There are two types of people in this world: people who’ve turned their garages into a dumping ground; and a bunch of liars. The only meaningful decision to make in this one short life of ours is this: are you going to sort out your garage, or not?
Of course you are, and we’re going to show you how. In this guide, we’ll share our favourite DIY solutions so you’ll know exactly how to organise your garage. Each of these garage solutions is easy enough to install in a day, so all you need is a free weekend!
Be warned: all clean-ups create waste, so you’ll likely toss out a fair bit. And when you do, we’ll be there to pick it up. When you’re ready to arrange your garage, don’t forget to book a hard waste collection!
To make picking through our best garage storage ideas as easy as possible, we’ll also let you know roughly how much each solution costs, where you can buy what you need and how difficult it’s going to be to put together.
Cost legend:
Wall-mounted shelving units are a brilliant way to use your vertical space and free up the floor. These shelves can hold bins, boxes, and various items, keeping them off the ground and organised. Perfect for those bits and bobs you need easy access to but don’t want cluttering your garage floor. You can adjust the shelves to different heights to accommodate items of various sizes and shapes.
Cost: $$
Where to buy: Bunnings Warehouse or Mitre 10.
Difficulty: Moderate. Installing wall-mounted shelving units requires measuring, drilling, and securely fastening the shelves to the wall. It’s advisable to use a stud finder to ensure shelves are anchored properly.
Pegboards are a ripper idea for hanging tools (including power tools) on the wall, keeping them visible and within reach. This solution eliminates the need to search through drawers or boxes for tools. Pegboards are versatile and can be customised with various hooks and holders to accommodate different tools and equipment. This makes it easy to keep your tools organised and accessible.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Bunnings and Total Tools.
Difficulty: Easy. Installing a pegboard involves mounting it on the wall with screws or brackets. Customising it with hooks and holders is straightforward and can be done in a short amount of time.
Magnetic tool holders provide a convenient way to store small metal tools like screwdrivers and wrenches. They keep tools easily accessible and visible, solving the problem of rummaging through toolboxes. Magnetic holders can be mounted on the wall near your workspace (or even on your garage door if you’ve used too much wall space), ensuring that frequently used tools are always within reach.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Total Tools and Bunnings.
Difficulty: Easy. Installing a magnetic tool holder typically involves mounting it on the wall with screws. The process is quick and straightforward.
Clear plastic bins allow you to see the contents without opening them, making it easy to find what you need. They help organise items by category and are perfect for storing small- to medium-sized items. Clear bins are particularly useful for items that you use frequently but don’t want to leave out in the open.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Kmart, Bunnings, and Officeworks.
Difficulty: Easy. The primary task is to sort your items and place them into the bins. Labelling the bins can further enhance organisation.
Labelling bins, shelves, and drawers helps you quickly identify where items are stored, reducing the time spent searching for things. It’s an effective way to maintain organisation and ensure everything has a designated place. Labels can be as simple or as detailed as you need, depending on the items being stored.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Label makers and labels can be found at Officeworks and Kmart.
Difficulty: Easy. Using a label maker is straightforward, and applying labels to bins and shelves is a quick process.
Wall-mounted bike racks free up floor space by storing bikes vertically on the wall. This solution is ideal for families with multiple bikes, keeping them organised and easily accessible. It also protects bikes from damage and keeps them out of the way.
Cost: $$
Where to buy: Bike racks are available at Rebel Sport and Anaconda.
Difficulty: Moderate. Installing bike racks requires secure mounting to the wall, which may involve drilling and using appropriate anchors.
Custom-built shelves allow you to design storage that fits your specific needs and the dimensions of your garage. This flexibility solves the problem of awkward spaces and ensures efficient use of available garage space. Custom shelves can be designed to accommodate a variety of items, from large tools to small accessories.
Cost: $$$
Where to buy: Materials for custom shelves can be purchased at Bunnings Warehouse and Mitre 10.
Difficulty: High. Building custom shelves requires carpentry skills, tools, and precise measurements. It may be a more involved project but yields highly personalised results.
Garage ceiling storage solutions are excellent for storing long-term items that are rarely needed. This method uses overhead storage space, keeping items off the floor and out of the way. Ceiling-mounted racks are ideal for items like ladders, kayaks, and large storage bins.
Cost: $$$
Where to buy: Ceiling-mounted storage systems can be found at Bunnings Warehouse and specialist storage stores.
Difficulty: High. Installing ceiling-mounted storage requires secure attachment to ceiling joists and careful planning to ensure safety and stability.
Hooks allow you to hang garden tools on the wall, keeping them organised and off the floor. This prevents tools from cluttering the space and makes them easily accessible. Hooks can be arranged to accommodate various tools, from rakes and shovels to smaller hand tools.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Hooks are available at Bunnings Warehouse and Total Tools.
Difficulty: Easy. Installing hooks involves mounting them on the wall with screws or brackets. It’s a quick and straightforward process.
Sliding storage systems make efficient use of tight spaces, allowing you to store items on movable racks or shelves. This solution is perfect for maximising storage in small or narrow areas. Sliding systems can be used for tools, cleaning supplies, and other frequently used items.
Cost: $$
Where to buy: Bunnings and specialist storage shops.
Difficulty: Moderate. Installing sliding storage systems requires precise measurements and secure mounting to ensure smooth operation.
Workbenches with built-in storage combine a workspace with storage solutions, keeping tools and materials close at hand while maintaining an organised garage. This setup is ideal for DIY enthusiasts, providing a functional workspace and ample storage.
Cost: $$$
Where to buy: Bunnings Warehouse and Total Tools.
Difficulty: Moderate to High. Assembling and installing a workbench with built-in storage requires some DIY skills and tools.
Repurposing old furniture, such as cabinets and dressers, provides additional storage without the need to buy new items. This solution helps reduce waste and gives new life to old furniture. Repurposed garage storage cabinets can be used for tool storage, while dressers can hold smaller items and accessories. This method not only saves money but also adds a unique, personalised touch to your garage organisation.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Look for second-hand furniture at local thrift stores or online marketplaces like Gumtree.
Difficulty: Moderate. This project may require some modifications to the furniture, such as adding shelves or reinforcing structures, which can be done with basic carpentry skills.
Storage bins with lids protect contents from dust and pests, making them ideal for long-term storage. They help keep items organised and easily stackable. Using bins with lids ensures that items remain clean and protected, especially in a garage environment where dust and dirt are common.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Storage bins with lids can be found at Kmart, Bunnings, and Officeworks.
Difficulty: Easy. Simply sort your items into the bins and label them for easy identification.
Using sections of PVC pipe attached to the wall is a great way to store long items like pipes, rods, and fishing poles. This solution keeps these items organised and prevents them from cluttering the floor. PVC pipe storage is durable and can be customised to fit different lengths and types of items.
Cost: $
Where to buy: PVC pipes and mounting hardware can be purchased at Bunnings Warehouse and plumbing supply stores.
Difficulty: Moderate. Cutting and installing PVC pipes requires some basic tools and DIY skills, but it is generally straightforward.
Wire shelving units are adjustable and versatile, suitable for a variety of storage needs. They provide a sturdy and open storage solution that can be customised as your needs change. Wire shelves are great for storing heavy items, as they offer strong support and easy access.
Cost: $$
Where to buy: Wire shelving units can be found at Bunnings Warehouse and Mitre 10.
Difficulty: Easy. Most wire shelving units are easy to assemble with basic tools and come with adjustable shelves.
Corner shelving units maximise unused corner spaces, providing additional storage without taking up precious floor space. They are perfect for small garages where every inch counts. Corner shelves can be used to store various items, from small tools to larger equipment.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Bunnings and IKEA.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Depending on the design, some corner shelves may require assembly and secure mounting.
Fold-down workbenches save space by folding away when not in use. This solution provides a functional workspace that can be tucked away, ideal for small garages. Fold-down workbenches are great for DIY projects and hobbies, offering a sturdy surface when needed and a minimal footprint when not.
Cost: $$
Where to buy: Bunnings Warehouse and specialist tool stores.
Difficulty: Moderate to High. Installing a fold-down workbench requires secure mounting to the wall and some DIY skills.
Wall-mounted bins are great for storing small items like nails, screws, and other hardware. They keep these items organised and easily accessible, preventing them from getting lost. Wall-mounted bins can be arranged in various configurations to suit your needs.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Bunnings and Total Tools.
Difficulty: Easy. Installing wall-mounted bins typically involves mounting them on the wall with screws, a simple and quick process.
Using shoe racks to store items like spray paint cans, cleaning supplies, and other small items keeps them organised and within reach. This repurposing solution is cost-effective and reduces waste. Shoe racks provide a neat and accessible way to store items that might otherwise clutter shelves or workbenches.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Kmart, IKEA, and Bunnings.
Difficulty: Easy. Simply repurpose existing shoe racks or purchase new ones and arrange them to store your items.
Fishing rod holders keep fishing gear organised and untangled, preventing damage and making it easy to find the right rod. These holders can be mounted on the wall or ceiling, providing secure and accessible storage for fishing rods.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Anaconda and BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing).
Difficulty: Easy. Installing fishing rod holders typically involves mounting them to the wall or ceiling with screws, a straightforward process.
Kayak storage racks, either wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted, provide a safe and secure way to store kayaks, keeping them off the floor and out of the way. These racks are designed to support the weight and shape of kayaks, preventing damage.
Cost: $$
Where to buy: Anaconda and BCF.
Difficulty: High. Installing kayak storage racks requires secure mounting and careful handling of the kayaks to prevent damage.
A tool chest with wheels offers mobile storage for tools, allowing you to move them where they are needed while keeping them organised. This solution is ideal for large garages or workshops where tools need to be frequently moved around.
Cost: $$
Where to buy: Bunnings Warehouse and Total Tools.
Difficulty: Easy. Most tool chests come pre-assembled or require minimal assembly.
Using wall-mounted shoe racks to store sports balls keeps them organised and easily accessible. This solution prevents balls from rolling around the garage and taking up floor space, providing a neat and orderly storage option.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Kmart and Bunnings.
Difficulty: Easy. Mounting shoe racks on the wall is a simple process that requires minimal tools and effort.
Overhead pulley systems allow you to hoist and store large items like kayaks or ladders, utilising ceiling space and keeping these items out of the way. This system is ideal for heavy or bulky items that are difficult to store on shelves.
Cost: $$
Where to buy: Bunnings Warehouse and specialist storage shops.
Difficulty: High. Installing an overhead pulley system requires careful planning, secure mounting, and handling of heavy items.
Drawer organisers keep small tools and accessories sorted, preventing clutter in drawers and making it easy to find what you need. These organisers can be customised to fit different drawer sizes and configurations.
Cost: $
Where to buy: IKEA, Bunnings, and Officeworks.
Difficulty: Easy. Most drawer organisers are simple to place in drawers and can be adjusted as needed.
Cubbies provide organised storage for children’s sports equipment, shoes, and backpacks, keeping them easily accessible and off the floor. This solution helps children stay organised and teaches them to keep their belongings in order.
Cost: $
Where to buy: IKEA and Kmart.
Difficulty: Easy. Most cubbies are simple to assemble and can be easily labelled and customised.
Portable shelving units can be moved around as your storage needs change, providing flexible storage solutions. These units are ideal for dynamic garage setups and can be used to store a variety of items, from tools to sports equipment.
Cost: $$
Where to buy: Bunnings Warehouse and Mitre 10.
Difficulty: Easy. Assembly is straightforward, and the shelves can be moved as needed without any permanent installation.
Using pallets to create rustic shelving units is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly storage solution. Pallet shelves provide sturdy storage for various items and can be customised to fit your space. They add a unique, rustic charm to your garage while offering practical storage.
Cost: $
Where to buy: Pallets can often be sourced for free from local businesses or purchased from Bunnings.
Difficulty: Moderate. Building pallet shelves requires some basic carpentry skills and tools, but it can be a rewarding DIY project.
Well, there you go: our list of garage storage space ideas. All you need to do is set aside a weekend, call a friend, order a pizza, and get to work!
And don’t forget to book your hard waste collection for the weekend you’re organising your garage!
© 2024 WM Waste Management Services | All Rights Reserved