Even though no two homes are the same, rooms have a tendency to take on similar characteristics regardless of which property they’re a part of.
Kitchens tend to be popular gathering spaces, while basements have become go-to spots for game rooms and watch parties. Garages also tend to share certain characteristics between homes, and one notable attribute is the tendency to become difficult-to-navigate dumping grounds for a wide range of items, including lawn and garden tools, children’s toys, sporting goods, and seasonal home decor.
Though there’s nothing wrong with utilizing a garage as a storage space, the following are three simple ways homeowners can get more out of these spaces.
1. Utilize the wall space. The walls in a garage have lots of potential. Effective use of walls within a garage can ensure garden tools, small toys and other items do not accumulate on the floor. Such accumulations contribute much to the reputation of garages as dumping grounds for miscellaneous items. By clearing the floors of clutter, and utilizing wall spaces to store items, homeowners can open up the spaces to serve any number of functions, including home gyms, art studios or even parking spaces to protect vehicles from the elements. A storage organizer system with various hooks can be mounted on a garage wall to free up floor space, while shelving can be hung to store paint cans, power tool batteries and other items.
2. Look upward. If garage ceilings extend several feet above the height of homeowners’ vehicles, then the spaces above where cars might be parked can be converted into storage space for large recreational items, like canoes or kayaks, or seasonal decor that does not need to be accessed on a regular basis. A simple kayak hoist utilizing a pulley system clears floor space and allows kayaks to be stored overhead. Lifting storage racks work in similar fashion and make for great additions for anyone who needs to store containers full of seasonal decor but does not want to do so by stacking items on the floor. A hand crack system for a lifting storage rack makes for easy and safe access.
3. Install new lighting. Without ample lighting, garages may not be conducive to recreational pursuits like painting, crafting or even exercising. A lighting upgrade is a relatively affordable renovation that can make a big difference, illuminating spaces not exactly known for brightness, especially if there’s no windows. If you want to spend time in the garage during winter and stay warm, then some new lighting can make that possible.
Homeowners whose garages are currently serving as cluttered storage closets can do much to get more out of these useful spaces.
-Metro Creative Connection
