The garage can serve as a highly functional space in the home, but only if it is kept tidy and well organized. Make better use of your garage with the help of these organizational tips.

Most households are guilty of letting their garage get too cluttered, decreasing the functionality of what would otherwise be an excellent storage area. Organizing the garage can seem like a daunting task, but it is much more manageable if you tackle it in a step-by-step manner. Here are five suggestions to help you transform your garage into a tidy and usable space with plenty of room for your cars and anything else you need to store.

1. Start with a Plan

Any successful organization project begins with a plan. Set aside some time to draft a layout of your garage so that you can more easily visualize what should go where. Note important information like the floor dimensions, the location of windows, and how much space your car needs. Create zones for different items based on item type and frequency of use. For example, all of your gardening supplies should be stored in one spot, and more frequently used items should be kept in more easily accessible locations.

2. Try to Keep Everything Off the Floor

When designing your organizational plan, one of the main factors you should focus on is keeping everything off the floor, as much as it is possible to do so. Using storage solutions like shelving and hooks will clear up floor space, leaving more room for your car and preventing piles of accumulated mess. A clear floor will also be easier to clean.

3. Choose the Right Storage Items

You’ll have an easier time keeping the garage tidy if you make use of the right storage products. Stackable clear plastic bins are a must-have for most organizational projects, as they allow you to see what’s inside. Just make sure you group the items inside the bins in a way that makes sense, and consider labeling them as well. Boxes, baskets, jars, and other storage products can also come in handy depending on your storage needs.

4. Opt for Open Shelving

Open shelving is generally a better storage option in the garage than closed cabinets. Open shelves are more easily accessible, allow you to see where everything is, and are generally less expensive to boot. Plus, closed cabinet doors make it easy to hide clutter and allow things to become messy. However, cabinets can be useful for storing items that need to be protected from dirt and dust or that need to be securely locked away from children.

5. Make Use of Overhead Space

Finally, look up–there is probably plenty of overhead space in your garage waiting to be utilized. The ceiling is a great place to store things that you don’t use every day, like ladders, bicycles, or other seasonal sports equipment. Just make sure you position everything in a way that doesn’t interfere with the operation of your garage door and that provides generous clearance over the roof of your car.

When kept neat and tidy, the garage is a fantastic place to store all sorts of items and equipment. Get more use out of your garage by organizing it to suit your needs.