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Here are some great DIY storage solution ideas for your garage!

Storing Bikes

While children’s bikes are best lined against a wall for easy access, adult bikes can be hung upside down on plastic coated screw hooks from the ceiling to reduce clutter.

    To install bike hooks on a garage ceiling:

    Screwing bike hooks into garage ceiling.
    Screw bike hooks in ceiling joists.

      1. Measure the distance from hub to hub on the bike wheels to see how far to position the hooks apart.
      1. Find out which direction the garage ceiling joists run.
      1. Measure from the wall to the joist on which the bike will hang.
      1. Mark the hook positions on the ceiling of the garage.
      1. Drill pilot holes for the hooks.
    1. Screw the hooks through the ceiling and into the joist.

    Watch How to Hang Bikes to find out more.

    Plant Rack

    A garage ceiling is also a great place to store hanging plants in winter.

    To make a hanging rack for plants:

    Hanging plant rack.
    Hanging plant rack.

      1. Install two screw hooks in the ceiling joists far enough apart to accommodate the plants.
      1. Cut a piece of metal pipe 2” longer than the distance between the hooks.
      1. Measure in 1” from each end of the pipe, and drill holes through the pipe to accommodate the two eye bolts.
      1. Insert the eye bolts in the holes and fasten in place with washers and nuts.
      1. Hang short lengths of chain from each of the ceiling hooks.
    1. Attach the chain to the eye bolts using “S” hooks.

    Lawn and Garden Tool Rack

    Racks with hooks mounted on a garage wall is a great way to store lawn and garden equipment.

    To make a wall mounted rack for garden tools:

    Wall mounted tool rack.
    Wall mounted tool rack.

      1. Cut a 1”x 4” board to the desired length for the tools you have.
      1. Mount the board horizontally on the wall at the proper height with screws or nails.
      1. Attach hooks, nails, or premade racks to the board
    1. Hang your lawn and garden tools on the rack.

    Watch How to Store Lawn & Garden Tools to find out more.

    Garage Shelves

    Shelves mounted on the wall provide additional storage in a garage.

    To make wall mounted garage shelves:

      1. Measure the items you plan to store to be sure the shelves are deep enough and the proper distance apart.

    Wall mounted storage shelves.
    Wall mounted storage shelves.

      1. Measure down from the ceiling at each end of the garage, and mark the location of the shelves with a chalk line.
      1. Use a stud finder to mark the location of each stud on the chalk line.
      1. Cut 1” x 2” horizontal cleats to run the length of each shelf.
      1. Attach the cleats to the studs even with chalk lines using 2” drywall screws.
      1. Mount 1”x 4” vertical support strips in the studs every 32” beneath the cleats.
      1. Attach metal support brackets to the strips even with the top of the cleats using 2” or longer screws.
      1. Rip 3/4” particleboard, MDF, or plywood to width for the shelves.
    1. Screw the shelves to the brackets and cleats.

    Watch How to Build Garage Storage Shelves to find out more.

    Garage Workbench

    A workbench also serves as additional storage space. We made ours 24” deep by 36” high:

      1. Attach a 1”x 2” horizontal cleat to the studs.

    Homemade workbench.
    Homemade workbench.

      1. Install 1”x 4” vertical support strips on 16” centers to each stud below the cleats.
      1. Screw metal support brackets to each stud flush with the top of the horizontal cleat.
      1. Cut two triangular particleboard or plywood end supports and attach to the cleat and support strips.
      1. Attach a particleboard or plywood top to the brackets and triangular supports.
    1. Glue and nail a 1”x 2” edging flush with the top of the countertop workbench.

    Watch How to Build a Countertop Garage Workbench to find out more.

    Garage after organization with shelves, bike hooks, plant hanger, and workbench.
    Garage after organization with shelves, bike hooks, plant hanger, and workbench.

    Other Garage Tips

    Other garage organization tips include:

      • “L” shaped wooden runners can be attached to the bottom of the workbench for slide out recycling bins.
      • Discarded kitchen cabinets make perfect garage storage space.
      • Home centers also stock inexpensive utility cabinets that can be used in a garage.
      • Installing 3indoor/outdoor carpet around the perimeter of the garage with double sided carpet tape keeps dirt from being tracked into the house.
    • Hang a practice golf ball from the ceiling on a piece of string so it touches the windshield when the car is far enough in for the garage door to close.

    Other Tips From This Episode

    Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
    Getting All the Caulking Out of a Tube

    Inserting block of wood in caulking tube

    Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to get that last little bit of caulking to come out of the tube. To solve this problem, cut a 2″ long block of wood and insert it in the end of a caulking tube that’s almost used up. Put the tube in a caulking gun, snug up the plunger, and press the trigger. The block of wood extends the trigger action, so all of the caulking comes out of the tube. (Watch Video)

    Best New Products with Danny Lipford:
    Mildew Resistant Bathroom Caulk

    Tube of GE Silicone Caulk

    Mold and mildew is a constant problem in bathrooms, especially the caulk around your bathtub. GE bathroom silicone caulk with BioSeal protects against the growth of mold or mildew for the lifetime guaranteed of the caulk. GE silicone caulk is also more flexible, to prevent cracking or shrinking. GE silicone caulk with BioSeal is available at The Home Depot stores.

    Around the Yard with Tricia Craven Worley:
    Helpful Household Products for Plants

    Household products for plants

    Some common household products can be used on your plants to benefit them. For example mixing baby shampoo or mild dishwashing liquid with water in a spray bottle, then spraying it on your plants is great for cleaning plants and keeping insects away. Corn syrup mixed with water, or sugar based cola, can be used under and around plants to help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. (Watch Video)

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Danny Lipford

    Danny Lipford

    Founder

    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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