Most people aren't aware how much space they're sacrificing by letting their garages stay cluttered. All it takes is an organizing plan to make your garage livable and give you a lot more storage. Wall storage, ceiling mounted garage storage, and more can all form the components of a well organized garage that's fun to be in. Garage ceiling storage is one of the most neglected elements, and can make a big difference in many garages. Used in conjunction with other storage methods, it can give you a garage that looks like a completely new structure. Here are some steps to organizing your garage, and conquering the clutter.

First, take everything out of the garage, even if you have to pile it in the driveway or stack it beside the house. Once your garage is empty, it's time to assess your space. Take measurements, remembering to leave out blocks for fixed cabinets, unmovable objects, or things like the water heater or furnace. Measure length and width, and don't forget to take height into account. If you have a taller structure, garage ceiling storage is a viable option. If you need to cover or repaint your garage floor, do that now.

Now that you have an idea how much space is in your garage, take an inventory of everything that needs to go back into it. Have a look at it in the light, so that you'll be able to decide if everything really has to go back. Some items might be in your garage because it's a pain to throw them out. Rather than go through the effort of tossing them back in the garage, get rid of them now. Start your inventory with bulky items that are hard to store, like bikes, lawn mowers, and sports equipment. If you have a workshop, remember all the things that go into it.

Wall storage and cabinetry are traditional methods of getting things organized, and they work well, unless you have too much stuff to fit in the space. If that's the situation, it's time to look up. You can create ceiling mounted garage storage in a number of different ways. Some people purchase kits that create bins and other storage locations overhead. Other people prefer to build a partial or full loft. Remember to include a ladder or other method of accessing this storage. Which method you choose will depend on your storage needs and your garage height and shape. However, if you remember that you have options for storing things on the ceiling, too, you'll be able to get organized a lot more easily