When Looking for Garage Storage Space, Think UP!

Garage storage space is usually at a premium. Aside from the basement, the garage is where all those things that you don’t need right away but will definitely need eventually seem to migrate. However, with all the things that have to be stored in the garage, such as cars, lawn mowers, and bikes, there is precious little extra space for the host of other things that need a home, but either doesn’t quite belong in the house or there just isn’t room for it. Most people, when looking at finding storage space, only think about wall and floor space. The key to finding extra storage space is to think about vertical space and how to best utilize it.

Attics

Many household garages have some sort of an attic space, even if it is just a half attic. For items that you don’t use all the time, such as holiday decorations or gardening supplies, a garage attic is the perfect place to store these things. You don’t need access to them all the time so it’s okay if they are out of the way until the time is right. Be sure to check the stability of the attic floor as far as weight before loading the space too full.

Over the door shelving

A space that is often overlooked as a potential storage space is the space over your garage doors. As long as the shelf doesn’t interfere with the operations of your garage doors, this space is an ideal place for storing things you need limited access to, but don’t use all the time, such as camping equipment. Remember, garage shelves don’t have to be fancy; they have to be functional. A basic wood shelf that is built and braced properly for the load they will bear is all you need. Shelves in this location should be attached to the wall in order to keep them out of the way of your garage door opener.

Hooks in the ceiling

Correctly installed, large hooks placed in the garage ceiling are a great way to store bikes during the off-season. There is a divide in the storage community about ceiling hooks. Some people are concerned about the fact that there is a bike or bikes hanging over their car that could fall and damage the car. Others feel that the ceiling is an unutilized storage space and, as long as you use the appropriate hooks and don’t overload them, there is nothing to worry about regarding your car. This option is a personal decision and should be considered, but not committed to if you are at all uncomfortable about hanging bikes over your car.

Hanging shelves

Shelves that are hung from the ceiling then braced against walls can add a great deal of storage space for heavier items. Because the shelving is double braced, it will be able to hold heavier items, again, that you need to be able to access, but don’t use all the time, such as gardening equipment, sports equipment, or outdoor dining equipment. As long as these shelves are properly installed, you should have a lot of extra storage space that can be easily accessed but also out of the way.

Storage space in garages is always something of which there never seems to be enough. Instead of packing the floor space with items that you don’t use all the time but still need to access, thinking about vertical space can significantly increase the amount of your storage space. The result of a more organized, less cluttered garage not only will make you feel as if you have enough space for your storage needs but also give you more floor-space room in what can be one of the most crowded “rooms” in your house.

Tommy Mello owns Garage Door Nation in Tempe, Arizona. He enjoys sharing garage improvement ideas and maintenance tips.