Many homeowners aren’t lucky enough to have a garage. It’s a great place to park your car, store your tools, and tinker with whatever DIY project you currently have on the go.

But so many people fail to make full use of this amazing space in their home. A garage in an average-sized home makes up approximately 13-15% of the property’s overall square footage. A garage has enormous potential to be so much more than a mere storage area or rubbish tip.

If you have the good fortune to own a home with a garage, now is the time to make the most of it. You could turn it into anything you like, from a home gym or cinema to an artist studio in which you can get creative on your projects.

Whatever you intend to do with the space, it is likely it will need some work before it can be fully-functional. Here are a few great ways to optimize your garage.

Make a plan

Before you go about organizing your space, you need to work out exactly what function you want it to fulfill. It doesn’t matter what you want to achieve, but you need a goal in order to keep your hard work focused. Create a plan to make your vision a reality and this will inform everything from the choice of flooring to the layout of furniture.

Clear it out

However much square footage your garage may contain, it’s not going to do much good if the floor is covered in junk and dirt. The first step to optimizing your space is to give it a good spring clean. Schedule a day to go through your entire garage with a fine tooth comb. Begin by clearing out the things you no longer need or want. The best way to do this is to remove every single item from your garage and place it on your driveway. Now it is empty, you can begin a thorough cleaning to get rid of the cobwebs and ensure everything is neat and tidy.

Take an inventory of all the items you have removed and only replace them if they are absolutely necessary. Anything else you can take to the tip or donate to charity.

Make repairs

If there are broken cabinets, smashed windows or malfunctioning doors, now osi the time to make any necessary repairs. If you want to save a little bit of money, you can perform this maintenance yourself, but if you lack the knowledge base then there are plenty of companies such as opengaragedoornwga.com who specialize in garage repairs.

Add flooring

Most garages come with a concrete floor as standard, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Upgrading your garage floor to a lush carpet or sleek hardwood paneling can make all the difference. This will immediately turn it into a place where you want to spend all your time.

Insulate

Your garage may not have been built to be a relaxation space, and therefore it might not have a great deal of insulation. If you are going to be hanging out here in the winter months, you are going to want to stay warm. Consider hiring a garage insulation comp[any to help line the walls and retain the heat.

Decorate

Your garage is coming along. Now it’s time to work on aesthetics. Give your walls a lick of paint to make your new space pop. Opt for bold colors like red and orange if you want a vibrant atmosphere, or cool pastel blues and greens for a more tranquil environment. Posters, ornaments, and plants can also do a great deal to create a pleasant vibe.

Install storage

Whatever the purpose of your garage, you’ll probably still need a place to keep your tools and other household items. Install some smart storage so you can keep your floor and surfaces clear of clutter. Put up some shelves or cabinets, or even some underfloor storage to maximize your available space. This way you will have far more room to enjoy your new living environment. Click here for an idea of some of the best smart storage solutions on the market.

Add furniture

The final step is to fill your garage with the bits and pieces that turn it into the finished product. Creating a home gym? Then install a treadmill, free weights, and a bench. If your garage is meant to be a relaxation space then you’ll want some comfortable seating, a coffee table, and maybe even a drinks fridge. The choice is yours.