Before you can decide on the appropriate garage storage systems, you need to eliminate the clutter. Garage storage systems won't help if the storage containers add another layer of disorder to your space. Separate everything into catagories, for example, all sports equipment or lawn care items can be grouped together. Then decide if you are going to "toss it", "recycle it", or "keep it". Toss away broken or damaged items; like those almost empty cans of paint, rusty tools, or non-working applainces. "Recycle it" works for sports and exercise equipment, unusable clothing, and excess kitchen equipment (including those small appliances you never use). Donate the items to charity, if the thought of a garage sale overwhelms you.

Home improvement stores are one place to look for garage storage systems for those "keep it" items. Our "Garage Storage Systems Resources" section contains ideas on how to arrange your space so that family car will finally fit. For an inexpensive start, if your family owns bikes, consider vertical bike racks or hooks with plastic coating designed for the ceiling. There are also inexpensive coated hooks designed for gardening tools. A pegboard will also work to keep the tools and hardware organized. Tool chests are more expensive alternatives but highly efficient garage storage systems.

For garage storage systems that store items out of view, a tall free-standing cabinet or wall-mounted cabinet provides a place to put out-of-season clothings, seasonal items, sporting goods, hobby and party supplies, cleaning equipment, outgrown children's toys, and keepsakes and heirlooms. Anything that will not fit into cabinets need to be boxed; nothing beats the moving cartons intended for books. Plastic and cardboard storage containers with lids and handles are excellent choices for garage storage systems. A filing cabinet (used ones are easy to find) works nicely for storing tax records, personal documents, family files, and sentimental items. Scrapbooking storage containers work for children's artwork. When you have finished organizing, label everything, and input the list into a computer and print a copy for reference.