Fed up with stepping into your garage to be met with a jumbled collection of bicycles, garden tools, and boxes piled high? As the brisk winter weather encourages us to spend more time indoors, the urge to declutter and organise our living spaces becomes more compelling.
In a revealing study by RAC Home Insurance, it was found that nearly half of Britain's 10.6 million garages are no longer being used for their original purpose, with four out of ten of those surveyed admitting their garage was so overwhelmed with household clutter, they could no longer fit their car inside. This statistic underscores a national trend towards reevaluating and reclaiming our spaces.
No surprise then that searches for 'organisation tips' have skyrocketed by 70% in the past month, highlighting a nationwide trend towards creating more orderly, serene living environments.
With this in mind, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts shares our top tips on how to organise your garage to create a functional and practical space, including:
- Clear everything off the floor
- Label all storage containers
- Use stackable containers
- Make the garage 'kid-proof'
- Utilise all surfaces
- Get in the declutter mindset
- Create a space for awkward-shaped equipment
- Don't forget about the corners
- Keep your garage well lit
- Be savvy with your spending
- Keep it clean for good
Let's embark on this journey of garage transformation together, embracing these smart tips to carve out a space that's as functional as it is a reflection of our own organised sanctuaries.
It's all too easy to lean bicycles, gardening equipment and household items against the garage wall, however, to make a garage look instantly sleeker, try to get all objects off the floor. A clutter-free floor reduces trip hazards and makes your garage more accessible. It also protects your belongings from water damage or pests. Consider:
- Sorting items into categories (e.g., sports equipment, tools)
- Using wall hooks for bicycles and magnetic strips for tools
- Install overhead racks for seasonal items
- Install shelving units, wall hooks, and ceiling racks
Everyone is guilty of placing items where they don't belong, especially for ease. However, a garage is a place in the house which needs to be organised because it can contain a lot of different items, from golf clubs to cleaning supplies. Labelling aids in quickly finding what you need without having to open multiple boxes or containers, saves time and reduces frustration. Consider:
- Use durable, waterproof labels for boxes, bins, and drawers.
- Clearly write contents and a use-by date (for items like paint or chemicals).
- Implement colour-coding for different categories (e.g., green for gardening tools and red for automotive supplies).
'Think vertically' and ensure storage containers are easily stackable. This will help ensure that everything looks uniform and that the space is maximised as much as possible - anything you don't reach for as often can be placed towards the top. It also makes the best use of your garage's square footage. Try:
- Opting for sturdy, clear plastic containers that can safely be stacked.
- Keeping frequently used items at lower heights for easy access.
- Storing less frequently used items higher up.
The garage is a fantastic storage space for children's outdoor toys and apparatus, so any garage must be functional for children. Make sure children know exactly where their toys and sports equipment are stored and where they need to return everything. To ensure safety for children and to prevent accidents with tools or chemicals, be sure to:
- Store hazardous materials and tools out of reach or in locked cabinets.
- Designate an accessible area for kids' toys and equipment that's easily accessible.
- Teach children to return their items after use.
One area that people often forget about when organising a garage is the ceiling. The ceiling can be an easy place to store items you don't reach for often, such as suitcases, empty storage boxes and old furniture. Making use of walls and ceilings significantly increases available storage space by:
- Installing ceiling-mounted storage for seldom-used items like seasonal decorations or luggage.
- Using wall-mounted shelves for frequently used tools and equipment.
- Securely storing heavy items to prevent accidents.
It can definitely be difficult to part with belongings, but an organised garage must be efficient, so it's important to donate any items that you no longer need. Are there any toys your child has outgrown? Any gardening materials that are no longer usable? Regularly decluttering prevents the accumulation of unnecessary items, making keeping the garage organised and functional easier. Be sure to:
- Follow the one-in, one-out rule to avoid clutter.
- Schedule regular decluttering sessions.
- Be ruthless in discarding, donating, or selling items that are no longer needed.
Ladders, wheelbarrows and rakes are some of the most difficult objects to store in the garage - not only are they big objects, but they're also awkward shapes. Properly storing bulky or awkwardly shaped items prevents damage to these items and your vehicle and frees up space. When stored in this way, the unusual objects are way less likely to cause any scratches to cars. Consider
- Using specialised racks for ladders and bikes.
- Arranging wall-mounted hooks for wheelbarrows and rakes.
- Incorporating pegboards to accommodate hanging tools and equipment.
“A well-organised garage protects your vehicle from damage, extends its life, and, most importantly, transforms the space into an extension of the home where both the car and the owner can feel at ease.”
When organising a garage, the corners are a key bit of space that is often forgotten about. Look out for corner storage units that will help maximise all of the space available and make great homes for any tools, electrical, and small gardening appliances. Corners are often underutilised spaces that can offer additional storage opportunities. Be sure to:
- Invest in corner shelves and storage units designed to fit snugly into these spaces.
- Utilise corners for storing smaller items or tools.
- Consider a corner workbench to maximise space and provide a large working area.
Remember lighting - especially if parking a car or using the garage at night. If any objects have been left out on the floor, there's a chance of bumping into them when parking; however, having a well-lit garage could help to reduce this issue. Good lighting reduces the risk of accidents and makes it easier to find items.
- Consider motion-sensor lighting for convenience and safety.
- Use skylights or windows to supplement artificial lighting and reduce electricity use.
- Light up electrical control panels and garage door openers to ensure they are easy to find in the dark.
When looking for storage options for the garage, you don't need to buy the most expensive products. Try looking on Facebook Marketplace, local sales, and even asking around the people you know - you never know what steals you might find for a fraction of the price! Similarly, if you'd rather try your hand at DIY, give it a go. Being budget-conscious can yield creative and low-cost storage solutions.
- Explore second-hand options and sales.
- Repurpose old furniture for storage.
- Engage in DIY projects for customised solutions.
A garage is part of the home and should be looked after. Try to keep on top of the space, putting things back where they belong to keep the space efficient and your car clear from any scratches or bumps. Regular maintenance prevents clutter from accumulating again and ensures the garage remains a functional space. Why not:
- Establish a regular cleaning schedule
- Always put items back in their place after use.
- Maintain organisational habits for long-term success.
Whether you're just starting out or are well on your way to garage nirvana, remember that the road to a clutter-free and well-organised space is both rewarding and ongoing.
Proud of your garage transformation? We'd love to see it! Share your progress on Facebook, Instagram or X and inspire a community of like-minded organisers.
