According to the 2015 American Housing Survey, 63% of all residential homes have a garage or car parking unit. A garage workshop is a designated area within a garage that is set up for various activities such as DIY projects, home repairs, or hobbies. It is a practical and versatile space where individuals can work on hands-on tasks, fix things, or pursue creative endeavors.
Tools, workbenches and storage units comprise the typical layout of a garage workspace. This convenient and organized environment is great for storing items or building stuff without the constraints of a formal workshop. Practical tasks like fixing a leaky faucet, building a small shelf, or engaging in woodworking are best done in a functional and accessible area.
You may also design your own home office in your garage, where you can work in a quiet, cozy environment at a convenient distance from your home. If you have a start up or small business, you can have your own venue for team meetings, brainstorming and presentations.
How to set up a garage workspace?
So, you have decided to make your garage a home for your personal or professional endeavors. You have some space, you know what you want to do with it, and now you’re wondering- what’s the next step? The good news is, you are in the right place! Let’s look at a few things that can help you make the best use of your garage space.
Decluttering
Start by clearing out your garage. Discard, sell or donate broken and unwanted items- you may want to start a garage sell for some extra cash before you start your professional or creative endeavor! Once you have cleared out the items you don’t need, start working with the ones you have. Think about what you need for your project.
Stationery? Lunch tables? More sockets for plugging computers? Make the required purchases, so that you have everything you need to start organizing. Focus on portable devices, flexible storage units and modular and mobile furniture.
Vertical storage space
Using your garage is a pretty creative idea. Why stop there? Think outside the box, make use of the vertical space as a storage unit! Walls and overhead areas can have shelves, cabinets, or wall-mounted organizers for tools, equipment and other items within easy reach.
If you are in a constrained space, some of these shelves can be foldable, for temporary use. Slat walls with hooks and brackets are great for hanging items like pliers or mops. Shelves and holders are great for cans and sacks full of fine materials or liquids, like oil, sand or paint. With most of your stuff on wall shelves, the floor space can be utilized for furniture or workstations.
Small holders can be used for organizing smaller items like nuts and bolts, screws, and other hardware to reduce the clutter in your workspace. If you are setting up a home office, organizing your stationery and paperwork in drawers and locked cabinets is important.
Efficient workbench
A foldable workbench is a great portable, space saving solution. When not in use, you can just tilt it up against a wall and clear up floor area for other activities. You can even take it outside for a change of surroundings, or take it with you while travelling. A light, but sturdy workbench is a good investment for an efficient garage workspace.
Floor coating
Anyone who has a garage knows that the interiors are heavily prone to damage. The floor especially, is vulnerable to chemical spills, cracking under the pressure of heavy objects, moisture and abrasion from heavy footfall.
Rubber mats, tiles, or specialized materials like epoxy and polyurea protect the floor and make the workspace safer and more hygienic. They also make the floor more durable and aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, who doesn’t wanna walk on a smooth and comfortable surface?
Customizable garage cabinets
Customizable cabinets allow users to adjust the internal structure of the cabinet as per changing needs. Removable dividers allow for varying compartment sizes, offering a personalized storage solution for your garage workspace. They seamlessly fit in with the available space, and are suitable for both wall and floor storage.
Add Outlets
The foundation of a functional workspace is electricity and internet connection. You should be able to easily plug in computers, printers, chargers, and other electronic devices. Avoid using too many extensions chords to prevent tripping hazards and create a safe working environment.
Instead, hire a qualified electrician to assess the capacity of the garage in terms of how many power outlets you can use at a time, and install additional ones as needed. Add outlets near walls and workstations for convenience. High power devices can be plugged in to surge protectors or dedicated circuits with higher capacity.
Benefits of having a garage workspace
There are several benefits of working from your garage. First, you don’t have to spend on renting or owning a separate commercial space, like an office, or a co-working center. Second, you will always be in close proximity to your family and personal space, while still being in a specially designated work area. This will help you strike a better work life balance.
Third, a garage space is typically quiet, cozy and conducive to focused, concentrated work. Whether you need calm or peace, or a stimulating environment with radio or music in the background, you can customize your workspace according to your needs. The restrictions and limitations of a commercial space may not apply to a residential space like a garage.
Overall, working from your garage can provide financial savings, convenience, privacy, and flexibility, making it an attractive option for those who can effectively set up a home office in this space. Vertical storage options, cabinets, floor covering, workbenches and power outlets are the key elements of an efficient garage workspace.
It is important to focus on flexibility, mobility and customization, e.g., having modular furniture, cabinets, etc. If you are about to convert your garage into a workspace, this article will help you make a to-do list before you get to work!
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