The bulk of any garage storage will most probably be shelving, so it’s important to make sure the right ones are chosen for the specific needs. Buying shelving that is too weak to support the weight of the items to be stored will only defeat any organisational efforts.

It is paramount that adequate support for the stored materials is used in the construction of shelves. For example, if the shelving is made from 3/4-inch-thick particleboard, it should not span more than 19 inches without support. Medium-density fibreboard shelves of the same thickness need support every 21 inches. Plywood or pine boards can span up to 34 inches.

If sturdier, more robust shelves are required, choose metal systems with two rows of holes in the vertical standards—they support about twice as much weight as single-track racks, and brackets mount to them more securely. Although manufacturers sometimes suggest installing the top rail and then hanging the standards from it, a shelving system will support more weight if the standards are attached to wall studs. Doing so can increase the system’s weight tolerance up to 600 lbs. per standard.

Overhead shelves are great for storing lightweight items that would otherwise take up a lot of space, such as sleeping bags. With ladder brackets installed for extra support, the shelving itself can be very lightweight.

A well-built tool chest is an effectual means to store tools and yet keep them handy. Clearly label the storage place of each tool to keep the garage organized for months to come.

Bicycles can take up a fair amount of space if not properly stored. They’ve been stored in linen cupboards, toy cupboards, bedsides and even just left out in the hallway for someone to trip over. If a garage is available then there is a solution. The following garage storage options are ideal for keeping bicycles stored safely.

Floor stands

Children who ride bicycles often like to just drop them and run off. To change this habit, consider getting a floor stand. Of all such garage storage devices, it’s the easiest to use.

Support posts

Lean bicycles or other large gear against a post. If elastic cords or hooks are added, the bikes will be even more secure. Two-storey storage on support posts, like the kind in a bike shop, is available. Some posts hold as many as four bicycles. It works best in garages with high ceilings.

Pulley rigs

With a pulley system, large items can be stored near the ceiling to preserve space below. Pulley systems can be bought that work like mini-blinds. It has a built-in stop to keep items up. A gentle tug releases the mechanism to allow lowering of the object. Screw these pulleys directly to ceiling framing if the wood runs in the same direction that things are to be stored. Or attach the pulleys to plywood first and then screw the panels to the joists. This method must be used if the joists run crosswise to the pulley direction.

If you are not careful with your garage storage plan, your garage contents can get out of hand.

Clear out

Get rid of all the junk that’s not needed, so storage space isn’t being wasted. Keep only what is useful; anything that’s not wanted should be given away, and throw away what’s broken and taking up precious space.

Make a plan

Treat a garage like any other room in the house. Take measurements and draw a floor plan to help visualize what will fit and where it can be placed, just as a kitchen or a dining room.

Categorise

Make the decision what items will be used most often, like bin bags and cleaning supplies. Keep these things next to the door. Map out space for seasonal equipment: lawn mowers, weed-trimmers, leaf blowers, etc. Avoid putting large items, such as lawn mowers, in a corner where they’ll take up a lot of space. Try to park them under shelving units. Be sure to clip ladders, shovels, rakes, and other garden tools into a wall rack off the floor. Other items like bikes or sledges should be relegated to walls or hung from the ceiling.

Containers

Keeping things in storage containers not only lets you get them off the floor but keeps them clean. Transparent stackable bins conserve space and also allow you to see their contents. Always label containers so the contents are easily identifiable.

Safety

Designate a safe area for hazardous materials like fertilisers, pesticides, and paint, so children can’t get to them. Sharp gardening tools should also be hung up out of reach, and chain saws and other sharp tools stored in locked storage boxes.

Anyone serious about completing a job to a satisfactory standard knows the importance of using a work bench. Using the correct workbench can make a significant difference too. Metal work benches are the choice of the industrial market. With a choice of sizes to suit almost any specific requirement, their diversity makes them the number one choice for the industrial market.

The metal work bench is ideally suited for the industrial environment. Its hard wearing structure makes it ideal for taking a beating from industrial tools. Industrial workbenches are ideal for use in factories, warehouses and packing facilities. As industrial workbenches need to be strong, they are constructed from most durable material. Industrial workbenches also come with an adjustable lower shelf so that they can be customised to suit particular needs. All industrial workbenches are capable of carrying massive weights.

There are also multi level workbenches which are excellent value and extremely versatile. With a large worktop, lower shelf, and useful rear shelves they are widely used in packing areas and assembly lines.

Some reputable retailers sell industrial equipment at affordable prices. All industrial workbenches need to be constructed to the very highest standards. Industrial workbenches offer flexible storage solutions for a range of uses, including in workshops, garages, factories, packing areas and many other industrial environments. Some of the best industrial work benches boast simple self-assembly – so all that is actually needed is a rubber mallet – and a few minutes – to have that superior industrial workbench up and ready to go.

Garages are an extension to the home. Many wonders can be found in the garage. It’s an Aladdin’s Cave of junk. It’s a contained room of timeless wonders. It needs to be properly organised or else it could very well be a nightmare finding anything at all in it. The varied items kept in a garage quite often reads like a list of prizes from some forgotten game show: bicycles, great lengths of garden hose not always wound up, rakes, spades, etc. The list is endless. These things need a place and that’s where garage storage comes in.

Garage storage comes in various forms, including galvanised shelving bays, garage racking and wall panels.

Shelving bays are easy to assemble, multi tier and are usually bolt free making it possible for anyone to create a professional looking unit. The added bonus of galvanised beams means that it will survive even the dampest of conditions.

Garage racks are heavy duty steel storage racks that are simple to fit to the walls of a garage for ceiling storage. The rack can be adjusted to different widths and can accommodate most common found garage items including ladders, planks of wood, piping, and scaffolding.

Wall panel kits can be screwed directly into the wall or with battens for those damp or uneven wall surfaces. Packs are available with wall panels, battens and L-shaped edgings and fixings. Hooks and baskets are also available for use in conjunction with the wall panels.

A well managed garage can be a great asset and help you to address your storage issues.