If you have a one-car garage, storage space is at a premium. You want to ensure you can not only park your car, but still have room for everything else you need to store – like lawn equipment, tools, bikes, toys, and more! The good news is there are plenty of innovative ways to maximize your storage potential without sacrificing function or style. In today’s article, we’ll look at six different one-car garage storage ideas to help keep your space organized so you can reclaim every inch of it! We’re also going to share all kinds of other helpful tips and tricks that those with one-car garages won’t want to miss.
Don’t Miss These One-Car Garage Storage Ideas
We have plenty of other tips to offer if you’re in need of more guidance, but here are six big ones we’ll cover today:
- Start by cleaning out your garage
- Maximize garage storage space
- Use customizable storage units
- Invest in storage shelves and cabinets
- Separate items into categories
- Label everything
Let’s get into them!
- Start by cleaning out your garage
Before organizing it, you’ll want to start with a blank slate in your garage. As overwhelming as this can feel at first, just imagine how good it will feel once you’re done! So, clear everything out of your garage and take a step back to admire the work you’ve done so far.
Then, take the time to go through everything and eliminate items you no longer need or use. That way, you can clear out space for more necessary items.
You’ll also want to take note of which items should be stored and which should be kept out for easy access. This is especially important if you’ve got a lot of sports gear or tools that need to be ready at hand.
For example, hang bikes from the ceiling, store tools, and equipment in drawers and cabinets, and keep any items you frequently need either on shelves or just outside the garage.
(We’ll share a more detailed guide to cleaning your garage later in this post!)
- Maximize garage storage space
Now that you’ve cleared out your garage, it’s time to maximize its storage space. There are a variety of ways to do this, depending on how much floor space you have. Hang racks along walls to easily access items like sports equipment, gardening tools, and cleaning supplies.
You can also use overhead shelving if floor space is at a premium – take advantage of vertical storage opportunities! If there’s still more room left, consider buying modular shelving units or rolling carts with drawers that easily fit into corners to save even more space.
In fact, we are big fans of using stackable storage bins to store items like seasonal decorations and tools. Not only are these bins great for organizing, but they’re also easy to move around or take with you if needed.
- Use customizable storage units
Customizable storage units are a practical way to make the most of your one-car garage’s tight quarters. Unfortunately, many people forget that storage can be customized just like other spaces in their homes. But garage storage units come in all shapes and sizes, which means you can pick one that fits perfectly into your available area, as small as it may be.
Not only do they provide additional storage, but they also add an aesthetic touch to your garage – perfect if you want it to look more organized! To keep installation costs low, look for one-car garage storage ideas that are easy to assemble and install yourself.
- Invest in storage shelves and cabinets
When it comes to organizing your garage, having the proper storage solutions is key. We recommend investing in heavy-duty shelves and lockable cabinets to keep items secure but easy to access when needed. Wall-mounted shelves are ideal for storing those bulky items that are tough to fit into drawers or bins. On the other hand, floor-level cabinets can store heavier items like power tools, paint cans, or sports equipment.
We also like using wall hooks for storing items like bikes, sports equipment, and certain sports equipment. When you’re done playing or working, these hooks can help you save valuable floor space. If you have items you can only use during certain months of the year, being able to hang them up is an excellent way to get them out of the way when you don’t need them.
- Separate items into categories
Now it’s time to start categorizing your items so they’re easier to find. Use labels or markers on each container, so you know exactly what’s where – this will make life much easier when you’re looking for something specific! Also, ensure you separate seasonal decorations, tools, and sports equipment into different areas in your garage, making them easier to access when needed.
6. Label everything
We can’t stress enough how helpful it is to label items in your garage. In fact, we recommend using labels for virtually every space in your home that requires organization!
For starters, labels help you quickly find what you need. But at the same time, they also encourage everyone in the family to put things back where they belong…couldn’t every home use more of that? If you have young children just learning to clean up after themselves, this strategy will come in particularly handy. And when you’re short on space in your one-car garage, labels can help maximize the storage potential by ensuring that everything has a designated spot.
There are different ways to label your items, including with a custom label maker, with removable adhesive labels, or even using masking tape and permanent markers. Whichever one you choose, make sure it’s one that’s visible, easy to read, and won’t come off easily.
One-Car Garage Storage Ideas for Specific Items
Now that we’ve covered six basic garage storage ideas, let’s move on to some of our tips for storing unique items in your one-car garage, including mechanical supplies, gardening tools, and cleaning supplies.
Mechanical supplies
To keep your mechanical supplies organized, use plastic bins and label them according to their contents. This way, you can quickly find what you need without searching through piles of items. You can also hang up tools along walls or invest in a tool chest with drawers to make everything easily accessible when needed. When you have available wallspace to use, pegboards are a common choice for storing mechanical and auto supplies.
Gardening tools
When it comes to gardening tools, we recommend using hanging wall racks and/or containers for quick access as needed. If you need additional storage, look for rolling carts with drawers that can fit into tight corners or overhead shelving units for more vertical storage potential.
Cleaning supplies
We suggest using stackable bins with lids for cleaning supplies and labeling each one accordingly. If there’s an excess of supplies, consider investing in a rolling cart with multiple drawers for easy storage and transport.
How to Categorize Items in Your One-Car Garage
Next, let’s look at some of the potential categories you might use to organize your garage. These categories can be used for organizing in any space but are particularly helpful for the garage since you’re likely to have an array of items.
- Sports equipment: This includes sports balls, bats, racquets, and other related supplies. You’ll want to label each item and separate them into their own area or container, so they are easy to access when needed.
- Tools and supplies: This could be everything from power tools and gardening supplies to automotive parts and paint supplies. It’s important to keep these items safe and secure, so look for cabinets with locks or wall-mounted shelves to help keep them off the ground. You can further break these categories down by the purpose the tools and supplies serve if you have a lot of them!
- Seasonal decorations and holiday items: Keep your seasonal decor in one spot by using labeled containers and storing them on a high shelf. This will make it easier to find what you need when the time comes.
- Outdoor furniture: Consider adding hooks to your walls or ceiling to hang up bulky items like outdoor furniture, grilling equipment, etc. This helps keep your garage floor open and clear for other items.
- Miscellaneous: If you just can’t decide on one specific place to store things, consider adding a designated miscellaneous area. This could be one large container or multiple small containers that you can use to store odds and ends that don’t have a home.
How to Clean Your One-Car Garage: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s that guide to help you clean and organize your one-car garage that we promised! Follow these steps to get your one-car garage looking fresh and clean in no time.
Clear out clutter right away
Clutter tends to look even more cluttered in small spaces like a one-car garage. Start by clearing out any items you don’t need or use and donate them to a local charity.
Create separate zones
Divide your garage into different areas for specific items, such as sports equipment, tools, supplies, seasonal decorations, etc. This will help make it easier to keep everything in its place.
Label all containers
Using labels can help you easily identify what’s inside each container so you can quickly find what you’re looking for when needed.
Use vertical storage solutions
Vertical storage solutions are great for small spaces like one-car garages because they maximize space while still providing easy access to items. Look for wall racks, hanging baskets, overhead shelving units, and other similar products to give your garage a more organized look.
Clean and maintain regularly
Finally, make sure to clean and maintain the garage regularly to keep it looking neat and tidy. This could involve sweeping up dirt, wiping down surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner, or using a vacuum to clean hard-to-reach areas. This helps you stay on top of any messes while maintaining an organized garage space.
One-Car Garage Storage Ideas: FAQs
Next, we’ll review some of your top questions about one-car garage storage to help you get all the answers in one place.
How do you maximize space in a one-car garage?
When trying to maximize the space in a one-car garage, capitalize on vertical storage solutions such as hanging racks and overhead shelving. These help you store items off the ground and keep your floor open for other things.
How can I organize my garage cheaply?
Some cheap ways to organize your garage include using stackable bins with lids, labeling containers and baskets, investing in wall hooks or racks for bulky items, and using an old dresser for tool storage. You might also consider buying used storage items online or at thrift stores for added savings.
What are the best garage organization systems?
The best garage organization systems will depend on your individual needs, but some popular options include hanging wall racks and cabinets, overhead shelving units, and modular drawers. Choosing a system that’s durable enough to withstand heavy use and also suits the size of your space is essential.
How do I organize my garage with a lot of stuff?
We know how overwhelming it can be to tackle a garage that’s full of stuff. The key is to create separate storage zones and use labels to keep everything organized. You should also look for vertical storage solutions, such as wall racks and overhead shelving, which will help maximize your space without taking up too much of it.
How do I organize my garage to fit my car?
With a one-car garage, you have to be particularly mindful of your car’s size and shape. Use vertical storage solutions, like racks, to get bulky items off the ground and out of the way. You can also use hooks on the walls to hang tools, bikes, and other items that take up floor space.
Elevate Your One-Car Garage
Even in a small garage, there are plenty of ways to elevate the space and make it look more organized. Here are some ideas.
Paint your garage flooring
If you have a concrete floor, painting it can add some color and dimension to the space. Choose a durable epoxy paint that will be able to withstand wear and tear, as well as any chemicals or stains that might come into contact with it.
Add some rugs or mats
Consider adding some area rugs or mats to the garage for added comfort and style. These can help define different areas of the space, such as where you store your tools and supplies or work on projects. Of course, you’ll want to ensure the mats or rugs are durable and made of materials that can withstand moisture and dirt.
Install a ceiling fan
If your garage gets hot during the summer, consider installing a ceiling fan to help circulate air and keep the space cooler. Not only does this add some much-needed ventilation, but it can also be a decorative element in an otherwise plain room.
Install task lighting
Task lighting is essential for illuminating dark corners and seeing what you’re doing when working in the garage. Look for bright LED bulbs that are designed to last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Insulate and vent your one-car garage
If a ceiling fan doesn’t cut it, you can take your garage to the next level by insulating and venting it. Doing so will help regulate temperatures and make the space more comfortable year-round. This can also be a cost-effective way to save energy and keep your bills low.
Upgrade the garage door
Who says your garage door has to be boring? You can upgrade the look of your one-car garage by installing a new garage door that features window panels, decorative hardware, and modern colors. This adds aesthetic appeal as well as security, as more contemporary doors usually come with better locking systems.
Protect your car doors
When you’re tight on space in your one-car garage, your car doors are susceptible to scratches and dings from other objects in the space. One clever option to protect your car doors involves the use of pool noodles! This inexpensive solution can be attached to the walls of your garage to add a buffer between them and your car.
Paint the door in your garage
Along with painting the garage door itself, you might also consider painting the door to the garage. This can help provide a cohesive look and create an inviting entryway into the space. Choose a neutral color like white or gray, or even opt for one that complements your car’s exterior paint job. Or, if you want to really personalize your garage and add a creative touch, you might choose a fun, bright color for the door.
Soundproof your garage
Depending on how you plan to use the space (perhaps for band practice?), you might want to consider soundproofing the one-car garage. This helps keep loud noises from disturbing your neighbors or family and also make it easier for you to work on projects without interruptions.
Consider a car lift
This option certainly isn’t for everyone as it can cost a pretty penny and simply isn’t necessary for every homeowner. However, if you’re someone with a one-car garage that needs to store more than one car, then investing in a car lift might be the perfect solution. It’s one of the best space-saving solutions for storing multiple cars! Even if you don’t use it for storing multiple vehicles, the lift can still be used for storing items off the ground and quickly reaching tools and supplies stored on higher shelves.
Contact Coastal Closets and Showers Today
At Coastal Closets and Showers in Stuart, we love a challenge! And that includes bringing all of your one-car garage storage ideas to life. Whether you’re looking for a complete garage makeover or just some clever storage solutions that will help you keep your one-car garage organized and clutter-free, we can help. So give us a call today to get started! Or, learn more about our custom garage storage solutions here.
