Having garage storage effectively organized can be a daunting task. Many garage owners consider it easier to keep things in disarray rather than put in the extra effort required to make garage storage effective.
If garage storage is not done properly, it may result in lost items and other problems that can create serious inconveniences. Considering the following points will help garage owners better organize their garage storage systems.
Things To Consider in a Garage Storage
Garage cabinets are an integral part of any garage storage plan. Garage cabinets should be selected based on the contents they will house and by their suitability for your garage’s dimensions and design. All garage cabinets should come with levelling feet, adjustable shelves, doors that seal against dust infiltration, and thermal insulation if possible (to heat out during summer months).
They should also be sturdy enough to handle garage contents without being toppled over. Normal garage cabinets are usually made of particleboard, plywood, or fiberboard. These materials can deteriorate when exposed to water, which may lead garage owners to fork out more money for stronger cabinet materials.
Garage storage systems like garage cabinetry should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications. Garage cabinets should not obstruct walkways leading into and out of the garage; nor should they impede car doors from opening wide enough to allow entry and exit.
They should also not block windows that provide natural light into garage areas. It is best to consult a pro about ways on how garage cabinets can work well within your garage design plan before implementing any home improvement garage storage systems.
When garage owners purchase garage cabinets for garage items that are to be stored off the floor, they need to keep in mind that garage cabinets should be installed sufficiently strong enough to bear garage contents without sagging or tipping over. If garage storage cabinets and shelves will house heavy garage items, installation of metal brackets and braces may be necessary for additional support.
Garage accessories like tools and other items are best kept on open garage shelves. Open garage shelves allow quick access to commonly used garage items while making garage storage more visible and better organized than if such items were hidden away inside unpractical containers such as boxes or covered with car covers.
Tools that do not need frequent exposure can simply be put inside cabinet doors out of sight during garage storage.
Some garage items such as power tools and sports equipment need to be hung up for garage storage. Garage owners can purchase garage wall hangers or install garage shelving at garage ceiling heights so that garage storage systems stay out of the way during garage activities.
The use of garage towers, which can house a number of items, is recommended since they allow garage owners easy access to their frequently used garage items from overhead without needing to climb steps or ladders just to fetch them from the floor.
Garage cabinets with attached workbenches are good choices especially if space is an issue in your garage design plan because you get two necessities in one package: shelves and a work area all in one compact unit.
Workbenches with built-in cabinets can hold garage tools and equipment, garage gadgets and garage accessories like garage storage containers and even garage furniture like a dining table or home office set.
Garage owners who park their cars inside the garage need to keep in mind that garage items such as automobiles should always be parked far enough from wall cabinets so that garage doors can open up fully without hitting any walls or cabinet doors when they slide upwards to exit or enter the garage.
Any garage storage systems should not damage the paintwork on garage surfaces. It is best to check with manufacturers if coating garage storage cabinets with scratch-proof finishes are possible before implementing any home improvement projects for garage storage systems.
All door and cabinet hardware surfaces must also tolerate corrosion and rust so that garage owners can avoid garage storage systems made of materials that will not fit well with garage design plans.
The garage floor must be able to support the weight of garage cabinets and garage contents, especially garage storage systems that have drawers or deep cabinets filled to their limits. Garage flooring should also be sloped enough so that any water coming from the garage ceiling has a clear path down to a drain away from electrical work areas including power tools and garage lighting fixtures.
Check for an adequate slope in your local garage building codes before you buy garage cabinets or install home improvement garage storage systems.
Garage owners who will use heavy equipment such as lawnmowers, trimmers, snowblowers, etc., inside the garage should check if there is space for garage storage cabinets that can accommodate such items when not in use.
Garage owners should always plan garage storage design with garage safety in mind. This includes garage wall protection from garage tools and garage accessories, garage flooring that will be safe to walk on all year long and garage insulation to keep the garage warm enough during fall, winter and spring seasons without overheating it during summertime.
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