10 Must-Have Items to Always Store in Your Garage

Nov 12

Your Expert Guide to Colorado Garage Storage for Unpredictable Weather, Endless Adventure and Unique Ideas

What to store in a Colorado garage? Here the best items

Your garage is for storage! But not all storage is created equal. We have a mission to help homeowners enjoy their beautiful, organized garages with storage, shelving, flooring and other upgrades. We can help achieve this through slat wall, overhead shelving, custom cabinets and other storage solutions. But what are the best items to store in your garage—and what should you keep elsewhere?

In Colorado, the garage serves a much bigger purpose than just parking the car—it’s a vital storage space for the gear and supplies that fit our state's distinct weather patterns and outdoor lifestyle. While we may be familiar with organizing garages, knowing exactly what to store can be a different challenge. With snow-filled winters and sunny summers, it’s essential to keep your garage stocked with key items to stay prepared year-round. (If you’re wondering what items should never be stored in your Colorado garage, we have plenty of advice on that as well!)

From snow removal tools to adventure gear, here’s a guide to 10 must-have items you should always store in your Colorado garage…

1. Snow Removal Gear

In Colorado, winters can be harsh so having a reliable snow shovel, ice melt, and a sturdy snow brush/scraper for your vehicle is obvious. Many Coloradans also have a snow blower as part of their winter repertoire. This preparedness not only provides peace of mind but also promotes safety and convenience. Allowing homeowners to efficiently clear paths and access vehicles, no matter how much Mother Nature decides to throw their way, is essential. When that first big snow storm hits, you’ll be thankful for your garage organization for efficient, safe and hassle-free snow removal.

A proper storage solution for the hard to store items makes them easy to locate and use throughout the year. This custom Slatwall system is home to snow removal gear, yard maintenance and power tools.

2. Off Season Sports Equipment

The Colorado garage serves as an off-season sports equipment storage station, allowing homeowners to maximize the use of their limited space while preserving their prized gear.  As the winter weather arrives, the Colorado garage transitions to accommodate the storage of lake and water equipment. Kayaks, paddleboards, life jackets, and other water sport necessities find a secure and accessible home within the garage, shielded from the harsh winter snow and ice. This organized approach not only maximizes the utility of the garage space, but also makes it easy to retrieve the appropriate gear when the seasons change.  

During the warmer months, when the snow has long since melted, the garage becomes the ideal storage space for skis, snowboards, boots, and all the associated apparel and accessories. By carefully packing away these winter sports essentials, homeowners free up valuable storage space within the home, while ensuring their equipment remains protected from the elements and ready for the next ski season.  To maintain this efficient storage system, a seasonal organization method is needed, with clear labeling and dedicated zones for summer and winter sports equipment. This strategic setup allows for quick retrieval and hassle-free transitions between activities, ensuring that Coloradans can fully embrace all the outdoor recreation year-round.

Adventure gear storage for Colorado garages

Having the tools and space to maintain sports equipment ensures you are ready for the next adventure at all times.

3. Sports Equipment Maintenance Area

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your gear in top shape year-round. Set up a dedicated bike repair station to handle quick fixes and tune-ups, along with a ski and snowboard waxing station for maintaining your winter gear. Keep equipment cleaning supplies on hand to extend the life of your gear, and organize tools for regular maintenance tasks. This setup ensures that your equipment is always ready for the next adventure, whether you're hitting the trails or carving down the slopes.

4. Automotive Care

While on the topic of maintenance - an easy-to-locate selection of automotive care items such as windshield washer fluid, motor oil and car cleaning supplies is the perfect addition to your garage. From microfiber towels and wheel brushes to high-quality waxes and polishes, this dedicated car care station ensures homeowners can readily maintain the pristine condition of their vehicles, protecting them from the salt, mud, and grime that accumulate during the winter months. To prevent any accidental spills or leaks, the automobile-focused shelving should be equipped with a sturdy drip tray, allowing for the safe and organized storage of these crucial automotive products. For the ultimate automotive care, upgrade your garage floor with easy to clean polyaspartic flooring, our signature service.

5. Emergency Preparedness Kit

In Colorado, where sudden weather changes are common (and can also cause power outages), having an emergency preparedness kit in your garage is crucial. Keeping the following items in your garage ensures you can quickly grab them during an emergency, helping you stay safe and comfortable until the situation improves:

Generator
Water
Batteries
Flashlights
First Aid Kit
Fire Extinguisher

Unique items to store in garage - emergency preparedness kit

A top selling emergency preparedness kit goes above and beyond - best part is it comes in a storage tote that is easy to recognize.

6. Garden Seed Starting Station

Growing a garden in Colorado can sometimes be difficult due to our short growing season. Your garage can serve as an ideal temperature-controlled space, especially in early spring when it’s still too cold to plant outdoors. This setup allows you to get a head start on your garden, ensuring strong, healthy plants ready for transplanting once the weather warms. Stock it with seed starting trays, grow lights, and plenty of potting soil to give your seeds the best chance to thrive.

A custom workshop bench perfect for all the tools needed for maintaining a home, car, sports equipment and more.

7. Workshop & DIY Center

A well-organized workshop or DIY supply center in your garage can make all the difference when tackling home improvement projects. Stock your space with power tools, hand tools, building materials, and paint supplies to handle any job. Use slatwall and cabinets to keep everything neatly arranged and easy to find, ensuring your tools are always within reach when inspiration strikes. An organized setup not only saves time but also makes your DIY projects more efficient and enjoyable.

8. Bulk Paper Products

Storing bulk paper products in your garage is a smart way to save space inside your home while staying well-stocked. Keep essentials like paper towels, toilet paper, and paper plates on hand by using sturdy shelving to organize and protect them from moisture. Properly shelved, these items will be kept dry and easily accessible, ensuring you’re always prepared for everyday needs or unexpected gatherings without taking up valuable pantry space.

9. Seasonal Decor

Creating a seasonal decor section in your garage is a great way to keep your holiday decorations, seasonal flags, and party supplies easily accessible and organized. Store these items in clear, labeled containers so you can quickly find what you need for any celebration throughout the year. With everything neatly packed away, you’ll save space in your home and eliminate the hassle of searching through clutter when it’s time to decorate for the next season or special event. Need more ideas on how to organize all your holiday cheer? See our 6 expert tips for holiday decoration storage.

10. Outdoor Gear

An outdoor gear area in your garage is perfect for organizing all the essentials needed for Colorado's outdoor lifestyle. Store your camping equipment, hiking gear, and fishing supplies in a way that keeps everything easily accessible and grouped by activity type. This makes it simple to grab what you need for a weekend camping trip, a hike in the mountains, or a day by the river.

By thoughtfully organizing the contents of your Colorado garage, you can transform this often-overlooked space into a center of functionality and preparedness, tailored to the unique demands of life in our beautiful, ever-changing state.

If you are curious about upgrading the garage space in your Colorado home, we’re here to help! You can learn more about our Custom Garage Solutions Floor Systems, garage doors, cabinets and shelving or other custom upgrades that we can provide.

You can also request a free estimate here. We’d love to work with you anywhere in the Denver area!

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