If you’ve neglected to give your garage much attention recently, this is a perfect time to make some improvements. If you really want to get the most out of your property, bringing your garage space up to its maximum potential should be a strong consideration. You may be someone who actively uses the space for projects, or you would simply benefit from extra storage space— with some forethought, you can make your garage over to fit your exact requirements. If you’re considering giving your garage a boost, here are some helpful tips to get started:

Start With a Plan

Ask yourself these questions: how is the space used currently? Who is using it and for what purpose? What are its most important functions at the moment? And finally, how would you like to use it in the future? Formulating a plan in advance is always the first step to a successful renovation. Even if you’re only planning minor changes, being clear on what you hope to achieve is crucial. Maybe you just want the space to be better organized, or one of your kids needs a place to practice a musical instrument. The possibilities are endless, so you can get creative with exactly how you want the space to function.

Catalogue Your Belongings

It’s easy for the garage to become another cluttered storage space. Many of us, when not sure where to put something, automatically trot it out to the garage. Over time, homeowners may find a garage packed so full of ephemera that it’s merely another attic and has lost any other use. If you’re serious about giving your garage a makeover, go through everything prior to making any changes. Assess what you want to keep and what you can let go of.

Choose Your Storage Systems

Once you’ve paired the contents down to the essentials, you’ll have a much better idea of just how much storage you really require. If the primary function of your garage is a storage space, you can implement some creative storage systems to free up additional space, tidy it up, and make it work for you and your family. If you plan to work on projects in the garage, you’re going to need space enough to comfortably fit a workbench and supplies. The options for garage storage are extensive, so once you know what you need to store, it will be much easier to choose from the available options. From a magnetic board to hold your tools to storage bins that hang from the ceiling, the options are practically endless. There are probably a few space-saving ideas that you haven’t considered.

Improve Your Lighting

If you’re planning to utilize the space often, you’re going to want to consider updating the lighting. Adding additional lights can help brighten up the entire space, and adding ample lighting around your workspace will help you see better while you work.

Smarten it Up

It’s always preferable to work in a visually appealing space, even if you’re primarily using it for messy home-improvement projects. Consider painting the walls and flooring, and choose attractive, well-designed storage systems. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but creating a space that you actually enjoy being in will ensure you make the most use of it.

Did I miss anything? I’d love to hear your feedback!