Figure 1 by wakarimas

-Jennifer, Birmingham, Mich.

A garage can easily become the hub of any home, especially in the summer. Like you, our garage is home to many of our favorite things. And it’s true, finding a spot for the car can be tricky! The garage can be used as an extension of your home. If it is organized and planned for efficiency you can create real usable space.

Storage options include buying modular systems or building your own. A simple and more affordable option is hanging floating shelves around the garage; they will eliminate clutter from the floor and will give you more room to move and work. Open shelves will allow everyone in the family to see exactly what they are looking for to create greater accessibility. Cabinets will be more expensive but will hide clutter as well as keep items more secure and free from dust. Covered storage will work well for seasonal items or anything that isn’t used often.

Clear plastic containers are great for storing the kids' stuff — they will be able to see what is inside so they don’t have to rummage through everything. A clear definition between the kids' stuff and your stuff should be made, especially when the kids spend a lot of time pulling their things in and out of the garage. Clear plastic containers are also great for the high shelves, you can eliminate some of the pulling on and off the shelves. Plastic containers also stack nicely, keep out moisture and are sturdier then cardboard boxes.

Figure 2 by garagestorageshelves

Utilize all the space above the cars. Ceiling racks are a great way to elevate things you need to store and get them out of the way. Plastic containers are available and work great here, too.

Tools should be accessible; a convenient and inexpensive option for hand tools is a peg board. You can attach hooks to the peg board to hang virtually anything. For the handyman in the family a workbench, like storage units, are available as modular units. They come in all different styles and sizes. A small surface, kept clear, will allow your husband to do small projects right in the garage. A large standing tool box with wheels can be kept right under the bench, which will create a convenient mobile work station. There are even tool box options that come with a workbench on top. No matter the size of the garage there are options of all sizes for a workbench.

Before putting anything into storage, separate into categories. Gather like things and separate out seasonal items. Have your kids organize their own toys, too. The most important tip is getting rid of all that junk. Anything that doesn’t get used, donate it, give it to friends and family or consider having a garage sale.

Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as president and founding member of nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM Talk 1600AM. E-mail questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com