Increasing garage storage capacity with shelves and racks

When it comes to residential garage organization, storage racks and shelving units can be found in use at almost every homeowners garage. There's good reason for that. These types of units are ideal due to their low cost, large increased in storage capacity, and the ease of installation.

When combined, all of these advantages put rack and shelving units on top of the popularity charts when it comes to organizing the garage. But there's a little more to it than simply throwing up some shelves or rack units. Knowing how and why to use these types of units is important....

Floor space

One of the top benefits of shelving units and racks over other types organization products on the market is the enormous amount of added space that can be gained with relatively little floor space. Think about this - a simple rack unit with 4 shelves, measuring 1 foot by 4 feet adds 16 square feet of storage space for only 4 feet of floor space.

Double the size of the rack self to 2 feet by 4 feet and you have a copious 32 square feet of storage space for only 8 feet of floor space. This simple scheme, as old as any, offers a density of storage unmatched by any other product type available today.

Installing garage shelving

Ease of installation is another huge benefit of shelving units over other types of storage products available in stores. In the case of shelf units, a couple screws into the wall is usually about all it takes. For some units, it's best to locate wall studs for the screws but the instructions that come with the selves you purchase will describe how and if that needs to be done at all.

Rack unit storage needs only to be assembled and located where ever it benefits you the most. What could be easier than that for installation? If you live in earthquake country though, it would be a good idea to secure rack shelving to the wall.

Cost benefit ration

When it comes to expense, shelving and rack storage units have a distinct advantage over other products too.

You can purchase these types of storage products for only a minor fee depending on the type you purchase. Since our focus is on storage space for the garage, only utilitarian type units are needed, without decorative appeal.

And for the DIY, or do-it-yourself type, you can build an entire rack shelf unit for the cost of some 2x4 lumber and a sheet of plywood - oh, don't forget a box of nails too.

The DIY-er handy with a saw and a hammer might even have enough scrap lumber around to get the job done for zero cost - how's that for inexpensive?

In closing

Storage racks and shelving units are an obvious choice for the garage. They are inexpensive, simple to install, and very effective at increasing storage capacity in the garage.

Not only that, but if you are a DIY handyman, or know someone who is, you can save even more money by using those old lumber scraps from previous projects you probably have laying around.

Hows that for coming full circle - using scrap lumber that clutters the garage to build organizational storage shelves and racks. Makes the head spin.