Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
The tidy coordination of a full-scale integrated garage storage system can be appealing, but it comes with a hefty price tag of several thousand dollars. To make sure your investment is worth it, consider the following:
Storage Capacity Don’t be fooled by promotional photos that showcase neatly organized (read: nearly empty) garages. Think about what you need to store immediately and in the future, especially if you’ve just cleaned out your garage. Adjustable shelves can add flexibility if your needs change. However, be aware that adding extra accessories like baskets and racks can quickly make a reasonably priced system expensive.
Dimensions Height, width, and depth are critical factors when configuring workspaces and choosing storage options. Open shelving should be deep enough to easily accommodate bulky items. For cabinetry, 2 feet is a good depth for lower cabinets, especially if you plan on putting a workbench on top of them. A 12-inch-deep upper cabinet can keep items more accessible, but consider adding just a few inches, which can increase storage space considerably. If you’re planning on storing bins or boxes behind closed doors, keep their dimensions in mind when choosing cabinets.
Accessories Try not to base your storage purchases on accessories, such as specialized racks for sporting gear or yard equipment. While these units are useful, the amount of storage and quality of a system is the most important consideration. Extras can always be added later.
