Garage Organization on a Budget
Sustainable Systems Without Breaking the Bank
With “garage season” peeking its head around the corner, we get asked all the time for our favorite systems to whip garages into tip top tidy shape. There are hoards of options out there at largely varied price points- from quick buys off Amazon to custom built cabinetry. We’ve just about dealt with them all! For storage systems that last, it comes down to this: they need to be durable, customizable, and maximize the space as much as possible. With the right systems in place, everything will have a home and be accessible- making your life just that much easier. We could all use a little bit of that!!
Things to keep in mind before investing in storage solutions:
Look at what you have: Take a good look at what is currently taking up space in your garage. Garages can easily become a dumping ground for everything we don't know what to do with or have been reluctant to edit. Our typical goal is keeping garages limited to storing utility and cleaning items, tools, outdoor gear, sports, and seasonal storage. Depending on storage space available, your garage may hold more or less categories than those mentioned but these are what we strive for, especially considering most garages are not temperature controlled. Making upfront decisions on belongings that can be stored elsewhere, like in a shed, the house, or deciding what you can let go of, can make a big difference when it comes to deciding what type of storage solution you need.
Take good measurements: Do you park vehicles in your garage? Do you store your trash and recycling in the garage? When you measure your space for the ideal dimensions, be sure to account for ease of maneuverability of frequented and large parked items.
Maximize your space with shelving!
Utilizing your vertical space is a must! Whether you go with a free-standing unit or a wall mounted system, we always want to use those walls to the fullest, prioritizing frequented items at accessible heights, and less frequented or seasonal items towards the top. Adjustable shelves are an absolute game changer for changing spaces and the ebbs and flows of life. Our top tip for any price range? Get a system that can grow with you and that is adjustable as possible. All of our top picks create minimal wall damage, and can travel with you from house to house!
Pro tip for measurements: We recommend, if space allows, going with shelving that has a minimum depth of 16”. We often find 12” shelving is too shallow for what garages require.
Free Standing Units
If a wall mounted system isn’t right for you, or if you are on a super strict budget, free standing shelving units can be a great option! There are several wallet friendly options to choose from that come in sizes to fit any space.
Our Top Picks ($$):
The WorkPro Heavy Duty Utility Rack:
If you have really heavy weighted storage needs, the WorkPro Rack can hold up to 7,200 Lbs! These shelving units are built to last and you can feel it in the quality. They also eliminate the competitors cheaply manufactured wooden shelves utilizing strong steel wire shelves instead. Their main con? These shelves are not a breeze to adjust. It takes two people and can be a bit of a pain.
InterMetro Shelving Solutions:
If you don’t need something quite as heavy duty, our go to for ventilated units is Container Stores’ InterMetro line. There are a slew of accessories, sizing options and the quality difference over competitor shelving can really be felt. We have also noticed over time they stay more rust resistant and keep their polished look a lot longer than alternative brands.
Budget Buys ($):
These shelving racks offer great flexibility with adjustable shelving and a variety of sizing options! You can score great prices on them all over the internet- but not all are created equal. Always take into consideration the build material, weight capacity, and quality reviews to ensure your investments and belongings you intend to store on them stay safe!
Warning of note for these racks: Many of the shelves like “the muscle rack” often use composite wood shelving. If it will live in a highly humid area, know that these cheaper manufactured woods take a beating over time and will need to be replaced eventually. It’s fairly easy to replace with a better cut of wood when that time comes if you’re handy with a saw.
What do we not recommend?
Plastic fixed shelf units. These are not as durable as metal alternatives and offer little flexibility to grow with you. Because the shelves can not be adjusted, you often lose valuable vertical space above the items you are storing. One of the biggest cons to these is how easily they can tip over, creating a hazard in your space. Although you can save a few bucks with these options, they are best to skip in our opinion. We recommend looking at more customizable alternatives for a little more money.
Wall Mounted Units
This is by far our favorite way to glow up a garage. It is amazing what transformations can happen simply by getting things off the floor! We are however very picky about the systems we choose to mount. Our favorites all use as much vertical space as possible, allowing flexibility to grow and shift with your needs, and they have to be easy to adjust. We also love these systems for the minimal damage they do to your walls. Renters could easily use these!!
The Tried and True: Elfa Classic ($$)
She’s beauty and she’s grace- and we love her. Coming in three colors, we use the Elfa line for nearly every space in some capacity. There are so many sizing options, variations, accessories and ability to change, move or shift to other spaces…. the possibilities are endless. The shelves are a breeze to adjust and let me tell you… When you are organizing a space- you need that to be easy. Elfa brings all this with a totally reasonable price point.
Elfa is not your run of the mill ventilated shelving that leaves you with 100+ holes in the wall. It requires only a few screws on the top track and the system simply suspends from there. We have endless footage of us using these systems in every space on our Instagram and I highly suggest you check it out if you aren’t familiar with Elfa!
A Step Above: Elfa Garage+ ($$$)
The Container Store recently took Elfa to another level with their Garage+ line. They now offer sleek industrial style cabinetry to go along with the system we already know and love. We absolutely love the finishing pieces they have added to this line. The cabinetry is of course optional and is what brings the price up just a bit, but it’s basically the same price as classic Elfa if you choose to forgo the cabinets.
Budget Buys ($)
There are several Elfa dupes out there now that are highly rated to help save some money. We know it can all add up pretty quickly for these great systems. For basic shelving, the Rubbermaid is a great alternative but if you are looking for drawer storage I would weigh your options. In my opinion, Elfa beats them all out in this department with better stability, quality and ease of use.
Tool storage
Depending on the amount of tools you have and how frequent you need them will tell you a lot about how much you need to prioritize them in your space. Here’s a few of our favorite options for all level of crafts(wo)men out there:
Small Tool Boxes + Bags ($ - $$):
These are great options for when you have just a small collection of tools!
Elfa Compatibile Accessories ($$):
If you are thinking about diving into the Elfa system, here are even more reasons to do so! They have endless accessories to organize any space.
Storage Chests + Work Benches ($$ - $$$):
We love a tool chest with drawers for organizing all the little things. It’s especially great when it can double as a workbench!
Long Hanging Tools
Rakes, shovels, brooms, oh my! All of these long handled tools can quickly clutter up a garage and be an absolute nightmare, often becoming a jumbled up mess in the corner. We have tried many ways to get these hung up and off the floor and we’ve narrowed it down to a few favs.
The name of the game is again getting a system that has flexibility in it. We always opt for solutions that let you change the hooks and move them around. This ensures the system you are investing in will stand the test of time.
Wall Mounted Tracks ($):
Of all the ways we have hung up items, long or short, this is our top choice when it comes to a budget friendly option. The versatility of being able to swap hooks around and move items to their most ideal location takes the cake. We also love that many of these hooks give you the option to mount them on the wall as a single hook. Choosing options that are flexible in this way creates for a seamless look across your garage with products that match.
Elfa Utility Tracks + Accessories ($$):
We LOVE these utility tracks. They have so many compatible accessories and are easy to change + adjust as you need. We not only use these for long hanging tools but for sports, toys, bags, ladders… you name it, we’ve hung it with this utility track.
Free Standing Long Tool Organizer ($):
Although it’s not our favorite option, if you aren’t able to use wall space to hang your tools, consider a free standing organizer like this one. While it brings a bulky design, it does allow you to corral your items while still leaving them shoppable and easy to grab.
Storage Carts
Elfa Drawer Units ($$)
We love these versatile solutions for sports gear, grab and go stations for the car, kids outdoor games… you name it! There is only one we really ever consider and you guessed it- it’s from Elfa. The quality of the epoxy bonded steel is unmatched and there are so many sizing options and drawer combinations making them great for any need or space. Our favorite use is for sports and kids outdoor toy + drop zones. You can opt for them to be stationary or on wheels!
A note about Elfa
If you are considering giving your garage space a life changing investment, The Container Store offers completely free custom designs. You can work with a consultant to get the perfect dimensions and complete list of products needed to complete the design for your space at no cost to you!
They also have a great gallery of pre-designed spaces that are an easy click away to purchase if finding the individual components is a little too overwhelming for you!
If you are interested in custom spaces by Elfa be sure to reach out to us! We would be over the moon to tell you more about the process and help walk you through it. I promise- you will not regret it!!!
You can reach us at:
hello@typealifestylecompany.com or
DM us on instagram @TypeALifestyleCo
