A common problem in all homes is coming up with garage storage ideas to make the most of your storage space

This problem has to be more about perception of what a garage is supposed to be used for. In days gone by and certainly in some homes today, the garage was used as a closed in carport where you always parked your car. Today with storage space being at a premium in homes we need to think of this area as another room in our home. The same decorating principles should be used here.

If you treat your garage like you are decorating any other room in your home, you will come up with some pretty unique garage storage ideas and solutions.

 It all comes down to planning what you are going to store and for how long. It's not a good idea to have long term storage in the garage, these things are best stored in a waterproof garden shed. This is also where your garden tools should be stored, not in the garage where dirt, spiders and bugs will be more than happy to live.

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When you are ready to buy your storage organizers remember that all our ideas are for home decorating and the thought process should be the same as if you are buying home furnishings and decor for any room in your home.

Storage bins or racks

These are one of the better ideas that you will be using in the garage. First decide what size bin it will be holding and then how much weight is going to be involved. There are two types of mounts that you can use wall and ceiling. Ceiling racks are best for things that you only use every couple of months or seasonal goods like sports equipment. (don't for to label the bins)

For bicycles a wall rack works best and for storing the odd piece of wood or pipes, ceiling racks are what you need.

• For more about overhead storage, garage storage cabinets and garage storage systems

Garage cabinets and shelving

Buy shelving for your garage that matches the cabinets that you are using. otherwise you waste valuable space. Cabinets should be narrower than your workbench. Store items like paint cans, oil and other items in these that you are worried about spills. Peg board is best for hanging small tools above a cabinet. Tall cabinets are needed when you are short on space. Table height cabinets can be used as a workbench if you buy a piece of 1 inch plywood to go across the top of two adjoining cabinets.

• View more about ceiling storage racks for the garage.

What about garage flooring

Your flooring in the garage is going to be in all cases "concrete". Depending on what you use this room for will depend on how you finish it. For workshops linoleum works is a good flooring choice, it's easy to clean. If you change your oil in your car in the garage then paint the floor with a concrete paint. If you want to use this as another room that has a warmer feel to the floor then  outdoor carpeting would work.

We have built a special special section on garage storage organizers and what your choices are in shelving, bike racks, cabinets and workbenches.  Go here to www.storage.decormotif.com which has more garage organization solutions and ideas. You can also check and compare prices of different shelving units and garage storage cabinets and garage ceiling racks.