Step 1 - Put aside time to determine what’s clutter …at the very start!

There’s little point in investing in beautiful new storage cabinets then filling them with the same old clutter. Before you begin planning, take a realistic look at the possessions currently sitting in your garage and ask yourself, “do I REALLY need all of this?” Empty EVERYTHING from the garage… If it helps, set up a gazebo in the garden to give yourself time and space to do it properly, and encourage the rest of the household to help!

Sort everything into three piles:

1: RUBBISH TO GO… be honest with yourself, hire a skip and be ruthless!

2: ITEMS TO SELL OR DONATE… you could have a fortune tied up in unused tools

3: THINGS TO KEEP… the Golden Rule: an item should be ‘useful’ or ‘bring you joy’. If it’s neither, then don't keep it.

Step 2 - Create a pristine ‘shell’ to build from

So… you can finally see your garage space again now! Bet it looks huge now it’s empty doesn’t it?

Before you’re tempted to pile everything back inside again, use this opportunity to make sure the basic structure is clean and tidy… like a lovely blank canvas to work on!

a) Check the doors and windows for any repair or refurbishment work that’s required

b) Examine the floor and if it’s seen better days why not look at covering it with a new surface? Our flooring ideas can be found here

c) How’s the lighting? If it’s just a solitary bulb consider upgrading to modern, energy efficient spotlights set within a proper ceiling. It'll feel more like a room than a garage and the brighter space will be more welcoming and feel much larger.

Step 3 - Measure your space to maximise the potential

The next step is to decide how you want to divide your space between cabinets and hanging space. If you haven’t already downloaded our brochure access it here as it will show you lots of options to consider.

Our design team would be delighted to visualise your space with the FREE Design Service we offer, or you can use our Self Survey Guide that comes with our brochure to put your initial ideas down on paper and we can take it from there.

Step 4 - Use the walls to make things visible and flexible

Our StorePanel™ system is designed to turn your walls into storage racks with ‘clip-on’ hooks and baskets to store averything you have. Bulky things that used to be piled up in a corner can now be easily located and easier to rearrange if you decide to.

Step 5 - Use cabinets to keep tools secure, organised and safe

Many house owners use old kitchen cupboards in their garage, which are unfit for purpose and usually unlockable. Dura have a huge range of award-winning drawer units and cupboards to choose from. Again, our team are here to advise, but a good rule of thumb is to opt for a mix of drawers, low-level cupboards and higher level cabinets to maximise the flexibility of your space. Our favourite mantra is “file it… don’t pile it!” . Tools should be stored in an orderly way, not simply stacked on top of each other like ‘Toolbox Jenga!’

Step 6 - Integrate other facilities you might need

We mentioned lighting in Step 2, but there’s lots more that can be added into your garage

a) POWER SOCKETS and communication points can be fitted, to avoid trailing cables everywhere

b) A SINK for a wash-up area might be really handy if you do a lot of DIY, car maintenance or gardening.

c) Integrated WASTEBINS will be helpful to avoid taking refuse back into the house.

d) Air and water HOSES or VACUUM CLEANERS can be integrated seamlessly, so no need to unpack them every time you need those facilities.

e) AUDIO AND TV facilities might be welcome, especially if you plan to use the space as a work-out area, or spend a significant time in it.

Step 7 - Buy as an investment, not merely a ‘storage solution’

A good quality garage interior unlocks the full potential of your room and adds value to your home. Many DIY retailers offer budget storage solutions, but a beautifully organised space which is properly planned and professionally installed will deliver so much more, and last far longer.

So there you have it!

7 steps to garage heaven! We hope this article has offered a roadmap to achieve the room you’ve always wanted…. And if it has then please share this page with your friends!

...and of course, when you're ready to give your garage that make-over, call us on 01280 700563 or email info@duragarages.com