Small Garage Ideas: Tips to Improve the Space
Make your garage look bigger on the inside
A small garage doesn't mean it's game over for your car, bike, tools, and other garage-worthy goodies. With some tricks up your sleeve, you'll be well on your way toward making the most out of your small garage. We've rounded up 11 small garage ideas to get you started on improving your space.
1. Install Ceiling Storage
When you don’t have ground space to store items in your garage, installing ceiling storage may be the next best option. Ceiling storage racks can provide you with additional space without taking up extra room in your garage. This might be perfect for seasonal decorations or bulky items.
2. Utilize the Wall
When it comes to small garages, walls are your best friend. From slat walls to pegboards to shelving, your tools will thank you for the extra legroom—all while saving space. And don't be afraid to make use of hooks and pegs to hang items in your small garage. Keep items that you seldom use on higher racks and items that you frequently use at eye level to make it easy to access your most valuable tools and garage knick-knacks.
3. Attach Bike Racks
Bikes can be very convenient in nearly every way—that is, except when it comes to your garage storage space. They can be both messy and clunky, taking away precious square feet in your already limited space. And sometimes you can't just leave your bicycle outside out of concern of exposing your bike to the elements or theft.
Fortunately, a bike rack on your ceiling or walls can help protect your bike from the great outdoors and give you the space you need in your garage.
4. Buy a Storage Cabinet
Storage cabinets can sometimes take up room in your garage, but cleverly installed or custom storage cabinets can help organize your garage by storing unruly items, which ultimately gives you more space. That football, soccer ball, Christmas tree, or skateboard can hide away without awkwardly cluttering up your garage or posing a tripping hazard as you struggle to make your way around a cramped space.
5. Consider a Car Lift
For those looking for a small garage solution akin to a scene from a sci-fi film, a car lift can turn your garage into a quirky and awesome-looking garage with plenty of ground room. A car lift works by raising your (small) vehicle up via a ramp and hoisting mechanism. This gives you space to park another car or have more surface area to utilize your garage space when your car is not in use.
6. Clean Out the Unwanted Items
A clutter-free garage can open up the space to items you actually want and need. Take the time to sift through old junk in your garage and toss items that are broken. Consider donating outdated items or ones that are no longer beneficial to your garage space.
7. Create a Cleaning Routine
Spring cleaning alone won't be enough to maintain a small garage. You’ll need to create a regular schedule to ensure your space stays clutter-free. A cleaning routine can help prevent an accumulation of items all while creating the appearance of more space. Little specks of debris can make your space seem smaller than it is.
So sweep your garage and wipe down shelving and storage containers once every month or two, and periodically go through old items and purge things you don't need.
8. Install New Lights
Even in an average-sized garage, adding new light fixtures can be a simple way to create a space that looks bigger. The best lighting for small rooms is clear, light, and small bulbs. Avoid using a single light in your garage, as this can make your walls look darker and your room look smaller. Instead, consider installing light fixtures in several places in your garage.
If you use your garage as an office, you may want to install recessed lighting near the walls to create the illusion of extra space, or even install mirrors next to light fixtures to make your garage look bigger.
9. Paint the Garage a Lighter Color
Choosing the best paint and paint sheen can make all the difference in how large your garage appears. Darker, matte walls will make your garage look dark and cramped—like a cave—while lighter, glossier walls will naturally open your room to look bigger. (Bonus points if you decide to add windows to your garage for real natural light).
Painting your garage’s ceiling a shade lighter can also create the appearance of more room in your small garage.
10. Buy a Detached Garage
When push comes to shove, and you're still wanting more garage space despite trying out all of these tips, then it might be time to hire a local garage builder to build a detached garage and give yourself more room. A detached garage costs between $19,200 and $33,600 on average.
11. Add a Storage Shed
Your gardening tools, weedeater, and lawn mower have to go somewhere. If you still want to make use of separate storage space but don't want to invest in the cost of a detached garage, a storage shed may be the ideal option for your small garage woes. Storage sheds cost between $100 and $30,000, but most homeowners spend around $2,500 on average.
The best part about this option is that you can place your storage shed in a place that's most convenient for your needs.