What things have you all done to improve the organization of your garage? If you look in my gallery, mine is a bit of caos. I organize it about every 2 or 3 months, and it still gets crazy.

Most of the mess kids toys, but now that the truck is becoming pieces, I need more space. I have thought about more roof storage, as my ceiling is high. I may needs more cabinets and shelving. It is hard to teach the kids to clean up when the storage for their stuff is inadequate (and I can't sneak too many toys to the dumpster at work anymore, or they won't have much left).

As usual, I want to do this for the least amount of money. I am not buying those fancy wall hanging storage units and work benches, as I am somewhat handy with a saw and hammer.

Thanks.

 

I'd build some cabinets outa plywood n 2x4's hand shelves above the garage door

 

Shelves. Lots and lots of shelves. When you think you have enough, put up some more.

 

And may I add- shelves, shelves, shelves. I have made some skinny shelves hanging from the ceiling for long skinny stuff- even over the garage door. I also store lots of truck parts under the truck, although that's gonna come back to bite me when I need to work under there. I also put up 3 full sheets of pegboard for all the tools. You can put cabinets up near the ceiling, too. I have a large bin system (60 bins) to deal with all the various hardware. It occured to me that many car parts can be stored outside, at least temporarily. And would your spouse really mind an engine in the living room? I know a guy who rebuilt 2 boat engines in his living room! For me (and I have a long way to go) organizing and throwing stuff out helps more than anything. After I've dragged something around for a few years, I ask myself if I'm ever gonna get around to using it. The answer is usually 'No'. That being said, I refuse to part w/that old flathead block that I'm going to build a car or boat around 'some day'!

 

Sometimes you can find kitchen or office remodeling projects with leftovers. There are a number of good threads here on organizing or storage for the shop.

 

Boy Howdy you said something there "YOU GOT TO DO SOMETHING" I say that everyday!!!!!!!!!!

I have shelves coming out the wahzue and that helps to an extent but that just means you have to sort through that stuff so here is what I have figured out.

Small everyday parts, anything that is used regular go in marked open bins that are Eye level and lower,

Wrenches that are used regular peg board ain't bad.

Anything and everything, boxes or bins that you put on a shelf HIGH OR LOW needs to be marked with whats in it, NO EXCEPTIONS

Temporary (year or less) storage of large parts; doors, fenders etc can share space in a shed with the garden equipment especially this time of year. No shed? How about a "Lean to" or (stockade fence) next to or in back of the shop, just make sure the tarp you use matches so it dosn't look bad (prevents them from discovering you are really a Red Neck). Set some pallets on patio blocks (keeps the water & bugs away) Set the fence around it, Put a post in the middle or across the top to support the tarp (roof) then wrap up your spare heads, intake etc and put them on the pallet in the "lean to"/Stockade. Make sure you wrap them up though so prying eyes can't easily see what it is. Transmissions, if its a core can go there too, if it's good slide it underneath the bottom shelf of one of the benches. Motors are harder to hide but hopefully you will be working on that if not and you have a choice might be better to leave it in the vehicle until you are really ready to work on it.
Just some thoughts ...
Good Luck

 

Get a used shipping container for "out back"

 

I picked up this idea from a woodworking magazine: hi-density storage.

What is it? If you've ever seen hi-density file storage systems in offices, you'll have an idea of what I mean. It's sort of the poor-man's version. In a nutshell, imagine a pair of bookshelves, bolted back-to-back and mounted on wheels. Now imagine a bunch of them stored face-to-face in a corner with labels on the ends indicating contents. Need something? Pull out the rack, remove the item, roll rack back into place.

The magazine project design has the bottom half open for storing larger items. I'v been itching to build a few of these ever since I saw the article last year.

 

I also say shevles... and upstairs storage, as well as some form of outside storage, whether it be added to the side of the building, or another little storage shed. Many parts can be stored outside without damage, just don't have them sitting in the dirt for years, and set out in an organized fashion will help keep the neighbors happier.Maybe a tarp over them so it can't be seen for what is under there...

 

The used shipping container sounds good. They are usually water tight too.
I like peg boards, there are cheap and easy. I like cheap and easy.