DOM I NO M AG AZ I NE

How to organize your

garage
Reclaim precious real estate—there may even be room for
your car when you're finished!

A clean garage is the ultimate welcome mat.

 Keep like with like
When you have so much stuff that you don't know where
to start, arrange it according to task. Are you a weekend
gardener? Group soil and tools on a potting table; heavy
containers can rest on the floor underneath. An amateur
carpenter? Devote a cabinet and a sturdy surface to your
woodworking tools.
Modular wall-storage system (including perforated
boards, shelves, bins, countertops and hardware)
"Antonius $2 to $20 each, ikea.com for stores Cabinets
28" × 18" × 31" "GearBox" $229 each, and Countertops
18" × 56 2/5" "VersaTop" $129 each, gladiatorgw.com
for stores Tool box Kobalt #47247 $29.98 and Tools
$3.99 to $179 lowes.com for stores Benches Perforated
steel about $325 each, Design Workshop, Inc. (910)
293-7329 for information Bins (left) Vagabond Vintage
perforated steel $122 each, mothology.com

Hide in plain sight

Conceal unattractive and toxic items (extra rags and
sponges, paint thinner, cleaners) in locked cabinets—
away from kids and pets. Plus, with less visual static, the
area becomes more peaceful.
 Colonize every inch
A perforated wall unit makes the most of the vertical
space, allowing you to hang shelves, hooks and even see-
through containers (for small objects such as twine
scissors). What you need all the time should stay low and
accessible; the less frequently used can go higher. With
everything up on the wall, you'll have plenty of
countertop to spread out on.
 Make it comfortable
Durable metal benches mean you can sit while you work
(and they double as stepladders), while inexpensive light
clips provide spot illumination. A very un-garagelike
chair is a nice perch when you're taking a break.
Tool bag (with three tools) $59, Gardening tools $17 to
$59 each, Brown gloves $39/pair, Potting soil $6/bag,
and Pots $6 and $12 each, all at smithandhawken.com
for stores

Get up off the floor

The walls are just sitting (well, standing) there, so put
them to work. This incredible Rubbermaid system
effectively doubles your storage with variable-length
tracks that you can custom-fit to your space and your
equipment. There are baskets for soccer balls, racks for
 bicycles, hooks for golf bags—even surfboard holders.
Just screw the tracks to the studs and clip on the rest.
Wall bracket system Rubbermaid steel "Fast-Track"
rails $9.97 and $17.97 each, and accessories $6.97 to
$29.97 each, homedepot.com for stores

Maintain organized bliss

It all starts with a simple rule: To bring in something
new, something old must go. Also, resist the urge to stack
boxes of outdated clothes, magazines and other junk
you'll likely never use again—the key is to streamline
your garage for maximum efficiency, not transform it
into a storage room. Whether it's a flashlight or a pair of
water skis, be sure each piece has its designated spot, lest
the whole clutter-and-gather-dust cycle begin anew.
Stash essentials near the door for easy access. Pegboard
16" × 32" powder-coated steel panels $21.99 each,
wallcontrol.com Boot tray 34" × 14" bronze-tone metal
$39 smithandhawken.com
This content originally appeared as Organize Your
Garage in Domino magazine.
Photography: Laura Moss; Prop Stylist: Lili Diallo; Set Proudction:
Chase Booth