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Spring Cleaning Time For a More Functional Space – 12 Garage Tool Storage Ideas

Since you probably have some extra time on your hands right now, it might be nice to take on a few home improvement projects that you’ve been postponing and even try some new ideas as well. A garage makeover would be a great distraction and a very useful project as well. Perhaps you could build some new garage cabinets or come up with a better storage solution for your tools. There are plenty of different tool racks and organizers to choose from.

Quick 5 best garage storage tool ideas

Solid Steel
StoreYourBoard Max Tool Storage Rack
StoreYourBoard Max Tool Storage Rack

Built from steel to hold up to 200 lbs of gear!

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Multi-purpose
Power Tool Organizer and Charging Station
Power Tool Organizer and Charging Station

The tool storage is sturdy enough to put your power tools conveniently and makes your tools look neat.

View Deal
corner use
Rubbermaid 30 Tool Corner Tool Rack
Rubbermaid 30 Tool Corner Tool Rack

Longer handle tool storage organizes 30 tools.

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Amazon's Choice
Pegboard Organizer Wall Control
Pegboard Organizer Wall Control

Pegboard accepts conventional 1/4in pegboard pegs and accessories

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Grid pattern
Rubbermaid Deluxe Tool Tower
Rubbermaid Deluxe Tool Tower

Easy to assemble with no tools needed

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Types of storage for the garage

Depending on the size, shape and overall structure of your garage as well as the items that needs storage in here, there’s a variety of different options to choose from. We have some of the most common types of storage as well as a few more unusual ones to pick from.

Cabinets

Storage cabinets come in lots of different shapes and sizes. They can be freestanding or wall-mounted, big or small, fixed or mobile and so on. If you’re short on floor space but you still need a bit more storage in your garage focus on the walls. If you want to also storage a few more dangerous items in here, consider a safety cabinet for them.

Diverse storage systems

If you can dedicate an entire wall or a section of your garage to storage and tools and other similar things perhaps it would be a good idea to opt for a complete storage system with big and small cabinets, shelves, wall-mounted units and so on.

Shelves

Shelves are very practical for storing tools and other items that get used quite often or that you want to have easy access to. You have a choice between a variety of different types of shelves. If you don’t mind using up a bit of floor space for this you could get a freestanding shelving unit with space for bins and other things and potentially with casters so you can move it around easily. If floor space is an issue, wall-mounted shelves are always a good alternative. They’re simple and can be installed at the desired height plus you can add as many as you want to. If the walls of your garage are occupied as well, turn your attention to the ceiling. Overhead garage storage systems are super practical for large items, seasonal objects and various containers.

Specialized racks

There’s also a variety of different types of racks designed to hold specific things. For example, the garage would be a good place for a bike rack and once again there’s a multitude of models and types to choose from. For the winter gear like skis and snowboards you could have a special wall-mounted rack and if you’re into surfing and kayaking these things can be stored on a special rack as well. Some models are more versatile and can hold a variety of different items. They’re good for various sports equipment and accessories.

Tool storage

The garage is also a good place to store all your tools just to have them all out of the house and in one spot. The type of storage you should opt for depends on the tools that you have or plan on buying in the future. There are special kinds of cabinets for things like screwdrivers, drill bits and other similar small tools with shelves so you can organize them and access them with ease. There’s also the option to have wall-mounted storage like a peg board or a magnetic board where you can keep your most used tools in plain sight and always accessible. For the larger tools you can use a shelving unit.

How to choose garage storage

When choosing the type of storage that should go into your garage, there’s a few things to pay attention to. The strategy and the elements involved are always different so try to adapt everything based on your own needs.

Make a list of items

This is one of the best ways in which you can determine how much storage your garage needs as well as the main type of storage that you should get. Look around the house and the garage and make a list of the items that will be stored in here. Divide these into groups based on how often you’ll need to use them, how accessible they need to be and so on.

Consider special storage requirements

If you’re storing items such as chemicals, dangerous tools or perishables in your garage, consider using special storage for them. You could keep the hazardous items in a safety cabinet and make sure the items that need to stay away from light or moisture are properly stored.

Pick suitable materials

As with anything else, garage storage cabinets, shelves and everything else can be made from a variety of different materials. The mot common ones are plastic, particle wood and plywood which can be practical and generally good enough for this space. However, if you’re storing lots of heavy items or you want your garage furniture to be resilient to moisture and to last for a very long time, consider metal or potentially solid wood if you like the look and texture.

Other things to consider

Here’s a few more factors to consider when choosing your garage storage. They might help to guide you in the right direction or help you narrow down your options.

Cost

The price is always important. As great as a cabinet or a rack might be, if you can’t afford it there’s no point even considering it. Of course, you shouldn’t be super cheap either. A lower cost usually means lower quality as well. If you want to be able to keep those cabinets and shelves for a long time then consider investing in something durable even if it comes with a higher price tag. A bigger budget also means more options.

Priorities

It’s important to determine what your priorities are in order to find the best type of storage for your garage. Take some time to think about how important durability, materials or the aesthetics are for you. Do you want your garage to be mainly practical and storage-efficient or do you want it to also feel inviting and to look beautiful? Do you have a palette of materials in mind? Also, do you need your garage storage to be secure and to come with locks so you can keep certain items out of the reach of children or anyone else? Once you determine what your priorities are, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for.

Customization

There’s always the option to go with custom-made cabinets and furniture for your garage. This would cost more but would give you a better fit and would allow you to have everything exactly the way you want it. In some cases this is a way to deal with an awkward shape or a difficult layout or to take maximum advantage of a tiny space.

12 Best Garage Tool Storage Ideas

1. StoreYourBoard Max Tool Storage Rack

Shovel Holder Wall Mount 10 Pack 150x150

This is a type of wall-mounted organizer, a tool rack that’s small, simple and practical. It’s also very durable and made of steel. You can store up to 200 lbs on it and it can hold a variety of different items such as garden tools, rakes, shovels, ladders as well as hammers, sport equipments and more. To install it use the six included attachments: 4 large ones and 2 small ones.

Solid Steel
StoreYourBoard Max Tool Storage Rack
StoreYourBoard Max Tool Storage Rack

Built from steel to hold up to 200 lbs of gear!

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2. Power Tool Organizer and Charging Station

Shovel Holder Wall Mount 10 Pack 150x150

Consider this organizer for all your power tools and any related equipment. It’s a compact storage module which you can install on any wall, in your garage or somewhere else. It’s sturdy and durable and it’s made of wood. There are two storage shelves on the top section five different little modules at the bottom designed specifically to hold power tools. With this design it’s easy to find the item you need and everything is organized and easily accessible. Add more modules if needed.

Multi-purpose
Power Tool Organizer and Charging Station
Power Tool Organizer and Charging Station

The tool storage is sturdy enough to put your power tools conveniently and makes your tools look neat.

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3. Rubbermaid 30 Tool Corner Tool Rack

Shovel Holder Wall Mount 10 Pack 150x150

If there’s not a lot of space in your garage then use whatever little area you have at your disposal. For example, take advantage of the corners. This right here is a corner storage module which you can use to store garden tools, rakes, shovels, mops and anything with a long handle. It can hold up to 30 tools and it’s made of plastic which makes it lightweight, easy to move around and also sturdy and durable. You can assemble it without any tools. The overall dimensions of this organizer are 19.4″ D x 32″ W x 20″ H. 

corner use
Rubbermaid 30 Tool Corner Tool Rack
Rubbermaid 30 Tool Corner Tool Rack

Longer handle tool storage organizes 30 tools.

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4. Pegboard Organizer Wall Control

Shovel Holder Wall Mount 10 Pack 150x150

Pegboards are super practical and can be used to store and to organize all sorts of different items, including tools. This one is made of metal which makes it extra strong and extra sturdy. You can use it with conventional 1/4” pegs and also customize it with a variety of different accessories such as shelves, storage boxes and more. Additionally, this pegboard is also magnetic.

Amazon's Choice
Pegboard Organizer Wall Control
Pegboard Organizer Wall Control

Pegboard accepts conventional 1/4in pegboard pegs and accessories

View Deal

5. Rubbermaid Deluxe Tool Tower

Shovel Holder Wall Mount 10 Pack 150x150

This tool rack is designed to hold up to 40 different tools. It’s ideal for mops, brooms, shovels, rakes, various garden tools and other items with long handles. It features a solid base with a grid pattern on it which prevents the tools from sliding off and getting intertwined. There are also 4 casters installed on the bottom of the base which allow you to easily move this tool tower wherever it’s needed. You don’t need any tools to assemble it.

Grid pattern
Rubbermaid Deluxe Tool Tower
Rubbermaid Deluxe Tool Tower

Easy to assemble with no tools needed

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6. Tool Storage Rack-8 Piece Garage Organizer

Shovel Holder Wall Mount 10 Pack 150x150

Using the space on the walls in your garage is smart and practical. One of the tool organizers you can install on a wall is this flexible and versatile system. It’s a universal tool rack made of heavy-duty steel and with a simple design. It includes 2 powder-coated rails and 6 assorted hooks with rubber coating to protect the items stores from scratches and damage. You can use to store a variety of items including power tools, garden tools, sport gear, outdoor equipment and more.

Amazon's Choice
Tool Storage Rack, 8 Piece Garage Organizer
Tool Storage Rack, 8 Piece Garage Organizer

Simply Mount Rack to Wall Studs Via Included Anchors & Fasteners

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7. Plastic Bins Organizer

Shovel Holder Wall Mount 10 Pack 150x150

Since you have a bunch of tools that need storage, you’re probably also in need of some sort of organizing system for all the little bits such as screws, nails, tape and everything else you might have lying around. This set of wall-mounted storage. It has all of these adjustable and removable bins of different colors and sizes that make easy to organize different types of items. There’s 9 small red bins, 9 small yellow ones and 12 large blue ones. The small ones hold 12 cubic inches and the large ones hold 76 cubic inches and they’re attached to slat wall display boards.

best overall
Plastic Bins Organizer
Plastic Bins Organizer

Adjustable and Removable Bins Are Color Coded for Easy Organization of Parts and Tools

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8. 3 Shelf Steel Wire Deck Industrial Storage Rack

Shovel Holder Wall Mount 10 Pack 150x150

Being able to adjust and reorganize your storage system is great and very practical, especially in an area like the garage which can easily get cluttered. This right here is a versatile and adaptable storage rack. It features three industrial metal wire shelves with a capacity of 1,500 lb each for a total of 4,500 lb which is impressive on its own. On top of that the shelves are adjustable in 2.35” increments which allows you to easily customize your storage system and even combine multiple racks together either vertically or horizontally. The shelves are super strong and sturdy and feature 5 support straps each which prevent them from twisting or spreading under heavy loads.

hard steel
3 Shelf Steel Wire Deck Industrial Storage Rack
3 Shelf Steel Wire Deck Industrial Storage Rack

The 3 industrial metal wire decks can each support 1,500 lb. for a total 4,500 lb. capacity

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9. Overhead Garage Storage Rack

Shovel Holder Wall Mount 10 Pack 150x150

It’s quite possible that there’s no more space on the floor or the walls of your garage for any more storage. In that case, there’s one more surface you can turn your attention to: the ceiling. This overhead garage storage rack allows you to store a bunch of items up here where they won’t be in the way, leaving you more space for other things on the floor and the walls or simply allowing you to have the entire floor area just for your car. You can install the rack yourself using the instructions provided in the box. It measures 96”L x 48”W x 22.4”H. It’s strong and sturdy and it keeps all the items off the floor and protects them in case of flooding.

space saving
Overhead Garage Storage Rack
Overhead Garage Storage Rack

This system is great for storing off-season items or anything that you don't need to access on a regular basis.

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10. Vanitek 4 Heavy-Duty 12″ Magnetic Tool Holder Racks

Shovel Holder Wall Mount 10 Pack 150x150

Magnetic storage racks are really really practical and can take a variety of different forms. These for example are magnetic tool bars which you can use to storage and organize various types of tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, scissors and so on. They’re simple, space-efficient and very versatile and you can have as many you want and install them anywhere you want to. This is also a very practical storage system for all the tools that use most often because it keeps them visible and within reach so you can always find whatever you need. the set includes 4 bars that are 12” long, 1” wide and 1/2” tall and weigh 1 lb each.

Mounting Screws Included
Vanitek 4 Heavy-Duty 12" Magnetic Tool Holder Racks
Vanitek 4 Heavy-Duty 12" Magnetic Tool Holder Racks

They're made of solid steel and has a black glossy finish.

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11. Rolling Garden Tools Rack

Shovel Holder Wall Mount 10 Pack 150x150

Keep all your gardening tools in one place so you always know where to find them. This is a storage rack specifically designed just for that. It’s made of metal and it’s strong and sturdy and has a bunch of slots for all the long handled tools like racks, shovels, brooms and so on. There are also smaller slots that you can insert smaller tools into. Furthermore, the base has casters allowing this entire rack to be moved wherever needed, letting you take your entire collection of tools and accessories with you in one go when you’re working on a project.

on casters
Rolling Garden Tools Rack
Rolling Garden Tools Rack

The garden device shelf with wheels makes it hassle-free for you to take this rack anywhere.

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12. Shovel Holder Wall Mount – 10 Pack

Shovel Holder Wall Mount 10 Pack 150x150

In case you prefer to customize your storage rack a bit more and have all the tools arranged how you want it where you want it, consider this alternative: a set of individual tool holders that you can install yourself as you see fit, in any combination you prefer. It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use in case you want to have a few tools kept outside. You can use these for shovels, rakes, mops and various other types of tools.

Amazon's Choice
Shovel Holder Wall Mount - 10 Pack
Shovel Holder Wall Mount - 10 Pack

Each individual tool holder has spring grip holders and can hold op to 25 lbs.

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