Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
By /
Your garage takes up a considerable portion of your home’s real estate – it should be a useful space. All too often, however, it becomes a dumping ground for obsolete sports gear, broken power tools and not-sure-where-to-put-it items that have migrated from the house. We’re here to help you reclaim your garage with these storage solutions.
The first step to a gleaming garage is a serious clear-out. Arm yourself with heavy-duty bin bags, some boxes and a cleaning kit, and sort items into three piles: things to keep, items to toss or recycle, and things to sell or donate to charity.
Obvious rubbish, like dried-up paint cans, is a no-brainer, but sentimental items (like your child’s first skateboard), can have you wavering. If they are still in good condition, giving these things to a new home, so they can bring joy to a new family, may ease the pain of parting.
While garage surfaces are generally functional, a new coat of paint can work wonders. Floors are usually concrete and cop a lot of car and foot traffic, so use a specialist paint product such as Dy-Mark Epoxy Coat garage floor kit or White Knight Ultra Pave paving and concrete paint.
Garage walls tend to be brick or masonry, but once they’re prepped with a paint primer, most interior paints can be used as a topcoat. Choose a shade of white in semi-gloss or gloss to brighten up the space, or take the opportunity to splash about some bold colour.
A grungy-looking garage door can bring down the entire impression of your home. Replacing it is a job best left to the professionals, so ask the Special Orders Desk about our garage door installation service*.
While you’re at it, think about automating your garage door. “You can easily automate your garage door with a new Chamberlain D.I.Y. garage door opener,” says Robert Bergqvist of Chamberlain.
Add the myQ connectivity kit and your garage is suddenly a smart space. “You will be able to monitor, control, get real-time notifications and give guest access to loved ones, all from the myQ app on your phone,” adds Robert.
Installing an opener is a D.I.Y. option for roller or sectional garage doors (tilt ones need the professionals), or the Special Orders Desk can organise a fitting.*
To keep your revived space looking tidy, employ good storage solutions. Choose products that suit what you want to store. For example, clearly labelled, stackable storage tubs with lids, such as Handy Storage crates, work well for bulky seasonal items and sports gear. At the other end of the size spectrum, the Tactix modular plastic jars system or repurposed jam jars are ideal for tiny things that are easily misplaced, such as screws and drill bits.
The key to a well-organised garage is to group like with like. Hang garden implements together on a rack, keep paint gear in one place and have a one-stop storage system for your tools. Whether it’s in a tool drawer, hanging from a pegboard or hook, or sitting on garage shelving, it’s important that every tool has a home, advises Lachlan King of Rack It. “Knowing where things are meant to be stored makes cleaning up after a day in the garden easy, so it’s less likely that you let things get out of control,” he says.
For bigger items, make the best use of available space by thinking vertically. “When it comes to storage of larger hobby items like bikes and surfboards, it’s important to consider accessibility without compromising space,” says Lachlan. “For things that are less frequently used, wall-mounted garage storage provides the most efficient use of space.”
Tip: If you take your bike for a regular spin, consider a floor stand positioned near the door.
Now that your garage is clean, clear and organised, consider what else you can do with the space. A work bench added to your storage system can become a craft or D.I.Y. workshop area, or a perfect potting shed set-up – especially if your tools and materials are neatly arranged close by.
For fitness fans, a set of rubber tiles can be easily laid on the floor to create a gym or workout zone, or somewhere to practise yoga.
A garage mud room is also a great addition to a busy home, storing items like outdoor clothing, gumboots and dog leads. “It’s important to know exactly how much space you have to work with, as it can be difficult to design a mud room that doesn’t intrude on your walkways and space for your car,” advises Jessica Haslem of Flexi Storage.
Jessica suggests combining Flexi Storage Clever Cubes and 400mm wardrobe units, a useful solution due to their shorter depths and the combination of hidden and open storage.
Check out our guide to applying Dy-Mark epoxy to your garage floor.
Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
Photo Credit: James Moffatt, Brigid Arnott
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
