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The Right Garage Organizer System for You

July 12th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Introduction

Eventually, you will be forced to tackle the mess that is your garage. I know, what does it matter, really, if the garage is less than a symbol of order? But whether it is your decision or your spouses (hint!), time will come when you must bring order to chaos. Once you realize that you will be ordering your garage into something that resembles something belonging to humans (ok, maybe I shouldn’t compare your garage to mine), you’ll realize there are many options to garage storage organization. Lets talk about the garage organizer.

A Multi-purpose Garage

Working on the premise that you do more than park your car in the garage, you will need a garage organizer system. The choices you make are determined by the function of your items to be stored. If your garage serves as a true place of storing items that are used elsewhere and then stored in the garage, you will need a garage organizer different from the system you would need for power tools, for instance. Your garage organizer needs are totally different if, like many people, their garage doubles as a workshop. Know exactly the functions your garage will serve before you buy.

Constant as opposed to occasional access to your stored goods will dictate what garage organizer system you will use. If, for instance, you will be storing your bikes then you will want a hanging system to get them off the garage floor and free some space. If you will be storing gardening tools like hoes, shovels, and the like, you’ll want upright storage organizer cabinets. If, on the other hand, you are using power-tools or you use your garage as a workshop, then you will want to consider a worktable with built in garage organizer cabinets and drawers. Storing power-tools requires different systems for access and utility as opposed to string for occasional use.

Another Option

If your needs are extreme or even professional, simple consumer grade garage organizer systems may be inadequate to your needs.  Much like the custom designed closets found in upscale or after construction homes, you should consider a garage organizer system designed by a professional engineer. This option brings a trained eye into your space and applies experience and training to optimize the available space. He or she may recommend internal wall storage or remodeling of the available ceiling space for overhead storage. These engineers are able to find storage space where most of us see only wasted space. Obviously, this is not a cheap option but it is often necessary to really use all available space in an area that the rest of us don’t know how to effectively use.

Garage Storage Cabinet and its Uses

July 11th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Introduction

Everyone eventually tumbles to the notion that more storage is needed in the home. Oddly enough, that storage is usually found outside the house, or more properly, in the garage. Depending on the size and type of garage you have, space can be found in the rafters or slug from the ceiling. This is a good option for those things that are needed only occasionally. But its often not an ideal storage method because of the height and access requirements. For a more ground level and accessible solution, the garage storage cabinet comes to mind.

At first glance, the garage storage cabinet may seem to take up more space than it provides. It does take up floor and wall space and can significantly impact your ability to move around the garage. Still, it can also provide counter space (depending on height) and it will force a certain order in storing items. Also keep in mind that if you get an upright garage storage cabinet, you can store more vertically and thereby save more space.  Don’t forget the utility of the garage storage rack: it is excellent for hanging large items that do not fit into the cabinets and would otherwise be left on the garage floor.

Space and Measurements

Make certain that before you run off to your local auto-parts store that you map out your garage space, know what you want to do with it, and take appropriate measurements. Decide whether you need counter space granted by the lower garage storage cabinet or whether you are better off with the full size garage storage cabinet because you may have many oversize items. If you possibly can, make these determinations before you build an attached garage or even build a detached garage. Knowing what function the space is going to serve beforehand makes the process and purchase of garage storage cabinets a simpler matter.

Accessorize the Cabinet

Garage storage cabinets do not simply have to be closets where you throw everything that seemingly has no other place. Use all space is the mantra here. You can mount tool hooks, shelves, hazardous material storage (paint, oil, turpentine, etc), collapsing power tool stations, purpose built material containers, and a whole raft of other options. The whole point is to not simply think where you will place the garage storage cabinet, but how you will order and best use the space within. Otherwise, all you will accomplish is identifying containers to hold your junk. Systematize and organize!

In the End

The floor and walls of your garage have tremendous potential or storage and organization. All you have to do is have a plan, be creative, and know what you want from the beginning of the job to the end.  Let us know how it turns out!

Build a Detached Garage From The Ground Up

July 11th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Introduction

As in every endeavor, creating a custom built detached garage starts with a well-laid plan. There are numerous components to build a detached garage, a systematic approach to materials, site planning, and construction is essential. Even before these considerations, be sure you understand the cost to build a detached garage. Plan your budget ahead of other considerations.

Planning to Build a Detached Garage

Once you have identified your over all budget, you’ll want to identify a site for its construction.  The site will dictate the maximum size. In building a detached garage, consider the size door you will need. Will you need a single or double door or two singles? Shape and sizes of doors often dictate the over all garage design and dimensions. Visit your local retailers to make a choice on door design. Identify these needs before the rest of the garage.

To further identify what shape and size of door, you need to consider the cars you plan to store in the garage. You will need to have width and height measurements firmly indicated. As a rough rule-of-thumb you will want to have a foot on either side of the cars width. You will also want to consider how much space you need in front of the car for work space. In terms of height, add another foot beyond the height of the car and then 18 inches beyond the height of the door for storage or contingency space. These numbers should now give you an idea of the over all dimensions needed to build a detached garage.

Once you have over all dimensions, you can begin to consider the floor of your custom built detached garage. Please see the post “Extend the Life of Your Garage: Protect the Garage Floor” for further information. After this, you need to consider cabinetry and work areas within the space allotted. Keep in mind that steel or metal cabinetry is a better choice, as garages tend to be moist or open to the weather; this promotes decay in wood cabinetry. Also, rubber covered metal hanging storage is better than plastic or wood.

As a final but still important consideration, find a color theme for the garage and work it in throughout. Perhaps a sports team color, for instance (assuming you have the cooperation of the spouse). Many of the on-line or brick and mortar auto parts dealers have interesting miscellaneous items to be used when you build a detached garage. Things like tool storage containers with team logos seem to be in vogue at this time.

To Recap

Remember the following when you decide to build a detached garage:

1. Plan your budget first
2. Decide on the type(s) of garage doors you want
3. Measure the space around your car(s) to determine minimum garage size
4. Allow for work space and storage in your calculations
5. Decide on garage floor type, storage containers/racks, and overall garage design

Lets us know how you came out!