Your garage serves as more than just storage space. It’s an extension of your home, so it’s important that it be both functional and well-designed. An unorganized garage can clutter your mind and make your home feel less comfortable.
Moreover, the risk of accidents or injuries also increases because you don’t know where everything is. But there are several ways to upgrade your garage so that it feels fresh and inviting while improving the curb appeal of your home. Here are 7 ideas to upgrade your garage and make it more functional.
1. Give it a Good Cleaning
Give your garage a good cleaning. A cluttered garage is not only a safety hazard but also a headache. Not only does it make your home look dirty, but it gives the impression that you don’t know what you’re doing. It can be tough to clean out all of the junk, so make sure that you set aside enough time for this task.
If possible, get some help from family or friends. Otherwise, take advantage of a weekend when you have nothing else to do and dedicate it to the garage. If you have any seasonal decorations, now is the perfect time to put them away in order to make room for winter gear later on.
Finally, finish off with a thorough vacuuming. When everything has been put back in its place and wiped down with bleach or another disinfectant, start looking around for anything new that might need sorting through.
2. Install Overhead Storage
One of the best ways to upgrade your garage is to install overhead storage. There are many benefits to upgrading your garage with overhead storage. This allows you to store larger items in a safe and accessible location, freeing up valuable floor space for smaller items.
In addition, overhead garage storage won’t take away from your home’s curb appeal because it will be hidden behind the door. You can make use of unused wall space to install vertical shelving systems on either side or have shelves that hang from the ceiling.
A small disadvantage is that these systems are typically more expensive than traditional cabinets. But if you are left with some heavy boxes and gear on your garage floor, then this type of storage is the best you can have.
3. Organize and Declutter
A cluttered garage can be an additional headache for you. When you come home, your first impression of your house is often the garage. A cluttered garage can also lead to other problems. For example, it can result in bugs or insects making a home there, and they might end up infesting the rest of your home as well.
The best way to avoid these issues is by taking the time to declutter. You can start by sorting everything into piles. One pile can be for trash, one for lawn items, one for tools that need repair, etc. This way, you will save considerable space in your garage, which can be used to park your car or bike.
4. Add Some Shelving
Adding shelving is a great way to make your garage feel less cluttered. You can store things like bikes, sports equipment, winter gear, or anything else that would normally be sitting on the floor, taking up the extra space.
You can also consider adding a workbench in the center of your garage for tasks that require some elbow grease. With a few simple additions, you’ll have an organized space with plenty of room for all of your stuff.
There are many options when it comes to shelving. Plastic shelves are affordable, metal shelves are more durable, and wire shelves allow you to see what’s inside without opening them. All these shelves are easy enough to install as long as you know how much weight each shelf can hold.
5. Invest in a Good Garage Door
If you want to upgrade your garage and make it more appealing, you can start by investing in a good garage door. This will be the first thing people see when they come to visit your home. A nice garage door can increase your property value.
The garage door will also show that you are someone who takes care of their home and make for a more attractive place for you to park your car. A nice new garage door that complements your home and increases its value will prove somewhat costly, but it all will depend on size, material, features, and other options.
You can install one yourself or hire a contractor to do it for you. If you’re looking to save money, you can install a garage door yourself with just a few tools.
6. Add Some Lighting
Garages can be dark and dreary places because of no humans living in there, which is why it is important to have some type of lighting. You can have overhead lights installed, or you could add a light fixture in the back of the garage that shines on your vehicle.
This will ensure that you can see what you are doing when working on your car at night. This will also help keep pests away. It might also draw insects away from food sources inside the garage such as pet food bowls and compost piles.
Moreover, proper outdoor and indoor garage lighting will also keep burglars away from breaking into your garage, and ultimately invading your house.
7. Consider Garage Makeover
Many people use their garages as storage space or work areas, so they can be a big mess. If you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s curb appeal, try giving the inside of your garage a makeover. One option might be to paint the walls in bright colors like blue or green.
You can also add some artistic touches like art on the wall, or you can also paint over certain sections. Another idea would be adding trim around the ceiling or painting stripes on the floor or walls. Also, one more thing you might want to consider is building shelves where you can store all your stuff neatly organized.
The garage is often overlooked when it comes to improving your home. The truth is, however, the garage is an important feature of your property. By following the above-mentioned tips, you can turn your garage into an amazing place that will be more than just a cluttered storage space.