Your garage must keep up with your needs and lifestyle. Aside from housing your car, it is one of the most useful parts of the home - it can be used for a variety of things such as storage, a DIY workshop or maybe even a man cave.

Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa, says when choosing a home, the garage is often overlooked as we get so caught up in the beauty of the home. However, he says it is something that is worth spending a bit more time on, and homeowners should consider what they want to use it for. 

If you have, however, already settled on your dream home and overlooked the space you require, it is not too late. The reality of having a functional work space in your garage, while still being able to store the necessities and park a car, need not feel like an impossible dream. Fortunately, there are a few things you could do to fix and maximise your garage space.

Hutchison shares tips…

1. Build garage cabinets

Having a formal storage cabinet will help keep your garage organised. This clears up space and prevents items from lying around and getting lost, it also aids in keeping harmful materials and substances safe.

2. Install wall organisers

Garages have plenty of wall space so you should definitely use it to your advantage. Install wall organiser units for tools and auto care products, while hanging larger items like garden tools and bicycles on hooks. Wall bins are perfect for sporting goods, children’s toys or small garden equipment.

3. Add overhead or ceiling storage

Use ceiling-mounted racks for additional overhead storage or lay down boards across the ceiling beams. This will double your storage potential. Ceiling storage is great for boxes, luggage and less frequently used items.

4.Get magnetic wall boards

Having small steel and metal parts magnetised to the board will keep them organised and prevent them from getting lost. 

Baby food jars are just as great for storing small parts because they are clear, stackable and you can attach their metal lids to the underside of a shelf with hanging jars for easy access.

5. Go mobile with work areas

If your family uses the garage for crafting or as a workshop, then replacing the bulky old workshop table will save space. 

Opt for those that are wall-mounted and can be folded after every use, or alternatively build a work area with wheels. 

Put wheels on as many stationary items as you can such as floor cabinets, tool chests and work benches. Items on wheels can be moved away from the walls to create temporary work areas, or even rolled outside for an afternoon and then easily rolled back into place when you're done.

6. Upgrade to adjustable shelving

Adjustable shelving lets you move your seasonal items like clothes or decorations around in your storage boxes as needed. 

You can add on in the future and customise the configuration as your needs change. It is the simplest, least expensive garage storage solution.

Install open wall shelves, place items inside large plastic containers that you can move around and put small shelving units in unused corners of your garage to make the most of your space.

7. Install pegboards and hooks

Having a pegboard installed not only lets you hang and organise smaller tools that normally get consigned to a drawer or cupboard, but it also allows you to keep larger items like rakes, spades and other tools in place. You can go large or keep it small depending on your needs.

8. Tie and keep wires in one place

If you have a ton of wires lying around, this can add to the cluttered look. Tie up extension cords and wires lying around with cable ties and keep everything together in one drawer so you only have to search for a specific wire at a certain place.

9. Lock down power tools

Power tools that are rarely used can be kept in your most inaccessible storage. Since these also tend to take the largest space in your garage, pack them away. 

Don’t be afraid to use your creativity when thinking about your storage solutions and maximising your garage space. Think of other ways or things that fit with your style and preferences to save up space. Find what works for you and you will be happy with your newly decorated and clean garage.

This article is from property24.