Having an organized garage provides many benefits. It allows you to park your vehicles inside, protects your belongings from damage, and gives you space to work on projects. However, garages can easily become cluttered and disorganized if not properly maintained. Hiring a professional garage organization company can help transform your messy garage into an efficient storage space. This article will discuss the best garage organization companies available to help organize your garage.
Features of Top Garage Organization Companies
The best garage organization companies offer various services to help customize your storage solutions. Here are some key features to look for when choosing a company:
Experience
Look for an established company with years of experience organizing garages. They will understand how to maximize space and design storage systems to suit your needs. Experienced companies will also have insight into what works well and what should be avoided.
Professional Installers
The company should have professional installers on staff to handle the physical workload. Their team will have the skills to properly install shelving units, overhead storage, cabinetry, and other organizational products.
Quality Materials
Reputable garage organizing companies use durable, high-quality materials that will last for years. Shelving and storage solutions should be made of strong metal, wood, or plastic able to handle heavy items.
Customized Solutions
Each garage and homeowner has unique needs, so the company should customize options rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach. The best organizers will consult with you to understand how you intend to use the space.
Innovative Designs
Look for companies using innovative designs and methods for garage storage. This includes features like high-capacity overhead shelving, pulley systems, modular cabinetry, and wall-mounted can organizers.
Guarantees
The company should back their work with satisfaction guarantees. This provides assurance that they will address any issues that arise with their storage solutions.
Top Garage Organizers Across the United States
There are garage organization companies serving homes across the U.S. Here are some of the top national brands to consider:
Closet Factory
Closet Factory is a popular choice for garage makeovers. Their approach involves installing modular Closet Shelving Systems customized to your space. Products are made from durable steel with adjustable shelves and chromed rods for hanging storage. Their team handles the full project from design to installation.
GarageTek
GarageTek focuses exclusively on garage organization solutions. They use a proprietary FloorTrac rail and hook system allowing flexible placement of shelves and accessories. Custom cabinetry, overhead storage racks, and other innovations maximize space. Their services are available across over 75 markets in the U.S.
Gladiator GarageWorks
Gladiator GarageWorks is a leading brand from Whirlpool Corporation providing premium storage solutions. Their products include the patented EverLock Wall System, GearWall Panels, and dual-height cabinets. For whole-garage makeovers, their certified Pro network can handle installation.
Improve and Move
Improve and Move specializes in garage and home organization. Their approach features floor to ceiling shelving units custom designed based on FloorPlanner Pro drawings. They also install cabinetry, overhead storage, lighting, and other upgrades to streamline garage spaces.
MonsterShelf
MonsterShelf provides heavy-duty modular shelving systems for garages. Their extruded aluminum LoftShelf with steel reinforced frames can handle up to 600 lbs per linear foot. Complete installation services are available from their network of dealers in cities nationwide.
Neat Method
Neat Method uses a unique U-channel rail, hook, and wire shelving system to optimize wall storage. Their NeatCubes plastic bins provide enclosed storage for smaller items. For full garage makeovers, they offer cabinetry, flooring, lighting and other upgrades. Franchise locations are available nationally.
ORG Home Custom Storage
ORG Home Custom Storage designs and installs custom garage solutions using American-made products. Available options include adjustable shelving units, overhead racks, cabinetry, work benches, and specialty storage like golf bag racks. Their installers serve the New England region.
OverHead Door Corporation
Overhead Door Corporation is a 60+ year old company and top provider of garage doors and openers. Their Gladiator GarageWorks division offers garage makeover services, including flooring, cabinets, wall systems, and installation labor. Available nationwide through their certified dealers.
Tailored Living
Tailored Living features the innovative SmartWall system with adjustable storage panels that can mount cabinets, shelving, and accessories. Other offerings include custom cabinetry, overhead storage, flooring, and organization products installed by their nationwide network of dealers.
The Organized Garage
The Organized Garage provides full-service garage organizing solutions. Their modular XP Storage system from Apex features durable steel components and overhead racks. Available products include cabinetry, ceiling lifts, lighting, accessories, and sports equipment racks, with installation crews covering metro areas nationwide.
These are just some of the top brands to consider for your garage organizing project. Many provide national availability through authorized dealers, while others may be limited regionally. Be sure to evaluate experience, custom solutions, quality, and guarantees when choosing your provider.
Key Factors When Organizing Your Garage
Organizing a garage successfully requires carefully evaluating your needs and options. Here are some essential factors to consider:
Measure Available Space
Take detailed measurements of the entire garage including walls, ceilings, doors, windows, and support beams. This allows the company to design storage solutions to specifically fit the room. Mark obstacles like pipes and electrical conduits that could impact design.
Evaluate How the Garage Is Used
Think about how your family uses the garage now and how you want to use it in the future. This helps determine optimal storage layout. Common uses include parking vehicles, hobby space, sports equipment storage, lawn tools, DIY workbench area, and seasonal access.
Assess Storage Needs
Take a thorough inventory of everything currently stored in the garage. Make a list of items you want to keep handy, seasonal equipment, sports gear, tools, etc. This helps the organizer match storage methods to your specific belongings.
Include the Family in Planning
Get input from everyone in the household who uses the garage. Including their feedback in the design process helps ensure the finished space matches the family’s needs. Different people will prioritize access to certain items.
Incorporate Garage Activities
Factor in typical tasks carried out in the garage like charging batteries, bike maintenance, packing for trips, etc. The design should allow easy access to related tools while keeping clutter out of the way. Any hobbies or projects should have dedicated space.
Choose Durable Materials
Quality materials withstand years of use. Shelving should have strong brackets, deep shelves, and maximum weight capacity. Floors, cabinets, and workbenches must be durable and moisture-resistant. Also look for UV protection for plastics.
Allow Room to Grow
Even organized garages tend to gain more contents over time. Allow flexibility to access and expand storage as your possessions and family grow. Modular and adjustable systems make adding storage simple.
Enhance Garage Aesthetics
An organized garage looks nicer and feels more welcoming. Consider improvements like storage-concealing doors, refreshed walls, lighting upgrades, and floor coatings. These extra touches enhance the garage’s aesthetics and functionality.
Evaluating these key factors will help garage organization companies design the most efficient storage solutions tailored to your family’s needs and activities.
Design Tips for a Functional Garage
Proper design is crucial for maximum function and efficiency in your organized garage. Here are some professional tips for a layout optimized for usability:
Place Cabinets Along Walls
Position cabinets, workbenches, and other fixtures along the perimeter walls. This leaves unobstructed floor space ideal for moving around vehicles and equipment. 30 to 36 inches of clear walking space is recommended for door access.
Use Walls for Shelving
Take advantage of vertical space by installing shelving to the ceiling on available walls. High wall-mounted shelving creates significant storage capacity overhead without sacrificing floor area.
Hang Tools Above Work Areas
Position tool organizers, pegboards, and clips above your workbench area to keep tools readily accessible when working on projects. Use hooks on the wall or mount small shelving units nearby to store parts.
Design Zone Areas
Divide the garage into organized zones dedicated for certain functions like lawn care, bicycles, sports gear etc. This allows intuitive access to the items you need for different activities.
Incorporate Lifts for Vehicles
Ceiling-mounted lifts raise vehicles up and out of the way, providing room for storage underneath. This takes advantage of unused overhead space above a parked car. Alternately, wall-mounted lifts move the entire vehicle to the side.
Use Clear Plastic Storage Containers
Durable transparent plastic bins keep items visible inside. Labels on the outer side clearly mark the contents. This allows quick identification of the right container.
Add Portable Utility Shelves
Freestanding portable shelving units have casters for mobility. They can be moved aside when necessary to access large equipment or vehicles. Use them to conveniently store smaller items you access frequently.
Utilize Overhead Racks for Infrequently Used Items
Install overhead racks or loft storage to keep suitcases, coolers, holiday decorations, and other infrequently accessed items out of the way. Ceiling pulley systems allow you to easily raise and lower the overhead storage.
Include Adequate Lighting
The garage requires ample lighting for visibility and safety. LED light strips mounted under cabinets and shelves provide task lighting. Overhead LED or fluorescent lights illuminate the overall space.
Select Moisture-Resistant Flooring
Garage floors handle moisture from snow, rain, and car leaks. Choose appropriately rated coatings, mats, or tile to withstand wet conditions. This also makes the concrete floor easier to clean.
A well-planned layout aligns storage to usage for a truly functional garage. Keep these design tips in mind when meeting with your organizer.
Garage Makeover Cost Factors
The cost of a garage makeover depends on the products, designs, and labor involved. Here are some factors that impact the total project price:
- Size of the garage – Larger garages require more materials and time to organize, increasing overall costs. Smaller single-car garages are cheaper.
- Custom vs standard solutions – Customized storage solutions designed for your space are more expensive than pre-configured kits. But they maximize usable space.
- Overhead storage – Systems like ceiling-mounted racks or pulley lifts add significant cost but greatly increase storage capacity.
- Flooring – Options like storage-friendly interlocking tiles or moisture-resistant coatings add flooring costs.
- Cabinetry and bench storage – Custom cabinetry provides organized enclosed storage but is pricier than open shelving.
- Add-ons like lighting – Upgrading lighting, adding windows, electrical, insulation etc increases costs but improves function.
- Installation – If using professional installers, labor costs account for 50% or more of the total price. DIY cuts costs.
- Travel fees – Companies traveling long distances to your location may charge extra mobilization fees.
- Brand – Leading national brands cost more than local providers or DIY kits. But materials and workmanship are superior.
Storage materials like racks, containers, and shelves range from $10 – $100 each. With professional installation, total costs typically start around $2,000 for a single-car garage makeover. Larger garages with extensive customization and high-end materials can cost $10,000 or more. Get multiple estimates to find the best value solution for your needs and budget.
Garage Storage Systems to Consider
Reputable garage organizing companies have access to top storage systems to incorporate into your customized design. Here are some of the best options to discuss installing:
Overhead Racks
Ceiling-mounted overhead racks take advantage of unused vertical space. They are great for rarely accessed items like holiday decorations and suitcases. Pulley systems allow raising and lowering racks.
Wall Panels
Modular wall panels featuring hooks, shelves, cabinets and bins efficiently utilize wall space. They can mount together in many configurations to match your storage needs.
Drawers Units
Rolling drawer units provide enclosed access to small items and spare parts. Labels clearly identify contents. Larger drawers can hold bulky items.
Pegboards
Pegboards with adjustable hooks allow hanging and rearranging hand tools in your work area. Outline tool shapes with marker for fast identification.
Slatwall Panels
Slatwall panels have rows of horizontal slots to hang hooks, baskets, and accessories anywhere desired. Features like pivoting arms allow easy access to stored items.
Workbenches
Sturdy fixed or rolling workbenches provide durable work space for projects. Look for features like drawers, shelves, power strips, vice mounts and task lighting.
Cabinetry
Storage cabinets offer enclosed space for tools, equipment, and supplies. They come in floor-mounted or wall-mounted versions. Locking cabinets secure valuables.
Shelving Units
Multi-tier shelving maximizes floor space utilization. Steel shelving holds the most weight. Modular plastic systems are easily adjustable.
Discuss mixing and matching systems with your organizer to create the ideal storage configuration.
Maintaining an Organized Garage
An organized garage requires some maintenance to keep it clean and clutter-free. Here are some tips:
- Remove vehicles and sweep the floor regularly to prevent buildup of dirt and debris that can be tracked indoors. Use a leaf blower to clean dust from overhead storage.
- Wipe down garage cabinets and shelves every few months to prevent accumulation of grease, dust and grime.
- Periodically check for damage from moisture, sunlight, or pests that could compromise storage systems.
- Re-label storage bins and shelves if old labels fall off so everything remains clearly identified.
- Review contents and dispose of any unneeded items taking up space as your storage needs evolve.
- Consider rearranging storage layouts periodically to maintain efficiency as possessions change.
- Clean floor mats and coatings using a broom and appropriate cleaners recommended for the material.
- Replace light bulbs as needed and repair minor damage to storage systems like broken hooks or cracks.
- Lubricate pulleys, locks, casters, and other moving parts on storage systems to keep them operating smoothly.
Staying organized is easier than returning from disarray. Take steps to actively maintain your clean garage space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some signs it is time to organize your garage?
Clutter buildup, losing storage capacity, constantly shuffling items, and lack of work space indicate a garage needs organizing. If vehicles barely fit or you can’t find items, it likely needs a makeover.
How long does a garage organization project take?
With professionals handling the work, most single-car garage makeovers take 1-3 days. Larger garages with extensive customization may take 5 or more days.
Should I sort possessions before the organizing company arrives?
Yes, thoroughly sorting items into keep, sell/donate, and trash piles simplifies decision-making during the design process.
What questions should I ask garage organizer companies?
Key questions include: years in business, example projects, product brands used, installation process, typical project timeline, warranty for labor and materials, what services they do not provide, and total estimated cost.
Can I do part of the garage organizing work myself?
Some companies allow you to assist with basic tasks like clearing clutter beforehand to reduce labor costs. Discuss options for DIY participation to potentially lower your bill if you desire hands-on involvement.
How long will my garage stay organized?
Quality storage products designed for your needs should keep the space functional for years. Maintaining organization also depends on actively keeping the space tidy and free of unnecessary items.
Conclusion
Hiring professional garage organization services can provide huge dividends by creating accessible, protected storage space. Reclaim room to park vehicles and enjoy your garage again with ample organized storage meeting your family’s needs. Leading national companies like Closet Factory, GarageTek, and Gladiator GarageWorks have proven systems to maximize function and aesthetics. Evaluate important factors like space planning, materials, and usage to determine the right storage solutions for you. With some periodic maintenance, your organized garage will maintain its functionality for years to come, keeping all your possessions neat, tidy and easily accessible. The investment provides lasting peace of mind knowing everything has its place.