5 Garage Organization Systems & Ideas You'll Love

Is your garage filled with junk and unwanted items? We have several solutions to help you organize and reclaim your space.

5 Garage Organization Systems & Ideas You'll Love
This post was originally published Apr 2022/Updated Feb 2025

The garage is often a cluttered and chaotic space filled with random things that have been put away and forgotten. But it doesn't have to be that way. With the right garage organization systems, you can reclaim your messy garage space and turn it again into a place where you actually park your car.

TL;DR

Got a messy garage? You’re not alone! Here are five super practical organization ideas to help you reclaim your space. Think smart shelving, wall-mounted storage, and overhead racks to keep things off the floor. Pegboards are a game-changer for tools, and clear bins make finding stuff easy. Plus, a solid decluttering session (aka getting rid of junk) will make everything feel more spacious. Basically, with a little planning, your garage can go from chaos to functional in no time!

If your garage resembles a dumpsite for unused belongings rather than a usable space, you'll love our garage organization ideas. These tips will help you make the most of your garage and keep everything organized and within easy reach.

The benefits of organizing your garage

Organizing your garage can seem daunting, but it's well worth the effort. A well-organized garage can provide increased storage space, improved safety and offer easier access to tools and equipment.

garage ornizer for tools
Organize your tools | Gorlov-KV / Shutterstock

Keeping your garage neat and organized with practical garage organization systems will make it easier for you to find things. You won't have to buy unnecessary items you already own and might have forgotten about. That alone is a great reason to get garage organization systems in your space ASAP.

Tips for organizing your garage space

A garage is a great place to store your belongings, but it can quickly become cluttered and disorganized. To keep your garage in tip-top shape, you need to plan out your garage organization systems. Before you get there, here is a helpful checklist before you start:

  • Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need or use. This process will help declutter your space and make it easier to find things when needed.
  • Invest in a storage solution that will help keep everything organized. This will help prevent items from becoming buried under other things and make finding what you're looking for easier.
  • Label everything and use clear and easy-to-read labels. This will save you a lot of time and frustration when trying to find something specific.
  • Finally, don't forget to sweep and mop the floor regularly. This will help keep your garage clean and tidy and more enjoyable.

Different garage organization systems

There are different garage organization systems to help you keep your garage neat and tidy. You can use one or several of these garage organization systems to organize your space, depending on the type and size of your garage.

Couple organizing a garage by decluttering
Declutter your garage | Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock

Garage shelves organization

Shelves are probably the most common garage organization systems because they can go pretty much anywhere. Factor in what you want to store on the shelves because you need them to be able to hold the load without breaking.

shelves as garage oranization systems
Shelving in a garage | Pipas Imagery / Shutterstock

Heavier items should be held closer to the floor, while lighter items can be stored on higher shelves. Store clear bins on shelves so you can easily see what's inside without taking them down.

Skates and sporting eqipment stored in clear boxes
Clear boxes are great for storage | Isaeva Studio on Shutterstock

One of the most practical uses of shelves as garage optimization systems is freestanding shelves. Ensure they are anchored to the wall for support or overhead storage attached to the ceiling to maximize storage space.

Various balls, bats and helmets stored on shelving racks
Store your sports equipment in one place | Gearstd on Shutterstock

Don't overlook the corner shelves to utilize unused space. As shelving comes in different sizes and materials, like steel, plastic or wood, check the manufacturer's instructions for weight limitations. Shelving should play a key role in your garage layout.

Hooks and hangers

Hooks and hangers are an often overlooked way to organize your garage. You can hang hooks from the ceiling to store large items like bikes, sports equipment or oddly-shaped items. You can also use these simple garage organization systems on walls to organize tools and garden equipment.

Garage wall orgnanizers for bikes
Bike storage with hooks | WichitS / Shutterstock

Hooks and hangers come in various sizes, so you should choose the ones that are best suited for what you wish to store. Smaller hooks are better for lightweight items like tools and cords, while larger ones are better for heavier equipment. You can also use coat hooks for smaller items like gardening gloves, dog leashes, ropes and hats.

Garage storage racks

Garage storage racks are a great way to store items like boxes, sports equipment, and holiday decorations. These racks usually consist of bars, wires and pegs paired with horizontal shelving or framing.

Garage racks for tires
Build your own storage racks | JoshRafG on Shutterstock

Choose one that's large enough to hold all of the items you want to store on it and install it at a level that's convenient to access for everyone in your household.

Garage storage racks
Garage storage racks | Jason Finn / Shutterstock

Consider racks with adjustable shelves that can be configured according to your needs and provide easy access to frequently used items. Opt for ceiling-mounted storage racks for more oversized and seasonal items like tires, holiday decorations or luggage.

Garage cabinets

Cabinets are also great garage organization systems. You can use cabinets to hide items you want to keep organized and out of the way. For more dangerous things like chemicals, fertilizer or paint, opt for cabinets with locks to keep out children and pets.

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Ensure your cabinets don't obstruct any windows and doors and can open freely. You can also opt for freestanding cabinets, just make sure to anchor them to avoid tipping. Always check the weight capacity of your cabinets, and don't overload them with items you want out of the way.

Pegboards

Don't overlook simple solutions like pegboards. A pegboard is an inexpensive and versatile way to organize tools in your garage. You can use it to hang tools like hammers, screwdrivers and wrenches.

Various tools stored on a pegboard
Pegboards for tools | Dreams Creator / Shutterstock

Pegboards have pre-drilled holes and come in a variety of sizes. They are adjustable and a great option for vertical storage. Consider installing furrings behind the board before you hand them, and draw outlines of tools where you want to hang them. This also makes returning items to their designated spots easier when you're done using them.

Workbenches

A workbench is a great addition to any garage, especially if you use it for DIY projects. A workbench provides an extra surface and acts as storage space. Look for workbenches with adjustable legs so you can sit or stand while working.

Garage work bench
Garage work bench | by Gorlov-KV / Shutterstock

For occasional projects, consider getting a wall-mounted fold-down table that can be tucked away when not in use. You can also opt for a bench with a built-in tool drawer or add a pegboard for your tools.

Conclusion

Organizing your garage is a great way to maximize your garage space. By taking the time to plan out your garage organization system, you can reclaim floor space and keep your garage looking neat and tidy. So get started today and see the difference garage organization can make in your life.

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