At the start of each new day you probably step out into your garage and think to yourself “This could be a great space!” You may think changes would take a great deal of money and time, but it would be great to have additional living or storage space. You may have dreams of turning your basement into a family room, but with everything stored down there now, it would be impossible to create a comfortable space. In frustration, you hop into your car and live another day with a garage that serves little more purpose than keeping the wind, rain, and snow off of your vehicle. All of that can change with just a few simple adjustments that are affordable, easy to accomplish, and only take a weekend or so to tackle. Once the revamp is complete, you will have a garage that can serve as storage space or even additional living space, if it is large enough. Start with your storage needs and pricing items like cantilever racking or wire partitions for storage.

Take a good look around the garage and figure out what can be donated or tossed and what needs to be kept. This is the best way to determine the right kind of storage system because you will know for sure what will need to stay in the garage.

Next, determine if you are moving items from the indoors out. If your ultimate goal is creating more living space in your home, your garage can become a perfect storage area. The key is to create an organization system that works for you, and to make the garage a little more homey so you do not mind spending time putting items away. Just like the rest of your house, if a space is inviting and comfortable, it will work for you. If the storage is useable and everyone likes the area, it is sure to be used. This will give you more space inside for living.

Few changes will be needed in the garage to get it organized once you have purged unnecessary items. The temperature may already be just fine if your garage is attached or you are not storing climate sensitive items. You may need to add some additional security or make a few minor repairs, but overall, most garages work well for storage.

If you think your garage might make for great additional living space, the changes needed will require a bit more work. You will need more insulation to create a comfortable climate-controlled space. You will definitely need to upgrade the security features of the space if you are going to have furniture and electronics in the garage. You will also need to soften the space and treat it like a regular room in your home.