Garage clutter can easily get the best of you.
After working on a project, you put down your tools with every intention to organize them tomorrow. But tomorrow becomes next week and then next month, and by the time you know it, even more of your things have accumulated on top of your working bench. Not only is this dangerous — loose nails, screws, and other tools can put bystanders in harm’s way — but it can also be more time-consuming to complete projects. Having to search and sift through the garage to find what you need is only wasting your time.
But there are ways to transform the space from a disorganized mess to a well-kept, versatile, and even multi-functional storage area. Read on for the modern man’s guide to an outfitted garage for everything.
Organization Tips and Tricks
To build the garage of your dreams, you need to begin with an organizational system. This structure should work within your confined space, taking in your specific use cases for how and when you use the garage. For some, the garage may house a car or two in addition to a workshop area. For others, the entire garage is dedicated to construction projects. No matter which boat you’re in, know that you can create a dynamic space that will reflect your personal needs.
Unless you’re a full-time contractor with a designated skill set, chances are that you have a wide variety of household projects that you work on. One day you may be fixing some cracked tiles in your master bathroom, while another day you may be painting your kid’s playroom. Keeping this in mind, it’s best to set up different work areas or zones. You can have pegboards cover the walls to hold important tools, and cabinets to shelve smaller items, such as drill bits. Cubbies can be easily accessible for littler ones, allowing them to access their sporting equipment with ease.
To best organize everything, categorize what you have by groupings. All tools should go in one pile, garden supplies in another, and seasonal decor in a separate area. Then, think about how often you use each grouping. For instance, the seasonal decor doesn’t need to be accessed every day, so that can go on a higher shelf than your go-to tools. Having multiple zones will allow you to streamline separate work areas for different projects, from installing outdoor Christmas lights to repairing indoor plumbing.
Workspace Pointers
Where you do your work is almost as important as knowing where to find the necessary tools. Again, your workspace will vary depending on your needs. If you’re a master of crafting wooden cutting boards, you’ll need a workspace that differs from someone completing odd jobs around the house. Regardless, having a workbench to centralize your area can be a good place to start.
Workbenches can be built into pre-existing areas within the garage, such as a nook by the entrance door or on the long end of the wall in front of your parked car. Above the workbench, you can install shelving and closed cabinets to hide items. This is a good trick for making everything appear tidy, even if it’s just organized chaos!
A bright overhead fixture ensures that your area is well-lit while completing projects, while a rechargeable work light should be brought along for remote site work and after-hours repairs. Proper lighting is necessary for getting the job done right, so having multiple options is important.
In terms of flooring, you’ll want to consider a durable surface that is practical and easy to clean. Concrete may be just fine, or you may want to install rubber tiles for auto mechanic needs or to provide better cushioning for standing tasks.
To personalize your space, you may want to install a speaker system. This can bring some joy while you’re working. A built-in charging station can also be beneficial, especially for keeping power tools ready to go at all times.
Tools For Every Garage
Every man may have different opinions on the best tools, but there are a few multi-purpose ones that everyone should have on hand. A basic set including screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, hammers, and utility knives is practical for just about everyone. All of these tools can be used to build furniture, construct new projects, repair current home fixtures, and more.
Additionally, a power drill can make projects much easier for you, while an impact wrench can speed up the process of tightening or loosening nuts and bolts. Tape measures are useful in just about any type of project, while a level can ensure that you’re hanging pictures right the first time you drill a hole into a wall!
A sturdy ladder is great for reaching high places, and a toolbox can keep all your loose ends organized. Extension cords can be useful for completing outside work, especially if you have only a few outdoor sockets.
Other tools such as floor jacks, axle stands, and torque wrenches, may be beneficial for car enthusiasts who like to tinker and work on automobiles. For garden enthusiasts, a long hose, shovel, pruning shears, and hand trowels are all necessary items to have.
In Conclusion
Every home garage is unique in its own way. For the modern man, keeping it organized while also functional is essential for getting that to-do list of projects completed once and for all.
