The original garage organizer system was just some basic shelves that were put up along the garage walls, usually just using scraps of plywood and pine that were lying around the house. I have to admit, this is still the type of garage organizer that we use today. It works fairly well for boxes, but not good for all the miscellaneous, odd shaped items that end up in the garage.

After basic shelves, came the evolution of a utility shelf. Often made out of metal or heavy duty plastic, and the plastic ones usually break completely down to shelves and supports. We have some of these also, both the plastic type that break down as well as heavy duty metal shelves.

Along with these basic shelves, we have the everyday cabinet that can be found in many ordinary garages. The garage organizer cabinet is usually made of metal or particle board. We have the particle board variety which is heavy and will be ruined if it gets wet. But it is very good for storing paint, stain, fertilizer and other household chemicals.

But in the last 15 to 20 years, the garage organizer has evolved into full systems. These systems range from grouped cabinets of various sizes and configurations to wall slat systems that are very versatile. These wall systems can hold a variety of different hooks, shelves, baskets, caddies etc. that can hold an entire multitude of items from gardening tools to sports items to seasonal goodies to tools and bikes.

It seems like that would max out the ideas for garage organizers, but then somebody realized that there was an entire ceiling that was going unused. There are multiple overhead systems that take advantage of this fact, from a shelf that hangs from the ceiling (some on a pulley system) to special tote holders.

So with this innovative idea in mind, it made me wonder what will come next? What does the future garage organizer look like? Perhaps rotating shelves where everything has its own place, and it would be fully computerized. Just punch into the computer what you are looking for, and the shelves and cabinets would mechanically rotate until the desired item was front and center.

Perhaps some of the cabinets could even be kept in the crawl space above the garage and would robotically come down through a trap door when you did a search on the garage organizer computer system.

Better yet, think of Star Trek the Next Generation. You just walk up to a contraption built into the wall and say like Jean Luc Picard, “Tea, Earl Gray”, or more appropriately, “Stain, Dark Walnut” and the item would instantly appear. The question is, do you store everything willy nilly in the crawl space and attic, or are they just molecules floating somewhere in space to reassemble when called upon. On Star Trek, I used to wonder if they had a storage hold full of anything you could possible need to appear when summoned, but I am pretty sure it was the latter molecular scenario.

Star Trek may not be the future of garage organizer systems, but it will be interesting to see what does evolve. But for right now, there are some great systems available to improve your garage storage needs.

But perhaps we won’t need a garage, because cars will be obsolete. Beam me up Scotty!

Like any part of your house, your garage needs some organization as well. It is prone to so much clutter and mess especially since we don’t normally spend so much time out there. And even if you do, some tools tend to be left where you last use them instead of being kept with the other tools. Some just don’t have any form of organization so their garage is dirty and tools are scattered everywhere.

Upon realization that you want a tidy garage, look over the whole garage and identify the problem areas. Take note of the things that need most of the tidying up. Then plan the whole organization of your garage. Create a garage storage system that will be most helpful to you. Think where you want to put the tools, furniture and other equipment that is in your garage. Cabinets and drawers are good for eliminating your garage clutter. It’s also good to use your wall for hanging tools. Install shelves and buy boxes to store items on each shelf.

Plan what type of cabinets, panels, chests and other storage you are going to use. You can call in a professional to help you or buy a preconfigured garage storage system. It is helpful to browse around online and in stores to help you make your decision. Then after installing and storing everything, don’t forget to label each drawer, cabinet and storage box. This is important so that everything will be easy to find. Now you won’t only have a tidy garage, you will also have an efficient one.

Are you completely frustrated with your garage? Does your car sit in the driveway because there is no room for it because of all the clutter? Garage storage systems are the answer to your organizational nightmare.

Your first step in solving this problem is to remove everything from your garage, preferably on a nice day. Put all that clutter in the backyard or the driveway. If you are lucky, people might think you are having a yard sale and start offering you money for some of your junk! Once the garage is empty, you can give it a good cleaning including a power washer for the floor. After that job is complete, you can begin installing the garage storage systems. Any items that you do not have a use for are either donated to charity, thrown in the garbage or sold at a yard sale.

Garage storage systems can come in many different forms. One such form is an extruded PVC slat wall panels. These panels are extremely strong and are easy to install. They are also easy to clean and they come in six different colors at this time, thus, there is no need to paint. Other storage accessories include overhead racks and storage systems that allow items to hang from your garage ceiling and are thus kept out of the way. Practically anything that sits in your garage can be hung up out of the way.

Garage storage systems are a cost effective way to clean up your garage. You may find that you have more space than you originally thought. The storage areas can be divided into compartments in several different areas such as overhead storage, sports equipment section, holiday supplies and workshop or tools area. Other designated sections could include firewood, vehicle supplies, lawn and garden supplies, pet supplies and garbage and recycling areas. Some people may have more or less areas needed for organizing their garage items.

Wall cabinets are great garage storage systems as well. They are good for storing smaller items. However, many people find that the overhead racks storage is best for keeping a neat and tidy garage. Use storage bins with a label of everything that is inside the bin. This helps in locating items later on. If you would prefer another option to storing things in your garage then there is always a pulley system. It allows for the storage of larger items such as a canoe, kayak, truck topper or even a wheelbarrow much easier. Another option that is to use hooks. These are placed on a sidewall and are excellent for hanging bicycles, garden tools and other items.

Garage storage systems are the perfect way for a cluttered garage to regain its original use, that of storing your car. Take a run out to your local home center or do some research on the internet to give you an idea as to what is available in this area of home storage. Whether you choose an overhead system or a wall-mounted system, you will be glad you did.