If you’re fortunate enough to have an empty garage, you might be wondering how you want to use it. After all, you see open space but don’t want it to go to waste.
Most people will use their garages for their cars, but you may prefer to place yours on the driveway to use the space in your garage for something else.
If you find yourself with an empty garage, here are some ideas for how you can best use the space.
Using an Empty Garage for Storage
When people don’t know what to do with their garages, many use them as storage areas. They’ll add shelving, cabinets, or ceiling racks to store their extra stuff.
Overhead storage is a great place to put items you don’t need to use often to keep them out of the way. For example, you can store holiday decorations or seasonal clothing that you only need to access a few times a year.
The trick is to never store items in random places. Always have a designated area for everything. Otherwise, your garage will quickly become disorganized.
Make sure you find different ways to organize your belongings effectively.
Turn it into a Workshop
If you’re a hobbyist, the garage is the perfect place to set up a dedicated workbench to keep it out of your spouse’s or children’s way.
For example, I use one of my Gladiator workbenches to work on my remote-controlled cars.
Even though RC cars are small, I have a lot of tools, mats, and spare parts that take up space. It helps to have a dedicated area to keep things organized.
If small-scale hobbies aren’t your thing, you could use your garage to repair cars and motorcycles or do woodworking projects. You can quickly transform the empty space in your garage into the perfect workshop.
Protect Your Gardening Tools
Most people need space to store their gardening tools.
However, if you love to garden and plan to work on your yard regularly, you can set up a dedicated potting bench. This will help keep track of your tools and supplies, so you know where to get them when you need them.
I’ll be honest: gardening isn’t my thing, so I store my gardening tools on wall storage racks.
My mother, however, has the green thumb of the family. She has a small potting bench that doubles as storage for her hand tools, fertilizers, and extra pots.
How much space you need depends on how much you work in your yard.
Turn Your Empty Garage Into a Man-Cave or She-Shed
Turning an empty garage into a space to relax is very popular.
While some people want to sit in their homes, others like using the garage as an additional living space. They leave the garage door open and place a sofa in the garage for them to relax.
Some take it further by installing TVs in their garage. That way, they can spend time in the garage and invite neighbors over as they spend time together.
Depending on where you live, some people find garages uncomfortable and warm, so consider insulating or air-conditioning your garage.
Even if you don’t fully convert your garage into additional living space, you can still make it more comfortable. Consider adding fans or heaters so you can work in your garage year-round.
Sports (Garage Gym or Storage)
If sports are more your thing, you could turn your garage into a gym to fill that space. I have a friend who’s really into hockey, so he converted his garage into a practice rink. Believe it or not, there’s a company that makes interlocking garage tiles that simulate an ice hockey rink.
Your garage could provide enough space even if you only want to store your athletic equipment.
Many companies created storage racks for specific sports:
- Wall-mounted rack for fishing rods or hockey sticks.
- Ball storage for basketballs and soccer balls.
- Storage racks for golf bags, gloves, and hats.
- Wall racks or lifts for kayaks and canoes.
- Ceiling lifts or wall-mounted bicycle storage.
Your garage is also the perfect place to store your ATV or golf cart when you’re not using it.
Place Your Recyclables in the Garage
Depending on where you live, you can use your garage for recycling space.
For example, some states offer people money if they recycle certain items. From there, they receive reimbursement for their recycling as spare money.
You can collect cans, bottles, and other recyclables your area will take. If your neighborhood has you stick with recycling bins, you can leave your recycling bins in your garage to keep them safe.
You can even place your trash bins there to keep them inside. Depending on where you live, this may be required by your HOA.
Just remember to keep your garbage cans clean, so they don’t smell.
Rent Out Your Empty Garage to Earn Money
Finally, you could rent out your empty garage.
As houses become more expensive, more people live in apartments longer than they’d like. It’s becoming harder for new buyers to find a home with a garage they can afford.
There are companies like Neighbor.com that connect homeowners with empty garages with people willing to rent them. Here in Florida, prices range from $60 to $240 per month, depending on the area and amenities.
Renting out your garage could be an easy way to make some additional cash each month and find a use for your empty garage.
Wrapping It Up: Empty Garage Ideas
An empty garage can be a playground for your imagination.
It’s a versatile space that can be transformed into practically anything, from a workshop or extra storage space to a cozy mancave or she-shed. It can also house a hobby area for gardening, an indoor gym, or an area for sports gear.
You might even want to consider generating extra income by renting it out.
Remember, it’s not about just filling the space but optimizing it for a function that serves you best. When organizing, optimize your space by creating a designated place for everything.
If you plan to convert your garage into a living space, consider adding comfort features like insulation, air conditioning, or heating.
So, next time you gaze at your empty garage, see it not as a challenge but an opportunity.
