Garage Storage Buying Guide

If you’re looking for a complete, matching, multiple-piece set for your garage, a garage storage system might be right for you. With some systems boasting dozens of garage cabinets, these storage systems are capable of holding so much that just about everything in your garage will have its place. Many systems are available with free delivery and come requiring either partial or full assembly. Some pieces, like cabinets, will require you to mount them on the walls of your garage, but everything is modular so you can arrange the pieces as you wish. The result is getting garage organization in the exact arrangement you want and clearing the clutter in the process.

Garage shelving takes advantage of unused vertical space and helps get your stored items off the floor. These shelving garage ideas can save a lot of valuable floor space, increasing your garage’s overall storage capacity and providing a safer, more productive work area. You can build your own shelves from dimensional lumber and plywood. Or you can choose from the following installation options:

• Wall Shelving: You can get wall-mounted, heavy-duty wire shelving designed especially for the garage. Most wall-mounted shelves are designed to hold up to 100 pounds per linear foot of shelf. Some systems have a plastic coating that protects the shelving from the sometimes harsh garage environment and prevents rust and corrosion. The open wire construction of the shelves allows air to circulate around your stored items and helps decrease mold and mildew in moist climates. Another option is to use heavy, metal shelving brackets attached to your walls to support dimensional lumber, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or plywood shelves.
• Shelving Units: Freestanding shelves are available in wood, wire and resin. These units give you the flexibility of having your shelves away from walls or other support structures in the garage. A strategically placed set of freestanding shelving units can create a designated space for laundry or shop activities. Some units are available with locking caster wheels so you can move the entire unit with ease and then lock it securely in place.

When you’re buying shelving units for storage in the garage, there are two factors that you should consider:

• Wall-Mounted vs. Footed Shelving: Wall mounting might ultimately save you the most space, but you won’t be able to move that shelving again without more installation. If you know what you want your garage storage system to look like, wall-mounted installation might be for you. If you’re still unsure and want to be able to change your mind, skip the wall-mounted installation for now.
• Casters vs. Feet: Casters are lockable wheels that come on the bottom of several shelving systems. They make moving cabinets and lockers easy, as long as none of your stored items are easily movable. Feet come in handy when you don’t need to move cabinets and lockers as often. Some shelving systems have adjustable feet that’ll allow you to compensate for an uneven floor.

Utility cabinets are available in resin, metal and wood/wood composite materials. They’re a convenient way to store items behind doors and out of sight. Some offer lockable doors to keep curious little ones from accessing sharp tools or dangerous household chemicals.

Steel tool storage cabinets and chests are well suited for garages and workshops with large tool collections. Drawers and trays are the ideal garage storage for tools, holding bulky items and small accessories. Many cabinets have heavy-duty, lockable casters and integrated security locks.

Pegboards and hooks are a versatile method of shop and garage storage. You can easily move the hooks around and adjust them as your storage needs change.

Whether you’re storing sporting equipment or holiday decorations, there are many different bins and boxes that you can use to organize your garage. Use clear ones to quickly identify what you need.

There are various types of hooks and hangers available. Simply secure the hook to a wall stud or ceiling rafter. You can store anything, from ladders to hoses to bicycles, depending on the type of hanger you choose.