How to Reclaim Your Garage for Your Car (Without Losing Storage)

For many South African families, the garage has quietly stopped being a place to park the car. Instead, it has become home to bicycles, golf clubs, camping gear, surfboards, gardening equipment and everything else that doesn’t quite fit inside the house.

Before long, the car ends up parked on the driveway while the garage becomes a dumping ground. The good news? Reclaiming your garage doesn’t mean throwing everything away. With the right storage solutions, you can create space for your car while still keeping your family’s belongings organised and easy to access.

At a Glance

✓ Make room for your car again.

✓ Free up valuable floor space.

✓ Use walls and ceiling space more effectively.

✓ Keep sports and household items organised.

✓ Create storage zones that work for your family.

Why Don’t People Park in Their Garages Anymore?

Modern garages have to work harder than ever in this new era of larger vehicles and more equipment for hobbies. Today’s families often need space for:

• Bicycles and scooters.

• Surfboards, kayaks and paddles.

• Camping and fishing equipment.

• Gardening tools.

• Sports kit.

• Kids’ toys.

• Recycling and household storage.

Without a proper storage system, these items quickly spread across the floor, leaving little room for the car.

The problem usually isn’t that your garage is too small, it’s more that the space isn’t being used as efficiently as it could.

How Much Space Do You Need Around a Car?

Before planning what storage you might need try think about how you use your vehicle every day. As a guide, we recommend allowing:

• Around 75–90 cm beside the driver’s door.

• At least 60 cm on the passenger side.

• Enough room to comfortably open the boot.

• Space to walk around the vehicle safely.

The first step of planning around your car first ensures that your garage remains practical and easy to use.

Five Ways to Reclaim Your Garage

1. Get Everything Off the Floor

The easiest way to create more space is to stop storing things on the floor. Bikes, ladders, surfboards and garden tools can all be stored on wall-mounted systems, instantly opening up the garage and making it easier to park.

2. Create Dedicated Zones

Separate your garage into areas for different activities so you can easily find what you need, when you need it. You might have:

• A sports zone.

• A gardening section.

• Household storage.

• A workshop area.

• Seasonal storage.

Our experience tells us that when every item has a home, clutter is far less likely to build up.

3. Make Use of Vertical Space

Most garages have empty walls that could work much harder, we recommend storage solutions such as panel systems, rails, shelves and hooks that all help to maximise storage while keeping floors clear.

4. Store Seasonal Items Above Head Height

Items you only use occasionally such as Christmas decorations, camping gear or beach umbrellas don’t need to take up valuable everyday space. Instead, you could choose high-level shelving and overhead storage racks which are ideal solutions for keeping these items in the garage but only need accessing every so often.

5. Combine Wall Storage and Cabinets

The best garages usually use a combination of open and concealed storage. Wall systems are perfect for larger items such as bikes and sports equipment, while cabinets help keep tools, cleaning products and smaller items neatly tucked away.

Why Reclaiming Your Garage Matters

A well-organised garage offers more than just somewhere to park.

It can:

• Protect valuable equipment.

• Save time looking for things.

• Reduce clutter inside the house.

• Make family activities easier.

• Improve the appearance of your home.

• Add practical value to your property.

With the right storage system, your garage can once again become one of the most useful spaces in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make room for my car in the garage?

Start by removing items from the floor and using wall-mounted storage, shelving and cabinets to maximise the available space.

Can I fit a car and bikes into a single garage?

Yes. Wall-mounted bike racks and storage systems allow you to safely store bicycles while keeping space free for your vehicle.

How much space should I leave around my car?

Aim for around 75–90 cm on the driver’s side and enough space to comfortably open doors and access the boot.

Should bins be stored inside the garage?

If you store bins in the garage, keeping them in a designated area helps maintain an organised and practical layout.

What is the best storage solution for a small garage?

A combination of wall storage, shelving and cabinets will usually provide the most flexibility.