clutter-free. These black stacker totes are durable and come in a variety of sizes. Don’t forget to add labels!
3. Shelving
Durable free-standing shelving is the perfect way to get things up off the floor and use your vertical space. I prefer a solid shelf vs. wire so smaller items don’t fall through or get stuck (like kids toys).
4. Wall Storage
If you aren’t using the wall space in your garage it’s a missed opportunity. Rail and hook systems are best for storing lawn and sports gear, like this Elfa system.
5. Bike Hanger
Get bikes up off the floor too. I’ve used a variety of bike hangers and the Leonardo bike rack is one of my favorites. Storing bikes vertically is the most efficient use of space and this one comes with a plate for the rear wheel to protect your wall from scuff marks.
6. Ceiling Rack
Don’t forget the ceiling! A ceiling rack is a great storage piece for seasonal items. We store patio lounge chairs here in the winter months. It would also be great for holiday decorations, camping gear, etc.
At the end of the day, a garage will likely never have a minimalist look. A tidy garage can store everything neatly while parking indoors, however. That’s what I call winning.
Want more organizing inspiration? Check out this home office setup.
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