While its immediate purpose might be relatively clear, the truth is that a lot of people don’t really know what to make of their garage. Whether it’s because it’s not in the best condition for any specific use or simply because you’ve been improvising with it, it may feel like you’re not getting the space’s true value. However, that can change. By deciding the true use of that space, based on your needs, you can make a real improvement on your quality of life at home.
Think About Your Lifestyle And Space Needs
First of all, take the time to think about what use would actually be worth it based on the way you live. You should start by thinking about what, exactly, you wish you had more room for, whether it’s for the stuff you want to keep safe, to work out, or a space to be creative. Think about your home and how it’s not currently suiting your needs, whether it’s by not offering a quiet space to focus on work, constantly tripping over tools and supplies, or even running out of parking space in your driveway if your family has more than one car. It’s important to consider any limitations your garage offers, as well, like low ceilings, awkward doors, or a lack of power outlets, and how they might affect any potential use of the space.
Make It Your Primary Storage Space
A lot of people will, quite mindlessly, start using their garage for storage, haphazardly tossing in anything they don’t yet have a use for, or want to toss out eventually, when they can properly dispose of it. However, a well-planned storage space should not be chaotic. A garage can be a perfect organized storage space, you just need to switch out the cardboard boxes for real shelving units, labeled plastic bins, and overhead ceiling racks. Keep similar items together and label everything. Wall-mounted hooks can hold bikes, lawn chairs, or ladders. Think vertically to maximize space: the ceiling and upper walls are often underused.
The Place For Your Cars
While it might sound too obvious, your garage is built with cars in mind. If you’re looking to protect your vehicle or you’re an auto enthusiast who puts plenty of time into cleaning, maintaining, and improving your vehicle, there’s nothing wrong with keeping the space focused on that use, specifically. However, you have to ensure it’s built to support that use, and many modern garages aren’t. For instance, if your concrete floor is showing signs of wear and tear, updating it with the help of teams like Garage Flooring LLC can ensure you have flooring that is supportive both for your own ergonomics and the vehicle. Bright overhead lighting, a rolling tool chest, and wall-mounted shelves for other supplies are some other car-centric essentials you should consider putting in there.
Photo by Sam Sabourin on Unsplash
Make It Your Perfect Home Gym
If you dread making the journey to the gym but you want to make sure that you’re able to fit more physical activity in your lifestyle, then your garage might just be the perfect home gym. It’s private, customizable, and right next door. Start by clearing out enough space for a basic setup, bringing in equipment like dumbbells, a weight bench, a yoga mat, and maybe a treadmill. For personal use, rubber flooring or interlocking foam tiles tend to be better flooring types to support you as you exercise.If you like to follow workout videos, mount a TV or tablet stand. Don’t forget ventilation and a fan to keep air moving. With the right setup, your garage can become a motivating, energizing fitness zone.
Convert It Into A Home Office
Whether you do the entirety of your work from home or you’re running a hybrid work setup, having a good work environment at home can be crucial for your productivity, motivation, and maintaining some form of balance. By having a space that is part of the home, yet separate from it, like the garage, you can ensure you have the quiet, focused workspace that allows your home to still be for your home life. If you’re using your garage for hours, then it needs to be finished, including having outlets, drywall with insulation, and fully effective interior lighting. Choose ergonomic furniture that suits long workdays, and use shelves or drawers for organization.
Make It Your DIY Or Hobby Workshop
Whatever kind of practical work you’re into, from woodworking to rafting, electronics, or general household repairs, the garage can be the perfect handy workspace. Start by organizing tools with pegboards, magnetic strips, or wall-mounted cabinets. A sturdy, adjustable-height workbench from brands like Ergosource is the heart of any good workshop. Aside from an overhead bulb, you should be sure to install task lighting so that you can better see what you’re working with. If you’re spending hours in front of a workbench, then a good floor mat can keep you comfortable during those long sessions. If your work produces any aerial clutter, like paints, glues, or sawdust from power tools, ensure the space around your workbench is well ventilated.
If you have a couple of ideas for the garage that you’re having a really hard time choosing between, then why not just use them both? With smart planning, your garage can serve multiple purposes, including car parking, working out, working, or storage. You can define the zones visually by using different types of flooring or rugs. For instance, hard, stable garage flooring for your car space, and comfortable rubber tiles on top for your home gym. Install curtains or dividers if you want to separate spaces for work or privacy. Lighting should match each zone, too, with bright overheads for practical workspace,s and soft lamps for personal use areas.
Your garage can be one of the most practically beneficial spaces in your home. All you have to do is make good use of it. Hopefully, the suggestions above show you how, exactly, you can do that, depending on your needs.
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