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  If your garage is looking a bit cluttered, adding storage shelves in a well-planned design can help you organize the space. Remember to design your garage storage shelves with your life in mind. A spot for sports equipment doesn't do you much good if no one in your family plays.
  
  

Zone It

• As you plan, zone off your space. Make a list of everything you do need a space for, including tools, sports equipment, holiday decorations and other storage items. Then, mark off a zone in your plan for each one. The zone you label should hold all the items of that type in your garage. Keep the zone type in mind as you plan shelving, hooks or other organizational elements for that area.
  
  

Create Cubbies

• For a simple storage option that can hold almost anything, create cubbies. Cubbies, also called cubbie holes, are small square shelves in a large square shelving unit. Typically, each unit features multiple cubbies. You can place things individually in cubbies or get bins to slip onto the shelves for storage. Label the bins for easy organization later.
  
  

Use Wall Systems

• Garage shelf wall systems comes in a variety of formats, from basic track shelving to units that hang over rafters or on hooks. A relatively inexpensive option, you can purchase a lot or just a few wall shelves in a variety of sizes to fill-in spots on your garage wall which aren't providing a function. Mix and match wall-system elements with other garage organization options to get rid of wasted space.
  
  

Go High

• Whether you have open rafters or a ceiling, create more storage shelf space in your garage by going high. Install shallow or wide shelves all along the top of your garage. Make sure shelves are at least a foot or two from your garage's ceiling to provide space to slip closed storage containers and bins onto the shelves.
  
  

Lock It Up

• If you have a lot of power tools in your garage and are worried about theft, combine your need for security with the need to organize by locking it up. Purchase old school lockers or new square locker models from a retail store and use them in your garage. You can get units that come with locks already installed or purchase padlocks. Store your tools or other important items in them when you're away, to add an extra measure of security to your garage.