Kitting out your garage

As estate agents, we often tell our clients that there’s a hidden gem in every North East home. Whether a granite tenement in Aberdeen city, a coastal cottage in Stonehaven, a house with rural views in Inverurie or a new build in Banchory – each home has an untapped potential, and it’s frequently the garage. The days of using this space to park your car are long gone, but it can too often turn into a dumping ground (guilty!) With a bit of vision and planning, your garage can be transformed into an organised, multi-functional space.

Here, we’ll explore the myriad ways you can kit out your garage with both purpose-built storage systems and budget-friendly repurposing techniques.

Purpose-built Storage Solutions

The garage is your domain. It should be a place where everything is in its right place, ready for use when you need it. Purpose-built storage solutions are designed with this principle in mind. They offer a dedicated place for every item, from your bicycle to your toolbox.

1. Garage shelving: In a space-starved garage, the vertical space is a precious commodity. Installing sturdy, free-standing shelving units or wall-mounted shelves provides ample space to store items off the floor, thus saving valuable floor space.
2. Storage cabinets: Cabinets offer a neat and tidy way to store tools and other equipment, protecting them from dust and rust. Opt for sturdy metal cabinets that can withstand the garage environment.
3. Tool chests and boxes: For smaller tools and bits-and-bobs, a tool chest or box is a must-have. Look for those with multiple compartments for easy organisation.
4. Ceiling-mounted racks: When floor and wall space is maxed out, look up! Ceiling-mounted racks are perfect for storing seasonal items like holiday decorations or camping gear.

Budget-Friendly Repurposing Techniques

Of course, not everyone wants to invest in purpose-built storage systems. If you’re on a tight budget, but still keen to organise your garage, fear not. There are many creative and affordable ways to repurpose sturdy old furniture for garage storage. Websites like Freecycle, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace are goldmines for these!

1. Old bookcases: An old bookcase can work brilliantly as a tool organiser. The shelves are perfect for toolboxes, paint cans, and jars full of screws and nails.
2. Discarded kitchen cabinets: Old kitchen units offer a lot of storage space. Plus, they come with worktops that can be utilised as a workbench for DIY projects.
3. Old dressers: Dressers can be transformed into a multi-purpose storage system. The drawers can store small tools or gardening supplies, while the top can serve as a workbench.
4. Wine racks: Got an old wine rack you no longer need? They are perfect for storing items like spray paint cans or tools.

Repurposing Storage Tips

When it comes to repurposing, a little creativity goes a long way. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Assess what you have: Look around your home for unused items. That old chest of drawers you’re planning to throw out. It might be the perfect tool chest.
2. Don’t be afraid to modify: An item might not be perfect for your needs as it is, but with a little modification, it could be. Can you add wheels to that old bookcase to make it more portable? Could a coat of waterproof paint protect that old wooden dresser?
3. Group similar items together: This makes it easier to find what you’re looking for. Keep all your garden tools in one place, your car care products in another.

Your garage holds endless potential, and with a little ingenuity, it can become an organised, useful extension of your home. Start exploring these storage solutions today and transform your garage into a haven of organisation and functionality. And, if you have unwanted goods with lots of life left in them, why not donate them to a local charity? Check out our blog for a list of charities in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire who also collect.

Whether you’re searching for a new property with an ample garage to flex your organisational muscles, or you’re looking for guidance on increasing the value of your current home before selling, our dedicated team is always ready to assist you. Get in touch today for personalised advice tailored to your specific needs.

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