No matter how well set up your main house may be, the attached – often overlooked – area you call a garage is usually found resembling a massive junk drawer.
Though it may not appear that way, having a garage can prove to be very useful. All that extra storage space? Yes, please! And if you take the time to organize that space properly, the otherwise infamous dumping ground can very well transform into a functional extension of your main house.
Eight Prime Ideas For Utilizing Your Home’s Garage
Here are some tips to help you do just that!
1. Declutter
Garages have a reputation for being filled with things you no longer need, things you need to put away, things you can’t find space for anywhere else or things – okay, we think you get the point. But in this process of putting stuff out of sight, you can end up with a mounting pile of things you may not even need.
For things that are in good shape but you no longer need, you can either choose to donate them or even set up a mini garage sale. So, before you start organizing, cleaning out your garage and getting rid of useless items is the first thing you need to do.
2. Give your garage a makeover.
In making your garage a functional, as well as a presentable, extension of your home, you need to start treating it like it is very much a part of your main space. One thing you should absolutely invest in is an overhead garage door.
We suggest speaking to a professional at OGD to decorate the space, make it look inviting, and add a personal touch to it like you do with the rest of your house. Why? Because this type of garage door is also comparatively more durable than other options and maintains functionality even in different weather conditions.
3. Install storage systems
People usually use their garages for storage purposes. However, not having an efficient storage system can gradually make the space a cluttered, unattractive mess. A garage gives you a lot of space to work with; leaving enough space for your car, you can utilize your walls from floor to ceiling for storage.
Taking advantage of that, you should look into vertical and overhead storage solutions, such as shelves, cabinets, and wall-mounted alternatives to save floor space. You may want to go for open shelves instead of closed cabinets as they don’t require the extra space to open. Another reason open shelves are better is that they force you to stay organized; otherwise, the clutter would be on display and not hidden behind a cabinet door.
4. Categorize
Remember to properly categorize your things and assign each category a specific cabinet or shelf. This will help ensure you can easily find those things when you need them later instead of rummaging through every cabinet, drawer, and shelf. Some categories can be tools, personal items, sports gear, home décor, etc. You can even categorize items based on their seasonal use. Labeling your storage solutions can help make this process much easier for you.
5. Set up a workshop
If you’re a DIYer, setting up a workshop in your garage is a must. For this, you will need a sturdy workbench, storage for your tools, good task lighting, and power outlets for your electronics.
You can choose to design your workshop depending on how often and what type of projects you like to work on. For example, if you only do it occasionally, a foldable workbench that can be moved out of the way when not in use can be more than enough. But, depending on your requirements, you should explore the options available and choose accordingly.
6. Use good lighting
If you’re using your garage for recreational purposes, investing in good lighting is very important. Since garages typically don’t have windows, they tend to be much darker than the rest of your house. Therefore, this is also something you should consider when choosing an overhead garage door.
Opting for one with a couple of windows can be a good idea. Having that natural light during the day will also help you reduce electricity use. But other than this, you can also choose from several lighting options depending on how you plan to use the space and the kind of look you want to give it.
7. Insulate your garage
Making sure your garage is well insulated is very important. By keeping the garage cool in the summer and warm in the winter, proper insulation will ensure that the space remains comfortable throughout the year for you to spend time in. Therefore, ensure any gaps or holes that may be letting air through are covered and closed.
Using curtains to cover any windows there may be can also be a good move. Moreover, you should consider insulating the walls, floor, and ceiling with extra insulation to make the space even more inviting.
8. Epoxy floor coating
Decorating your garage means taking every aspect into consideration. And that means the floor isn’t any less important than the rest. Doing an epoxy floor coating keeps the garage floor from suffering from oil stains, it is very easy to clean, and it will also greatly improve the look of your garage. So, wait for the perfect weather to dry the coating to begin this little makeover project.
Conclusion
With these tips to help you along the way, you’ll easily be able to transform your messy garage into a functional and welcoming extension of your home. Remember to do regular clean-outs to keep your garage clean and organized as they can keep it from turning into a messy storage room when it has the potential to be so much more. Make sure you use smart storage solutions that fulfill your needs, think about what you want to do with the space, and plan a layout. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a presentable garage in no time!
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