Upgrading Your Home’s Garage With DIY Smart Storage System

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Upgrading your garage with a DIY smart storage system is a fantastic way to make your home more functional and valuable. But how do you get started? Let's dive right in and explore the steps to transform your garage into a well-organized, efficient space.

Assessing Your Garage Needs

First things first, you need to figure out what your garage needs. Take a good look around and ask yourself a few questions:

• Purpose: What do you want to use your garage for? Is it mainly for parking your car, or do you need it for a workshop or hobby area?
• Space: How much room do you have? Measure the dimensions to get a clear idea.
• Clutter: What's cluttering up your garage? Are there tools, sports gear, seasonal items, or just random stuff?
• Safety: Are there any safety issues like poor lighting or electrical hazards?

Understanding these factors will help you create a plan that fits your specific needs.

Smart Storage Strategies

Smart storage is the key to a tidy garage. Here are some strategies to get you started:

Use A Smart Storage Strategy

Cluttering the garage with random items can make it feel cramped. A smart storage strategy involves organizing items into categories and using the right storage solutions. Here are some tips:

• Labeling: Label storage bins and shelves to keep things organized and easy to find.
• Uniform Bins: Use heavy-duty plastic bins of the same size. They fit neatly on shelves and are easy to stack.
• Shelving: Install heavy-duty wire shelves or freestanding shelves designed for large bins. Make sure freestanding shelves are secured to the walls to prevent tipping.

Install Adequate Lighting

A well-lit garage is safer and more appealing. Here are some lighting tips:

• Motion-Sensitive Lights: Install motion-sensitive lights to ensure the garage is always well-lit, especially if you work late or have kids who might be in the garage.
• Shop Lights: Add two 48-inch shop lights with LED bulbs (at 4,000 lumens each) for each car space. This provides ample lighting and makes the space safer and more inviting.

Put An Easy-To-Clean Finish On The Floor

A clean and durable floor is essential for a tidy garage. Here’s how you can achieve this:

• Epoxy Finish: Paint the floor with an epoxy finish to make it easy to clean. This prevents oil stains from cars and makes the floor shine.
• Floor Tiles: Consider using interlocking PVC floor tiles. These tiles create an attractive, comfortable, and slip-resistant surface. They’re easy to install and can be cut for custom fits.

Add More Electrical Outlets

Having enough electrical outlets is crucial for any garage, especially if you plan to use it as a workspace or hobby area. Here’s how you can add more outlets:

• GFCI Outlets: Install two GFCI (waterproof) electrical outlets per garage wall—a total of six in a one-car garage. This ensures the space is safe and functional.
• Fire Extinguisher: Always install a fire extinguisher in the garage as an added safety measure.

Add A Walk-Through Door

If you have a detached garage, installing a walk-through door can be a significant improvement. Here’s why:

• Convenience: A separate entrance means you don’t have to open and close the main garage door every time you enter or exit the garage.
• Aesthetics: A walk-through door can enhance the appearance of your garage and make it feel more like an extension of your home.

Keep The Space Primarily As A Car Storage

While it might be tempting to convert part of your garage into a hobby area or workspace, it's generally best to keep the space primarily for car storage. Here’s why:

• Value: A garage (or even half of a two-car garage) that’s been reimagined as something else may not enhance the value of your home. In fact, it can be a black eye on your listing if prospective buyers don’t share your vision for the space.
• Exception: However, if you build a living space above the garage with a kitchen and full bath, it can significantly add to the value of your home.

Keep The Outside Tidy

The outside of the garage is just as important as the inside. Here’s how you can keep it tidy:

• Maintenance: Regularly maintain the exterior of the garage to prevent it from looking dilapidated. This includes painting or repainting the walls and ensuring that any cracks or damage are fixed promptly.
• First Impression: Buyers often form an impression of the house before they walk in the door, and the garage is often the first thing they see. Keeping it tidy can make a positive first impression and enhance the overall appeal of your home.

Implementing Smart Storage Solutions

Smart storage solutions can transform your garage from a cluttered space into a highly efficient and organized area. Here are some DIY projects you can implement:

Modular Closets

Modular Closets offer a range of garage organization products, including cabinets, shelves, drawers, work counters, and wall-mounted storage. Here’s how you can use these products:

• Custom Design: Work with a designer from Modular Closets to create a custom organizing system based on your garage's dimensions and needs.
• Components: Choose components like tall cabinets with shelves inside, lower cabinets with small drawers on top, and large drawers between them. Add a work counter on top of the drawers for added functionality.
• Delivery: The system is delivered on a pallet, and you can expect it to arrive within two weeks, although some orders may take up to six weeks.

DIY Storage Solutions

DIY storage solutions are cost-effective and can be tailored to your specific needs. Here are some creative ideas:

• Storage Container Rack: Build a rack that allows plastic storage containers to slide in and out for easy access. This keeps smaller items organized and makes them easy to retrieve.
• Sliding Drawer: Create a large sliding drawer using 1 x 4 sides and a plywood bottom. Add casters on the bottom and legs on one end for smooth movement. A handle on the leg end provides an easy grip.
• Ceiling Storage: Use the ceiling for storage by installing sliding bins filled with objects you only use occasionally or want to keep as memories. This frees up floor space and keeps clutter at bay.

Creative Storage Ideas

Here are some creative storage ideas to help you maximize space:

• Wall-Mounted Bike Racks: Turn closet brackets into wall-mounted bike racks using foam insulation for padding. This keeps bikes off the floor and makes them easy to access.
• Fishing Net: Hang a fishing net from the ceiling to corral inflatable pool floats up high. This keeps them out of the way while still being accessible.
• Gardening Tool Rack: Mount a store-bought rack to neatly organize gardening tools. This keeps them within reach while keeping the floor clear.

Upgrading Your Garage Door

Upgrading your garage door can significantly enhance the appearance and functionality of your garage. Here are some tips:

Smart Door Openers

Upgrade your garage door opener to a smart one that offers remote opening and closing over your smartphone, remote smartphone monitoring, customizable alerts regarding the door’s status, and scheduling to open and close the door at specific times of the day.

Garage Door Openers with Safety Features

Consider upgrading to a garage door opener with safety features like a 140-volt DC motor for quick lifting, a wall-mounted lock for security, and a sensor confirming full closure. For convenience, add a wireless keypad for keyless entry.

Conclusion

Upgrading your home's garage with a DIY smart storage system is an excellent way to enhance its functionality and value. By implementing smart storage strategies, adding adequate lighting, putting an easy-to-clean finish on the floor, adding more electrical outlets, and keeping the space primarily as a car storage area, you can transform your garage into a highly efficient and inviting space. Additionally, using modular closets or implementing DIY storage solutions like storage container racks and sliding drawers can maximize space and keep clutter at bay. With these tips and creative storage ideas, you'll be well on your way to creating a garage that not only serves its purpose but also adds value to your home.

Remember, when making upgrades to your garage—or any room in your home—you should update your homeowners policy to ensure that you're fully protected in case of any accidents or damages. By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to enjoy a well-organized and functional garage that enhances both your daily routine and the overall appeal of your home.