October 28, 2024
As any hobbyist knows, there are three main pain points when it comes to your favourite pastimes:
- Not having the time to do them
- Not having the space to do them
- Not being able to find that one small (and expensive) part you need to complete a project
In this blog, we will help you solve at least two-thirds of these problems!
First, we will talk about must-have storage solutions that will transform your garage from a cluttered mess to a hobbyist’s dream. Then we will look at a few clever hobby-specific tips to help you get started or to inspire you to use some new practical storage solutions.
Let’s start making more space so you can do what you love!
Essential Hobby Storage Solutions
The Mighty Pegboard Wall
For many hobbyists (especially DIY enthusiasts), the pegboard has been a storage game changer for decades. The board is designed with a series of holes spaced a few centimetres apart, allowing you to fit hooks or other fixtures to create an almost endless range of storage solutions.
The pegboard is the perfect way to hang anything from a sledgehammer to a box of tackle, including:
- Hardware and hand tools for woodworking and other DIY activities
- Sewing supplies like measuring tape or various-sized knitting needles
- Art supplies and paintbrushes
- Collectibles that need a display and/or storage surface
While pegboards are immensely popular, they do have some downsides:
- There is a definite weight limit to what items you can mount, depending on the quality of the materials used in the construction of your pegboard
- Hooks can easily get lost or break over time, requiring replacement
- Not all pegboard accessories are compatible with every pegboard, so it requires careful shopping
Space Saving Overhead Storage Shelves
Overhead storage shelves are metal or hardened plastic shelving designed to be mounted to your garage roof. They double your garage’s floor space and come with various design elements and storage features that are truly life-changing. When installed properly, they provide you with a robust and permanent space-saving solution in your garage.
That said, overhead storage solutions are one of the riskier garage storage options out there because:
- Accessing items placed in overhead storage can be a huge challenge; in fact, it can be downright dangerous! Standing on a ladder or step stool, while trying to move and rearrange heavy containers is tough.
- All overhead storage shelves have a weight limit, and naturally, the quality of the installation is a huge risk factor. The last thing you want is for your stored items to drop down on your car.
If you truly need to double your garage floor space to make room for all the items in there, it is time to switch over to Len’s personal storage solutions. You will find all the space you need, with zero risk to any of your personal belongings!
Clever Storage Tips for Hobbyists
Woodworking Storage Tips
Magnetic strip boards are the perfect way to keep metal tools in an out-of-the-way yet accessible location. These strips can be mounted on your garage wall or even against the exterior or interior of a storage cabinet.
It should be noted that if you have small children, it may be a bit dangerous to have metal tools out in the open.
Workbenches Combined With Storage
Workbenches are a multi-functional storage solution that provides both a stable surface to work on and space to store your tools and other woodworking accoutrements.
When it comes to workbenches, we recommend spending a few extra quid on a quality product that offers robust storage options. A top-quality workbench will pay for itself in the long run.
Gardening Storage Tips
Wall-mounted hooks for small tools help you keep items in an accessible location while ensuring you can always find what you are looking for. Some may find that having their gardening implements on display is not aesthetically pleasing; keep reading for our next solution that you may love.
Rolling Cart for Gardening Tool Storage
A rolling cart with storage spaces for your seeds, gloves, pruning shears, etc., allows for easy planning and execution of your gardening tasks. It is an attractive and versatile storage solution, but it won’t offer as much storage space for larger tools as garage wall-mounted hooks.
Cycling Storage Tips
Keeping even just one bicycle in the garage is always awkward, no matter how much room you have. The slightest knock or breeze can put your bike on the ground with a few extra paint chips.
Wall- or ceiling-mounted bike racks are the ultimate space-saving solution for storing your bicycle. They will help clear your garage floor space and also help you avoid incidental damage to your bike frames from bumps and scrapes while in storage.
Free Standing Bike Stand
Bike stands are for those of us who are not DIY-inclined. They do not offer as much space-saving potential as wall or ceiling-mounted bike racks, but they are simpler to use and require no drilling or mounting. Additionally, many bike racks can store multiple bikes in an upright position, perfect if your whole family loves to cycle!
Plastic Storage Boxes for Cycling Accessories
Your bikes will naturally need maintenance over time, and it is very easy to “misplace” (i.e. lose) important elements of bike maintenance like a screwdriver or two, wrenches, patch kits, etc. Take care of these loose items with the help of a separate see-through plastic storage box with interior compartments.
Fishing Storage Tips
Overdoor storage solutions are a simple and casual way to keep your bait, lures, and other fishing accessories in a single accessible place. Overdoor storage hangers are also out of the way, keeping the rest of your garage free for bulkier items.
If your over-door storage solution has sealable compartments, that means when you head out to fish, you can simply unhook the storage container from the door and take it with you on your trip.
Stackable plastic containers are another storage solution that, in a pinch, can be taken with you to your favourite fishing spots. Fishing hooks and lures can be very attractive to young eyes, so it is important to keep these items accessible to you, but still out of the way of curious young hands.
Len’s Will Solve Your Garage Hobby Storage Troubles
Clearing out your garage clutter to make space for the things you love is just one of the ways Len’s Self Storage has been helping people in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
We can provide you with a quote on how much storage space you will need when you use our space estimator. You will never pay for more space than you need.
If you need a hand getting your garage contents to one of our facilities in Granton, Sighthill, Hillington, or Kinning Park, we can help you arrange the process with our removals service.
Want more ways to declutter? Try our 30-Day Declutter Challenge!
