Garage Storage Solution –The 1st Step
The first step to getting organized is to evaluate what you need to store and where the garage storage solution will fit in your garage. For example, in many garages placing shelves along the side walls won't work because you would not be able to open your garage door. So the first step is to get a feel for what you have to work with. You may want to take a tape measure and spend some time taking measurements of the areas you have available in your garage. Be sure to keep in mind that you will need space to walk and to store any items such as a lawnmower or snow blower than will take up space on your garage floor. You also want to make note of any restrictions on the storage area, for example if there is already a shelf on the wall that will limit how high a cabinet or storage shelf you can place in the spot. If things are really tight in your garage there are many overhead garage storage solutions that are designed to fit into almost any garage that will help you create storage space out of unused areas. Also consider not only what you have to store right now but also consider anything that you may be planning on purchasing in the upcoming years.
Now that you have an idea of the space you have available you need to determine what type of storage you want. There are so many options that you really need to take the time to decide on exactly what you want. There are so many options in terms of types of products and the materials they are made out of. So I suggest you take some time to browse through many of the storage options you can review right here on this website. Do let the massive number of options overwhelm you. Chances are no matter what your situation there is garage storage help available. So let's take a look at some of the more popular
garage storage solutions…
Garage Storage Cabinets
Here you need to decide on a couple of things. Do you want cabinets that attached directly to the wall or free standing units that you can simply place on your garage floor? Wall cabinets are a great choice to place storage over an existing workbench or perhaps over an area where you store a large item on the floor such as a lawnmower. Wall cabinets will also require the use of tools (and I HIGHLY recommend you use an electronic stud finder) to install the unit. Floor cabinets have the advantage of mobility as you can move them easily. Most major manufactures design these storage cabinets so that they can be assembled with no tools or using just a screwdriver.
Garage Shelving Units – A great garage storage solution
If your garage storage solution is shelving units you will face just as many choices as those who decided on cabinets. You mush decide between a free standing shelving unit and shelves that attach directly to the wall. Those that attach to the wall have a safety advantage (if they are installed correctly) in that there is not chance of the unit falling over. Another advantage is that it creates more of a DIY garage storage solution because you are free to place the shelves anywhere and in any configuration that you would like to use. The disadvantages of shelving units that attach directly to the wall is that it is more difficult to install because not only do you need to make sure you find a wall stud but you also must level the shelves when installing. Free standing units are generally easy to put together and in most cases require no tools to complete the assembly. The units are easy to move if you later decide to rearrange your garage storage solution. The downside is that you are stuck with whatever configuration the shelving unit is designed as. Shelves cannot be raised or lowered to meet your particular needs. However these units are readily available and are unusually the least expensive garage storage solution, Be sure to pay very close attention to the weight limits on these types of units and also be sure to read reviews as some of these units are cheaply made and simply are not worth buying at any price. I suggest you take the time to read through the many reviews that will be added to this blog.
Overhead Storage Units – A garage storage solution that gets it out of your way
This is a big garage storage help especially for those with limited space. By hanging the storage unit from the ceiling you are creating a storage area out of what is usually unused space. The only downside to this type of storage is that you may need a step-stool or small ladder to reach the stored items. Installation of these units may seem intimidating but let me assure you that it is not difficult if you go with a name brand company such as Hyloft who makes some terrific overhead garage storage units. When installed correctly there is very little chance of the unit falling off your ceiling and landing on your car. Most of these units are adjustable and can even be placed on the garage ceiling above the area where the garage door raises up. If things are really tight in your garage or you just have too much stuff to store an overhead unit is a great garage storage solution.
Bike Storage Units – A new twist on this classic garage storage solution
There are many options today for those that have bikes to store in their garage. There are of course the more traditional methods of hanging the bike from hooks attached to the wall or ceiling but today there are some more modern twists to this solution. There are many bike storage units available that allow you to raise and lower your bike from the ceiling. This gets the bike out of your way by hanging it from the ceiling and also making it easy to do. You do not have to strain as you hold the bike high over your head trying to get it on some hooks! Today there are many bike storage racks that allow you to raise and lower the bike using a hand crank. You simply lower the unit, easily hook your bike to it, then crank the handle to place the bike up and out of the way. Most of these units are easy to install and are inexpensive. This is instant garage storage help and a perfect garage storage solution for bikes.
I need garage storage help! So what is the garage storage answer?
Obviously what I discussed above only scratches the surface on the many options available. There are large all in one systems available for your garage and there are small options such as a simple shelf attached to the wall. The best course of action is that once you have a general idea of what you need take some time to review product specifications, pictures and reviews before deciding to purchase anything. I strongly suggest that you spend some time right here on this blog looking over the large collection of product information available. If you need any help don’t hesitate to contact us. Here’s to hoping you find the perfect
garage storage solution.
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| The Dream Garage! |
Today many people are seeking the perfect garage storage solution. Personally I have a few neighbors that cannot park their cars inside their garage due to all the stuff crammed into it. So let me provide you some garage storage help in this article. A DIY garage storage solution makes sense as there are plenty of options available today. Searching on the internet you can find thousands of different garage storage cabinets and shelving units. So let me give you some garage storage help. Up, Up and Away… Overhead garage storage units attached to the ceiling to provide storage space up and out of your way. This is a great solution if you are tight on space or have a very small garage. Hyloft makes many overhead storage units that are high quality and inexpensive. I prefer to stick with Hyloft or any other well known brand name for overhead shelving just to be on the safe side. Installation for most popular models is usually rather easy and straightforward. Other than some basic tools (such as a drill and screwdriver) the only other required item would be an electronic stud finder. You can find inexpensive models that work perfectly fine at your local hardware store or on Amazon. The only real downside to overhead storage units is that you will need a short ladder to move items in and out of the storage unit. However, there are some overhead garage storage units that allow you to raise and lower them from the ceiling, however you will pay a bit more for a unit featuring that added option. Stocking the shelves… Garage storage cabinets come in many different types and styles. There are the more traditional shelving units that today are usually made out of high strength plastic. These units usually have for to five shelves and stand 5 to 6 feet tall. Generally these are easy to put together and relatively inexpensive. The biggest down side is their open design means everything is just out in plain site, which can look rather ugly. Several years ago companies such as Rubbermaid and Suncast came to the rescue my making garage storage cabinets that are enclosed. The units are made of tough plastic resin and feature full sides and doors on the front. Most models allow you to place a lock on the doors to keep the inside safe and sound. Why didn’t I think of that… Another favorite garage storage solution is overhead bike racks. These attach to the ceiling of your garage and allow you to store your bicycle up and out of the way. These bike storage units come with a controller that allows you to lower and raise the bikes. While this article is not a complete garage storage walk through, I hope it gave you some ideas. Now it’s time for you to go out and further explore your options and find your perfect garage storage solution.
