Let’s face it—no garage in Manchester (or anywhere, really) is known for being, how should we say, “organised and easy on the eyes.” Garages usually evolve into the kingdom of forgotten boxes, worn-out sports equipment, broken machines, and things you probably didn’t even know were yours.
But here’s the thing: Just a few well-planned changes can turn your garage from a messy space into a functional and even kind of awesome room. So, let’s take a stroll through some very attainable ideas to help you overhaul your space.
Step One: Get All the Junk Out (Like, All of It)
Before you make a new purchase or start to rearrange anything, you need to tackle the mess. You can’t organise clutter — you just can’t. And the first big step is to clear it all out.
Here’s what to do:
- Take everything out. Yep, everything. Get a complete view of what you’ve got.
- Organise items into piles: keep, donate, sell and toss.
- Ask yourself: “Have I used this in the past year? If the answer is no, perhaps it’s time to move on.
- After you’ve decluttered, spend a little time putting what’s left into categories. Tools go together. Holiday decor in one section. Camping gear in another. This part doesn’t need to be perfect — it’s simply to pave the way for the next step.
And as for things you don’t use on the daily but still can’t bear to throw out — seasonal decorations, spare furniture, bulky sports equipment — consider renting a unit at Pink Self Storage Ltd. With 24/7 CCTV, your belongings will remain secure and your garage will stay clean. Look up Pink Storage Manchester to learn more.
Build Up: Use Your Walls, Not Just the Floor
A huge mistake people make is to allow the floor to do most of the heavy lifting. That’s how your garage starts to resemble a giant game of Tetris gone wrong.
Instead, think vertically. You can:
- Add wall-mounted shelving for bins, boxes, and gear.
- Mount pegboards to hang tools such as hammers, screwdrivers and even extension cords.
- Install hooks and brackets for bikes, rakes, ladders — really anything you might otherwise prop in a corner.
- Pegboards come in especially handy if you do any DIY work. You’ll be able to see all your tools in one place and it’s much more satisfying than going through a messy toolbox.
The big bonus? You get more floor space right away. So not only do things look tidier — they also feel roomier.
Replace the Flooring (Trust Us, It’s Worth It)
Let’s talk about the floors for a minute. If yours is cracked, stained, or simply looks like it’s been through a war, upgrading it will give your garage a whole new feel.
Here are two easy options:
Epoxy coating: It’s very smooth and very tough. It repels oil, water and whatever else you spill. Plus, it looks good.
Interlocking floor tiles: These are easy to install and provide a textured, non-slip surface. These are ideal if you walk or lift a lot in your garage.
Not only does a better floor make things look good but it is so much easier to clean! You’ll even look forward to stepping into your garage!
Tend to the Lighting Situation (This Is Important)
Garages typically are poorly lit. If your setup is still a single sad bulb in the middle of the ceiling, it’s time to upgrade.
You’ll want to:
- Switch to LED lighting. It’s brighter, more energy-efficient and lasts for years.
- Add multiple sources. And one overhead light isn’t enough: Include task lights over workbenches or inside storage areas.
- Try motion-sensor lights.
- Good lighting not only makes the garage more usable, it can also help deter break-ins. And, honestly, it just makes the space more inviting.
Make It Comfortable Year Round
The average garage in the summer becomes an oven, and in the winter, it can leave you cold. That’s less than ideal, especially if you want to use the space for more than storage.
Adding insulation can help. Here’s what to do:
- Insulate the garage door to retain heat or keep things cool.
- Insulate walls if they’re not finished.
- Caulk any gaps around the doors and windows with weather stripping.
This easy upgrade can make a significant difference, particularly if your garage is attached to your home. Not only will you be more comfortable exercising there — but you could even save a bit on your energy bills.
Level Up Your Security
Let’s face it—you’ve got some expensive stuff hidden in your garage. Power tools, bicycles and even your two-wheeled vehicles. So security should definitely be an element of your garage makeover.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Invest in a good garage door lock.
- Install deadbolts on side or back doors.
- Install motion-sensor lights outside to deter potential burglars.
- Think about a smart security system — some even let you check things out from your phone.
You’ve invested time (and perhaps money) sprucing up your garage — so it makes sense to safeguard it.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint to the Space
Paint makes everything better and is among the simplest and cheapest ways to revamp your garage.
Tips to get it right:
- If you want the garage to feel brighter and more open, opt for light colours.
- If you’d like that modern, moody aesthetic (just balance it with proper lighting), reach for darker tones.
- Apply an epoxy finish to the floor for a smooth, long-lasting surface.
- Utilise colour-coded bins and matching shelves to create a cohesive and polished look.
Seriously, your garage will seem like an entirely different area as soon as you paint it.
Garage makeovers aren’t only about aesthetics—they’re about designing a space that’s functional. Whether you’re trying to park your car, build furniture or store all your holiday decor, your garage can be much more than a place to dump stuff.
Get the basics right: declutter, clear stuff off the floor and add some colour to your space.
If your garage has been an afterthought for long enough, now’s the time to change that. Believe us— it will look so good after all these changes.
