Proper organization can give you the extra space needed in your garage. We know that things can get messy quite quickly, but that’s why these garage tool storage ideas can help you keep up with your tool inventory and ensure your garage is ready for whatever project comes your way.
Down below, we’ll show you some of our best tool storage ideas, but also some of the things that can help improve your tool storage in your garage, and even overall functionality of your garage, so keep on reading!
Best Garage Tool Storage Ideas
Even before we get to the storage products that could help you sort out your garage, let’s talk about the ideas. Having ideas will ensure your garage stays tidy during and after every project, while products will help you keep up with organization at all times.
Display Your Tools in Plain Sight
Pegboards are one of the most common, we would even say classic, options for hand tools, and the chances are high that you already have pegboards.
If you don’t have your hammers, wrenches, and other tools, such as screwdrivers, in plain sight, you are probably losing time by opening drawers and looking for the items. What we like most about pegboards is that you can rearrange the hooks and holders that come with them to fit your needs, so it’s essentially one of the easiest and best investments to make for customization.
Get Magnetic
You know all those small things we all tend to lose? The solution is to get a magnetic tool strip. Not only does it keep things within reach, but it also helps ensure that you don’t ever lose tools like pliers, screwdrivers, and most importantly, drill bits.
They won’t crowd your valuable drawer space, and yet they’ll be even more accessible than being hidden away in a drawer. To us, magnetic tool strips feel like a perfect way of combining “safety” of not losing items with quick accessibility.
Save the Floor Space
It might seem practical to try and find a place for larger items on the floor, but sooner or later, your garage will feel smaller and smaller.
The practical solution is to get wall-mounted racks. Don’t be afraid of using all the wall space you’ve got. Wall-mounted racks will help you take care of larger tools such as shovels, rakes, and brooms.
Storing them vertically will “free up” your garage of the dreaded pile of items and tools you only use once in a while.
Invest in Great Chests and Cabinets
While some garages are decent enough with whatever cabinets you’ve got, investing in great chests and actual tool cabinets will actually make a huge transformation.
We also believe it’s the way to go if you have expensive or important specialized equipment that requires special storage. On top of that, if you can go for a combination of static and rolling chests and cabinets, you’ll add versatility to your garage and the way you work.
Even the smallest trips to the chest in your garage add up, and who wouldn’t rather have everything they need on wheels, right?
Make the Most of the Available Space
When it comes to taking the most advantage of unused space, overhead cabinets are the best choice.
We have many items in the style of ceiling-mounted racks, but that’s because they’re ideal for storing both larger tools and seasonal items or rarely used items like camping gear, bicycles, seasonal decorations, and more.
However you decide to use the unused overhead space, it’ll be a game-changer once you do, and you won’t ever want to go back.
Roll Around
If you find yourself moving around a lot when you’re working or if you’re working around things or vehicles that require you to move around, rolling tool carts are definitely a convenience you probably know you need.
Keeping your essentials close while you’re working and not having to step away every time you need another tool won’t only speed up your work, but it’ll also make your work more enjoyable.
And if you ever end up taking the project outside of your garage and work there (to take advantage of extra space, for example), you’ll easily roll out your roll carts and get the job done.
Master DIY
When you’re on a budget or currently don’t have money to invest in garage storage options, being a DIY master and crafting some shelves and workbenches can go a long way.
It’s a budget-friendly option that will help you save some money while still building quality items to help yourself in the garage. What’s also great is that you can customize your build to ensure it fits your garage and workspace, or you can also make it very special for your needs and tools.
Organize Your Drawers
Drawers are great, don’t get us wrong, but they get messy quickly. How many times did you lose a small tool in a drawer, and how long did it take you to find it, if you ever did?
That’s why one of the most inexpensive yet most useful things you can get is dividers and foam inserts. They can transform your drawers and ensure everything, even the smallest bits and pieces, has its own place in a drawer.
The next time you open it, instead of a messy and stressful drawer, you’ll face efficiency. Who doesn’t like the feeling of everything having its own place, right?
Hook It Up
Basically, when you see an empty spot on your wall, think of it as a way of organizing some of the items you have in your garage. Hooks and slatwall systems maximize the wall space, and you can put almost anything on them, including power tools, long extension cords that always seem to be in the way, and all sorts of accessories.
Slatwalls are also great for adding flexibility to your garage walls, as you’ll always get a chance to customize them according to your own needs and accessories.
Power of Labels
No matter which storage system you use, the ideas you have, or the storage solutions you have, labeling your items and color coding are two powerful things you should start implementing.
You can not only label items, but you can also label drawers, bins, and shelves to stay organized. What’s also great is that if you’re sharing the garage, simple color-coding systems can help everyone understand where every item belongs.
Need more ideas or have questions? Check out our guide on garage storage cabinets, slatwalls, attic lifts, and sheds.
Best Ways to Organize and Store Your Garage Tools
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Beta Tools Folding Storage Tool Trolley
When you’re looking for a place to store your tools and yet don’t want a classic cabinet or tool chest, a folding storage tool trolley is a game-changer.
The trolley is collapsible thanks to the telescoping corners, so transporting your tools has never been easier. Whenever you have a situation where you have to go out of your garage and get some work done or help someone out, you’ll be ready in minutes.
Each one of the columns is also folding, while the sheet metal frame allows for durability during transport. Many of our customers mentioned a similar advantage, which is the ease of portability, even in the back of smaller cars.
When in the garage, you can easily move them around thanks to sturdy wheels, so you always have your most needed tools by your side.
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Beta Tools Tool Panel and Suspended Cabinets
Many of you might not be using all the space you have in your garage, especially the empty overhead space. This solution fixes that and allows you to take advantage of unused overhead space with the tool panel and suspended cabinets.
2 suspended cabinets are fitted with gas springs, which make accessing your stored items easy. The wall tool panel easily accommodates perforated tool panels, but keep in mind that it must be ordered separately.
However, you get supplied with the framework to match workbenches C55B and C55B-PRO, so if you’re also trying to make your garage more stylish, it’s time to match the cabinets and workbenches!
The cabinets are very easy to install, and you also get a diagram/technical drawing to ensure a proper fit. These two cabinets together weigh 176 lbs, and they’re made in Italy, so both quality and style is guaranteed.
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Beta Tools Trolley
If you really like the idea of implementing color coding and labels, while keeping things versatile and portable, this trolley from Beta Tools is the right choice.
This trolley comes in 7 different colors, so you can buy as many trollies in as many colors as you wish to ensure proper organization.
Each trolley features 2 detachable modules, oversized castors which are built into the frame, drawers with ball bearing slides and double closing hook, telescopic aluminum handle, sheet metal frame, and plastic tops for durable and effortless portability.
On top of all that, Beta Tools even implemented a small tool holder that’s built into the upper tool box and a super functional lower drawer that has a double ball bearing slide.
This is more than enough to store all your tools, items, bits, and pieces you would need close with you or whenever you’re getting some work done outside of your garage.
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Proslat PVC Slatwall
If your garage walls aren’t used, you’re missing out on all the storage space you have available. As we mentioned earlier, slatwalls and pegboards are ideal for this type of setting.
This slatwall from Proslat is ideal for getting all of your items off the floor and organized on the wall, so you declutter your garage and become efficient at storing.
Being able to hold up to 75 lb. per square foot, that’s a pretty great strength for a slatwall made of 90% recycled items.
The panels are interlocking, so you can install as many as you wish to fit your garage’s dimensions. At the same time, you won’t have to worry about this slatwall being affected by mold, mildew, or water.
The installation is super easy, as the slatwall attaches directly to studs or over drywall into studs. We also like how the panels are only 2 mm thick, which makes your garage walls look sleek. One trick we can recommend is running wires behind this slatwall, as that’s a possibility, which can make your garage look even more organized.
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Proslat Garage Gator Platform
When your garage is fully set up and you have properly stored all your items but are missing just a bit more space, using more of the overhead space is easily achieved with this garage gator platform.
Proslat’s garage gator platform allows you to store up to 170 lb. overhead. After installation (which isn’t very difficult), you can lower the platform with a remote and load up boxes, bins, coolers, decorations, seasonal items, and many more.
At the touch of a button, the platform will raise it all off the floor and store it securely until you decide to lower the platform again.
What’s even better is that you get everything needed for a successful installation, so many of you will be able to install it in an hour or less.
Fun fact: According to CRAFTSMAN's Survey, more than 1 in 4 homeowners surveyed said that their garage helped them start a side hustle
Conclusion
These garage tool storage ideas might seem simple, but it’s only until you implement a few or all of them and only then realize how powerful they are.
It all starts with ideas, and the listed solutions are a great shortcut to turning your garage’s mess into a space you’d love coming in and getting your work done.
We recommend combining many of these ideas while customizing them to fit your garage, your preference, and your way of working.
How do you organize your garage? Do you have any ideas for tool storage in the garage?
We’d love to hear from you, so feel free to let us know by leaving a comment in the section below!
