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We hold high expectations for our garage one that will be a workroom, closet, toy box, tool shed and gardening center all in one. Oh, we also might want to park a car or two in the garage as well. This makes your garage the most multi-purpose room in your home.

Use the following storage and organizational tips to transform your garage into an efficient storage area capable of accommodating lawn equipment, sporting gear, pet supplies, holiday decorations and, of course, a car or two.

Garage Storage

Utilize every square inch of wall and ceiling in your garage to create more storage space. Following are some options:

• Cabinets. Install cabinets in your garage to handle overflow from inside your home. Cabinets range from freestanding armoire-style pieces to those stored above tables that hang on the wall (similar to kitchen cabinets). To change the configuration of your garage storage, purchase cabinets on wheels for easy moving.
  

• Lofts. Check the ceiling in your garage for unused space. Create a storage system above your cars for seasonal items such as holiday decorations.
  

• Hooks, hangers and shelves. For easy access to tools, use hooks and hangers. Hang everything from trowels to wheelbarrows. For larger, oddly-shaped items (such as skis or kayaks), install custom shelving built to the specific length and width of whatever you need to store.

Garage Organization

Garages are great for storing things away but the key is being able to find them again when you need them. Following are organizational tips to get the most out of your garage storage:

• Pet supplies. Stock up on pet food at your local wholesale store and store the food in sealable bins.
  

• Holiday decorations. Store seasonal items, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. decorations, in a loft above your cars or in a cabinet.
  

• Recycling. Create your own recycling center in your garage for paper, plastic, cans and glass. Locate your recycling center close to an entrance for ease of wheeling it out on recycling day.
  

• Camping gear. Organize all your camping gear, such as tents, boating supplies, etc. This will insure you wont leave home without the bug spray on your next camping trip.
  

• Chemicals. Install a heavy-duty cabinet with a lock and key for storing chemicals. Keep all chemicals high and away from kids and pets.

Use these tips to add storage space and organization to your garage.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At MyGuidesUSA.com (http://www.myguidesusa.com), you will find valuable tips and resources for handling lifes major events. Whether youre planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, youll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com. Find home improvement tips and resources at http://www.myguidesusa.com/homeimprovement