30 Smart Ways to Store Tools in Your Garage

A cluttered garage can wreck your workflow fast. Whether you're digging through a pile of junk for one tool or dodging a shovel just to get to the car, it gets frustrating quick. Garages tend to collect everything — power tools, garden gear, sports equipment — until there’s no space left to actually use them.

That’s where we come in. At Complete Closet Design, we build smart, made-for-you custom garage cabinets that make your tools easier to reach and your space way easier to use. After transforming hundreds of garages around Chicagoland, we’ve pulled together real tips on how to store tools in garage spaces that actually work for real life.

1. Install Magnetic Strips for Metal Tools

Magnetic strips are a simple way to stay organized. Mount a few along your wall and instantly get screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches off the bench and into view. You’ll find what you need faster, and your work area stays cleaner. Stick them near your bench so you can grab tools mid-task without breaking your rhythm.

2. Utilize Pegboard for Flexible Tool Arrangements

Pegboard transforms ordinary garage walls into customizable tool displays. This affordable solution adapts to changing tool collections and working styles. Use hooks, clips, and specialized holders to arrange power tools, hand tools, and accessories in logical groupings based on project types or frequency of use.

3. Mount PVC Pipes for Long-Handled Garden Tools

Shovels, rakes, and brooms don’t belong stacked in a messy corner. Slice a few PVC pipes in half, mount them to the wall, and slide those long-handled tools right in. They stay upright, out of the way, and ready for action. Place them near the garage entrance so yard work starts without the hassle.

4. Install Ceiling Tracks for Seasonal Equipment

Most people forget how useful the ceiling can be. Install overhead storage rails to hold bulky or seasonal items like coolers, tents, or snow gear. Just make sure everything’s tied down and nothing interferes with your garage door. It’s a smart way to claim unused space without crowding your walls.

5. Use Clear Plastic Bins with Labels

Small tools and random supplies can get out of hand fast. Use clear plastic bins to keep things grouped, protected, and easy to spot. Label each one with waterproof tags so there’s no guessing. Stack them on shelves or store them up high to free up your workspace and cut the clutter.

6. Build Specialized Storage for Power Tools

Power tools aren’t cheap — don’t leave them scattered. Give them a dedicated space with wall-mounted docks or custom drawer inserts to protect cords and batteries. Add a nearby charging station to keep everything powered up. When tools have a clear home, your workspace stays clean and ready for the next job.

7. Create a Mobile Tool Cart

For active projects, a rolling tool cart brings frequently used items directly to your work area. Stock with current project supplies and return to a designated parking spot when finished. This prevents tools from accumulating around the garage and reduces mid-project hunting for equipment.

8. Install Pull-Out Drawers in Cabinets

Deep cabinets are great — until everything ends up lost in the back. Pull-out drawers solve that by letting you see and reach every item without digging. Group tools by category or project so you know exactly where to look. It’s a smart upgrade that keeps your workflow smooth and frustration-free.

9. Use Door-Mounted Organizers

Garage doors offer more space than you think. Mount racks, pouches, or small bins to the inside of the door to hold lightweight tools and supplies. It’s perfect for garages with limited wall space. Just make sure it won’t block the door’s movement, and you’ll gain an extra storage zone instantly.

10. Hang Plumbing Tools on French Cleats

Plumbing tools deserve a setup that makes sense. Use French cleats to mount pipe wrenches, cutters, and other gear in neat rows on your wall. You can rearrange as needed, and everything stays easy to grab. Set them up in the order you typically use them to move faster on jobs.

11. Install Corner Shelving for Awkward Spaces

Corners are usually the first spaces to get ignored — but they’ve got storage potential. Add L-shaped shelves or corner racks to stash tools you don’t use every day. It clears up your main wall space while turning a dead zone into something useful for garage organization that actually works for you.

12. Create Dedicated Small Tools Drawers

Tiny tools always go missing unless they’ve got their own spot. Use drawers with divided compartments to store drill bits, hex keys, and measuring gear. Look for clear lids or tops so you can see everything without opening each one. Label as you go so nothing ends up buried or lost.

13. Use Cabinet Tops for Extra Storage

The tops of garage cabinets offer additional storage real estate for less-frequently used but still necessary items. Store tool boxes containing specialized equipment or seasonal tools in protective containers. Ensure items are secure and won't slide during door or vehicle movement. Custom garage cabinet costs vary based on materials and dimensions, but their value extends beyond the initial investment through improved tool longevity and workspace efficiency.

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14. Mount Extension Cord Reels on Wall Space

Tired of tripping over tangled cords? Mount retractable extension cord reels on the wall near your workbench or main project area. They keep cords organized, out of the way, and always ready. No more knots, no more wasted time, and no clutter slowing you down while you’re working.

15. Build Fold-Down Workbenches with Storage

Wall-mounted fold-down custom workbenches provide project space that disappears when not needed. Integrate tool storage directly into these units using the interior space for smaller items and mounting frequently used tools on the back panel for instant access when deployed.

16. Install Slat Wall Systems for Adaptability

Slat wall panels provide flexible tool storage options across entire wall surfaces. These systems accommodate various hooks, baskets, and specialized tool holders that can be rearranged as your needs change. Perfect for storing tools in your garage that require frequent access and reorganization.

17. Use Tension Rods for Spray Bottles

Slide a tension rod between two walls or inside a cabinet and you’ve got instant hanging space for spray bottles. This quick fix keeps cleaning supplies off the floor and easy to reach. It's affordable, takes up barely any space, and works great in tight spots around bulky gear.

18. Mount Wire Baskets Under Shelves

The space under your shelves usually goes to waste. Attach wire baskets underneath to hold awkward tools or items that don’t stack well. Slide-out baskets work even better if you want quick access to everything stored in the back. It’s a smart way to use every inch.

19. Create Tool Silhouettes on Walls

Draw tool shapes right on your pegboard or wall to give every item a clear home. This makes it easy to see what’s missing and helps keep everything in place. It’s low effort to set up, but it seriously helps with long-term organization — especially when multiple people use the space.

20. Install Vertical Bike Racks to Save Floor Space

Bikes take up too much room if they’re lying on the floor. Install vertical racks on the wall or hang them from ceiling joists to get them out of the way. You’ll free up space for tools and still have easy access when you’re ready to ride. Just mount them safely, away from your car.

21. Use Magnetic Bars for Metal Storage Bins

Stick magnetic bars on your garage wall or tool cabinet, and hang metal bins filled with screws, nails, and other hardware. You’ll have everything you need in sight without crowding drawers or benches. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep small parts organized and right where you need them.

22. Create Zones Based on Tool Categories

Split your garage into dedicated areas for each type of tool — woodworking, car repair, gardening, and so on. This setup keeps tools where they belong instead of spreading across every surface. Use signs or color-coded bins to make the system stick, even as your collection gets bigger.

These same organizing principles work equally well for warehouses, workshops, and other commercial spaces — anywhere tools and equipment need to be stored efficiently and accessibly.

23. Create Specialized Storage for Automotive Tools

Auto work requires its own gear — and that gear deserves its own spot. Set up cabinets or shelving close to where you work on your car. Keep oil, tire tools, and other supplies grouped together so you’re not scrambling to find what you need during a repair or maintenance job.

24. Install Ceiling-Mounted Pulley Systems

Heavy gear like kayaks, ladders, or canoes doesn’t belong on the garage floor. Mount a pulley system to your ceiling joists and lift those big items up and out of the way. It clears space, keeps them safe, and makes it easy to lower them when you actually need them.

25. Use Upcycled Kitchen Organizers

Old kitchen gear makes great garage storage. Mount spice racks, muffin tins, or utensil trays on your wall or cabinet doors to sort tiny tools and hardware. It’s a cheap, creative way to stay organized without buying fancy gear — and it keeps everything right where you can see it.

26. Create Labeled Shadow Boxes for Hand Tools

Shadow boxes with tool outlines take hand tool organization to the next level. Each tool has a clearly marked home, so you’ll know immediately if something’s missing. It’s a clean, professional look that also keeps your most-used gear right where it should be — easy to grab and just as easy to return.

27. Use Stackable Plastic Bins on Steel Shelving

Steel shelving gives you strength, and stackable plastic bins bring flexibility. Combine both for a system that holds everything from seasonal gear to project leftovers. Label each bin and group by category — gardening, painting, electrical — to cut down on hunting and make sure nothing gets buried or forgotten.

28. Install Tool-Specific Wall-Mounted Shelves

Certain tools benefit from customized storage solutions. Wall mounted shelves with specific dimensions for circular saws, drills, and other power tools prevent damage while keeping these items readily accessible. Position these shelving units near workstations for convenience.

29. Create Modular Storage with Grid Panels

Grid panels give you a modular setup that adjusts as your needs shift. Mount them on garage walls and add S-hooks, clips, or holders to fit your tools just right. As your collection grows or changes, move things around without having to start over. It’s vertical space put to good use.

30. Build Rolling Storage Under Workbenches

The space beneath workbenches often becomes a catchall for miscellaneous items. Custom rolling cabinets sized specifically for this area create organized storage for less-frequently used tools while allowing easy access when needed. Ensure clearance for comfortable leg room during seated tasks.

Reclaim Your Garage Space

You don’t have to do it all at once. Just a few smart garage tool storage upgrades can make a big difference — less time wasted looking for tools, fewer duplicate purchases, and a space that works with you, not against you.

Your garage might be a workshop, a car zone, or a place to build, fix, and create. No matter how you use it, we can help make it better. At Complete Closet Design, we design custom storage systems that match how you work, what you use, and how you want your space to feel.

Reach out now. Let’s talk about how we can help turn your garage from frustrating to functional — and actually enjoyable to spend time in.