How to Organize Your Garage Space with Shelving

Getting Started

Having the right storage system in your garage can make a huge difference in how easy it is to organize. A big part of this project is going through everything in your garage, decluttering by getting rid of the things you don't need, and putting the things you want to store in the proper containers.

Step 1: Clean It Out

Most likely, your garage has accumulated a lot of miscellaneous items. Bring in a large trash bin and recycling container and go through everything. Discard damaged items and make a pile of things to donate or sell.

Step 2: Upgrade Your Containers

Now is also the perfect to upgrade your storage containers. Get rid of cardboard boxes or flimsy containers. Replace them with sturdy and secure containers that can be labeled and stacked. We recommend using containers like our Weathertight Totes to protect contents from dust, pests and water.

Step 3: Label Everything

Labeling makes things easy to find and put back. Be sure to label clear containers too!

Step 4: Install Shelving

Make room for your vehicles by getting everything off the floor and onto the wall with shelving. Our Garage+ by Elfa shelving and drawer system is a great option. It's made to handle everything from tools and hardware to lawn- and sports equipment. It's easy to install, or we can install it for you.

Step 5: Make Use Of The Garage Ceiling

Installing a Heavy-Duty Ceiling Rack is another great way to make use of otherwise wasted vertical space above your car in the garage. Most overhead storage racks are designed to hold quite a bit of weight, so they are ideal for storing bulky items and plastic bins full of holiday decorations.

Step 6: Organize Items On Shelves

Stack your labeled containers on your shelves. Put the items you most frequently access on the lower shelves. Use the top shelves for things you access less often.

Use the drawers in an Elfa solution to store things like paper towels, car cleaning supplies and lightbulbs, and ventilated wire shelves for holding everything from manuals to storage bins. Put long-term storage bins on upper shelves, and hang a step ladder nearby. Need to store something new? Elfa Shelves and Drawers can quickly and easily be re-positioned as your storage needs change.

One new addition to our Garage+ by Elfa line is steel storage cabinets. These can be freestanding or mounted to the wall, and help keep clutter behind closed doors.

Step 7: Keep Tools Visible

Great tool storage means keeping things visible. Organize household tools using Garage+ by Elfa Pegboards or on an Elfa Workbench. A variety of hooks, bins, and shelves are perfect for keeping your hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, nails, tape, and other smaller items handy.

Finally, free up garage floor space and maintain easy access to all your shovels, rakes, brooms, and other garden tools using wall-mounted Garage+ by Elfa tracks and specialty hooks. (We also have bike racks and sports equipment holders.) The garage wall space is one of your most valuable storage areas.

Step 8: Make Use of Freestanding Shelving

You can also use stand-alone storage shelves to clear your floor of clutter. Metro and InterMetro shelves are good options as their steel shelves are adjustable and designed to handle heavy loads. (Great for paint cans, sports gear, power tools, and seasonal items.) Add labeled bins to make items easy to access. You can even add wheels, making it easy to move your shelving system anywhere.

Step 9: Create Storage Space "Zones"

Group the same type of items together on your shelves to create zones. And make sure to put things back where they came from after you use them. You now have a system that everyone in your family can use.

Step 10: Enjoy Room For Your Car

Now that everything is put away and off the floor, you have room to park your cars!

Shop all of The Container Store's garage storage solutions here!