Whether your garage could be confused with a Nascar trailer or you just like to change your brakes, these tips are for you.
Must-Know Garage Storage Tips for Weekend Mechanics
Updated on Jun. 25, 2025
1
/
6
Keep your tools handy with a rolling cart
In the old days, you laid out the tools you needed on a fender pad. Try that on a vehicle with a sloped fender and you’ll find your tools on the floor. So buy a rolling cart and keep all your tools right at your fingertips.
2
/
6
Jack and jack-stand holder
Haven’t you tripped over your jack stands long enough? Build a simple storage rack and get them off the floor. If you have a lightweight floor jack, add mounting hooks under the holder. Screw a 2-in. PVC coupler to the side of the rack and a 2-in. cap on the wall near the floor for the handle.
3
/
6
Hang ’em high
Air tools don’t come with hooks, they don’t nest well in drawers, and on a workbench top they just add to the clutter. For just about $28 dollars you can snag this locking air tool holder and your tools will be neatly organized on the wall; simply snap on a padlock to keep them securely in place.
4
/
6
PVC drawer organizers
When you’re right in the middle of a project, you don’t need to waste time pawing through drawers looking for tools. So use this handy setup to keep your tools neatly arranged in your workbench drawer. Cut 1- or 2-in. PVC pipe to length. Glue on end caps and slice each pipe in half on a band saw. Screw them to the drawer bottoms and load them up!
Grab one glove at a time
To keep your box of nitrile gloves handy and make it easier to grab just one glove instead of a handful, add a magnetic glove box holder to your shop. You could even put it on your toolbox or rolling cart and yank out new gloves wherever you need them.
5
/
6
Grease gun holster
A grease gun is big and, uh, greasy. But you don’t have to get it on your drawers or cabinets. Cut a few sections of 1-in. and 3-in. PVC pipe and screw them to a plywood backer to make this slick grease gun holder. Then attach a 2-in. coupler and cap to hold a backup tube of grease.
6
/
6
Sheet metal drawer liners
If you use old kitchen cabinets in your workshop, it’s a bad idea to throw oily, greasy tools into those drawers, where the wood soaks up everything. Instead, take careful measurements of the width, depth and height to any HVAC shop. For about $20 per drawer, you can get a custom sheet metal liner for each one. The interiors will look like new, and you’ll be able to clean them as needed.
FAQ
How can I organize my garage to make it more functional for car repairs?
Your garage will need enough clear space to work on your car, with tools nearby and quickly accessible. Using the tips above, create organized zones for your tools on shelves, hooks, and carts. Be sure to utilize wall space to keep the floor clear, install adequate lighting, and consider floor protection for inevitable oil spills. If possible, move non-car repair tools to another area of your home or storage shed.
What are some space-saving tips for small garages?
There are a number of storage options that make small garages more functional and organized including DIY overhead storage, space-saving sliding shelves, easy wire shelving, and compact cubby storage.
How can I keep my garage tools safe from rust and moisture?
Make sure to wipe down your tools before storing them if they get wet. In addition, if your garage is a high-humidity environment, consider using desiccants or dehumidifiers where moisture could pose a problem.
What’s the best way to store seasonal or rarely used automotive tools?
Seasonal or rarely used tools shouldn’t be stored in the places that are most easily accessed. (These spaces should be saved for tools you reach for often.) Instead, consider stashing less frequently used tools in bins or cabinets, making sure to label them so you know what’s where.
What’s the most effective way to start organizing a cluttered garage?
Taking one small step to organize can often get you over the hump of inertia when you feel overwhelmed. In addition, strategies like breaking the room into zones and focusing on one area at a time or dedicating a certain amount of time and setting a timer can break up a large task into smaller action items that feel do-able.
About the experts
Kenna Lee is the founder and chief product officer of Calm Spaces, a professional organizing firm serving clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and Atlanta, GA. She holds a Certificate in Essentials of Organizing from NAPO, a Foundation Certification in Chronic Disorganization, and a Certificate of Study in ADHD from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. She also has a Specialist Certificate in Brain-Based Conditions, and a Specialist Certificate in Life Transitions. She excels in working with high-net-worth households, people with ADHD, and clients navigating major life transitions and is a sought-after expert on clutter, overwhelm, and organizing with empathy.
