Garage storage reorganization may seem daunting at first but by breaking it into smaller bits, it can be an easy and affordable chore. Preplanning will not only save time, it will result in a lifetime of esthetic pleasure. The focus should be to use the most compact storage products available and that means starting with drawer cabinets. Layout all of the small items first; like automotive tools, cans of spray paint, bottles of cleaners, car wash products and even those jars and cans filled with nuts and bolts to get an idea of the number and size of drawers needed. Drawer cabinets are considered “high density” storage and one drawer cabinet can replace a number of open shelves freeing up lots of garage space. Take a look at how professionals set up their shops and auto repair bays. You will see lots of drawer cabinets and roll around tool chests. Be sure to choose a drawer cabinet that has 100 lb rated full extension ball bearing drawer slides. They will give you full access to the very back of the drawer and be able to support it properly when fully opened. Add drawer dividers and liners to keep small items separated and easy to locate. Anything less, like kitchen cabinet drawer cabinets, will not be adequate for “life in a garage”. For a life time of service, as well as a modern upscale look, choose 100% aluminum modular garage cabinets. They are light weight yet very sturdy, are delivered fully assembled, easy to install and most importantly will not deteriorate, sag or warp over time. Best of all, they do rust or rot in the presence of moisture. Select overhead and base cabinets to provide bulk storage areas for items that don’t fit in drawers. Outdoor work clothes and footwear fit nicely in closets along with umbrellas and such. Also, don’t forget to choose a countertop that will withstand hard use. Plastic laminated particle board may be OK for inside the home but not in the garage. Choose aluminum, stainless steel or solid maple butcher block countertops for a lifetime of service. An additional benefit of storing items in enclosed cabinets is they will be protected from the dust and dirt that invades all garages. Items that don’t lend themselves to storage in a cabinet, such as rakes, shovels, grass trimmers, sports equipment, etc., can be hung on wall hooks or stored in wall baskets using a section of slat wall. As one’s storage needs change, the hooks can easily be repositioned on the slat wall to accommodate new items. Bicycles can be compactly stored on a vertical bike rack or an overhead bike storage pulley. There are even overhead storage baskets attached to the ceiling that are raised and lowered via a cord and pulley system. A little planning and research is all that is needed to make your dream garage become reality.