10 ways to organise your garage

Is your car competing for space with boxes, tools and sports gear? For many Australians, the garage becomes a catch-all for everything that doesn’t fit in the house. But with a little weekend effort, you can transform it into a clean, organised and functional space. Here are 10 smart ways to organise your garage and make every square metre count.

Start with a full clear-out

The first step in any garage organisation project is to empty the space completely. Take everything out and sort items into three piles: keep, donate and discard/sell. Seeing the entire contents in daylight makes it easier to spot what’s worth keeping; and what’s just taking up valuable space.

Clean from the ground up

Before moving things back in, sweep out dust, leaves and cobwebs, then wash the floor. This simple step sets the stage for a fresh start and helps you spot oil stains or safety hazards you might have missed.

Create functional zones

Zoning is key to long-term order. Group similar items together: tools in one area, garden gear in another, and sports equipment in its own section. Clear labels or colour-coded bins help everyone find things quickly.

Maximise overhead garage storage and vertical space

Walls and ceilings are often underused in garages. Install overhead garage storage racks and add wall mounts or hooks for bikes, surfboards and ladders. These garage storage ideas free up floor space while keeping bulky gear off the ground and out of the way.

Invest in modular shelving

Adjustable shelving is a game changer for garages. Choose heavy-duty metal or plastic units that can handle weighty DIY tools and items and can be reconfigured as your garage storage needs change. For additional safety and reduce tip risk, anchor tall shelving to the wall.

Store chemicals safely

Paints, oils and cleaning products need safe storage, especially in the summer heat. Keep them stored safely in sealed containers on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet, well away from kids and pets. 

Create a ‘family load zone’

Set up a handy area near the internal door where school bags, shopping and sports gear can be dropped off. Add sturdy hooks, cubbies or a small bench to keep daily clutter under control.

Add lighting and ventilation

A well-lit, well-ventilated garage is safer and more pleasant to work in, especially when you’re cleaning or doing maintenance on your car. Replace old bulbs with bright LEDs and consider a portable fan or window vent to keep air circulating.

Label everything

Once your items are in their zones, label every shelf and bin. It’s a simple habit that helps the whole family maintain order and keeps future clean-ups quick and easy.

Schedule a seasonal refresh

Garages can easily slide back into chaos. Set a reminder every three months to do a quick sweep, return items to their proper zones, and remove anything you no longer need.

A weekend garage reset doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of planning and these practical garage storage ideas, you’ll reclaim valuable space, improve safety and give your car the prime spot it deserves.

_Disclaimer
^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}