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Welcome to the first installment of my garage renovation journey!
If you’re anything like me, your garage is more than just a place to park your car—it’s a storage haven for all the stuff that doesn’t quite fit inside the house. From kids’ toys and beach gear to tools and holiday decorations, it can quickly become a chaotic mess.
That’s why I decided to tackle this project head-on, starting with Phase I and II: building custom shelves to create a more organized and functional space.
This is where we started:
The Catalyst: Mobile Miter Saw Table
Before diving into the shelving project, we kicked off our summer of DIY projects by building a mobile miter saw table.
This table was not only a game-changer for my woodworking efficiency but also served as the catalyst for the entire garage renovation.
With a dedicated and mobile workspace for cutting wood, I was able to streamline our workflow and make the subsequent projects much easier to manage.
Phase I: The Left Side
The first phase of this project focused on the left side of the garage. I began by clearing out all the clutter, which was a project in itself.
Once the space was empty, I took stock of what needed to be stored and started designing custom shelves to fit my specific needs.
Using 2×4’s and 2×6’s, I built sturdy shelves that could hold everything from heavy tools to lightweight pool gear.
One of the key aspects of this phase was making sure the shelves were versatile and robust enough to handle larger items like trash cans and kids’ bikes. This side of the garage needed to accommodate bulkier items, so the shelves were designed with ample space and strength in mind.
I also wanted to ensure that everything was easily accessible, so I built the shelves with different heights. This way, I could store larger items like the air compressor and trash cans on the bottom shelves, while keeping smaller items like pool toys and gardening supplies on the upper shelves.
Phase II: The Right Side
With the left side completed, I moved on to Phase II, which involved tackling the right side of the garage. This side was equally cluttered, so the first step was to clear it out completely.
This side was designated for occasionally used items like paint supplies, plumbing supplies, and miscellaneous tools.
Additionally, I had to make space for the already present water softener, which could not be moved.
The right side shelves were designed to be more compartmentalized, allowing for better organization of smaller items. This setup made it easier to find and retrieve items when needed, without having to sift through a pile of clutter.
By the end of Phase II, the garage was not only more organized but also had ample storage space for all our needs.
And funny enough, the mobile miter saw table fit perfectly in the new space I created!
Organizing and Final Touches
After building the shelves, the next step was to organize everything back into the garage. I created designated sections for different categories of items, ensuring that everything had its place.
Trash cans, shop vac, air compressor, kids’ toys, beach and pool equipment, and other random garage items were all neatly stored in their respective areas.
The Result
After completing both phases, I was thrilled with the transformation. The garage went from a chaotic mess to a well-organized space with designated spots for everything. The custom shelves not only provided ample storage but also made it easy to find and retrieve items.
Plus, I now have a clear area to start building my workshop, which will be the focus of Phase III (coming soon!!).
This project was a labor of love and a great learning experience. It taught me the importance of planning and customization when it comes to storage solutions. While the measurements and designs were specific to my garage, the principles can be applied to any space. The key is to assess your needs, plan accordingly, and build with versatility in mind.
Stay tuned for Phase III, where I’ll be setting up my dream workshop! In the meantime, I hope this post inspires you to tackle your own garage renovation. Remember, a little organization can go a long way in creating a functional and enjoyable space.
