A garage storage system costs around $1,455 on average
A messy garage isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a potential hazard that you and your family have to work around constantly. So whether you’ve just bought a new home with limited storage or you’re just sick of tripping over loose wrenches on the way to work, there are plenty of options for upgrading your home’s garage storage systems.
We’ll walk you through how much garage storage systems typically cost (both DIY and when hiring a pro), as well as provide tips to help you save money no matter how you organize.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Garage Storage Systems?
You can expect garage storage systems to cost between $615 and $2,635, with the national average somewhere in the middle (around $1,455).
The extent of your garage storage system—as well as the necessary installation costs you may have to pay a pro—will help to largely determine the price. Those seeking high-end or complex organizational structures, or those using heavy-duty materials, will pay the most for their garage upgrades.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Garage Storage Systems Near You?
Garage storage system costs may vary slightly depending on where you live and the time of year you hire a professional.
Region
In areas with long cold winters, you may need to consider factors like additional garage insulation. This add-on will depend on what you’ll be storing in your garage. If you’re building a workbench or workstation along with your storage system, you may also want to consider installing garage heaters so you can work comfortably.
Rural vs. Urban
Contractors in urban areas across the board tend to cost more due to higher costs of living. That said, you may be able to shop around and receive several quotes from local garage organizers in your area to lower the price.
What Garage Storage Systems Can I Get on My Budget?
Your new garage storage system could cost under $200 total if you shop smart. It could also exceed a few thousand dollars if you’re looking to build an extensive setup.
<$500
You can complete an extensive DIY garage storage system—including wall pegboards, at least one sturdy shelf, and perhaps a few cabinets—for under $500 if you already have the necessary tools (a saw, hammer, nails, power drill, etc.).
Here’s a budget-friendly tip: Have a garage sale before organizing or packing a garage to move. You can pocket a little cash to put towards your storage system project and get rid of unwanted stuff that doesn’t need to be organized.
$500 to $1,000
For under $1,000, you can build your very own comprehensive garage storage system. Taking on the installation yourself could save you a couple hundred dollars.
Hiring a professional is possible, too, although you may have to consider which elements you could do yourself. Late summer and early fall are two of the most popular times to buy a home and make upgrades, so you might be able to stay in this range by hiring a pro in the offseason.
$1,000 to $2,000
Garage organizers typically start at around $750. So long as your garage isn’t massive or your project isn’t too ambitious, you should be able to get a comprehensive organization system planned and built by a pro.
To stay below $2,000, it might help to use a premade template for garage organization. Custom designs from professionals tend to cost more.
$2,000+
Beyond $2,000, you’re looking at custom designs drawn up by a professional garage organizer. You’ll likely be able to install several pieces of heavy-duty equipment, including multiple strong shelves, overhead storage, and workbenches or desks.
To save money, limit the big-ticket items like durable wooden cabinets, workbenches, and tool storage.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Garage Storage System Yourself?
Garage storage system professionals charge between $55 and $75 per hour on average, so installing a garage organization system yourself can save you lots of money. The number of hours it’ll take to complete your project depends on the project, but most full-garage redesigns will take three to four hours at least.
One additional way to save money DIY is to use old or recycled cabinets. For example, if you recently completed a kitchen renovation, you may be able to use the old cabinets for storage in the garage.
Hiring a local home and garage organizing specialist does come with advantages, though. Many offer premade templates for garages that match your size and layout and can help you cater your vision to your budget.
Garage Storage Systems Cost Breakdown
Here are the major factors that go into installing new storage systems in your garage.
Garage Size
Some garage organizing specialists will consider garage size when giving you a quote. Most won’t charge by the square foot (the majority focus on what items they’re installing and where). However, because of layout and the ability to fill a bigger space with items like workbenches, a two or three-car garage could cost twice as much as a one-car garage.
Storage Required
The number of items you need to store will largely determine how much your garage system costs. So if you’re trying to save money, knowing how to clean your garage to get rid of old items could be useful.
It may also be worth considering the cost of an outdoor storage shed as a cheaper alternative if that would meet your storage needs.
Materials
Garage storage systems are typically made of materials like plastic, wood, and metal, and each varies in price. Heavy-duty shelves, pegboards, and cabinets are going to cost more. Wooden pegboards and plastic containers could save you hundreds of dollars on materials.
If you’re looking to DIY, you may also need to factor in tool purchases or rentals.
Installation
The national average to hire a local professional to organize your garage is about $1,500, although you still may be able to find rates as low as $500 to $750 for an experienced pro.
Doing the project yourself or consulting with a local handyman type could save you money.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Garage Storage Systems by Type?
Below are some of the common pieces of storage equipment many homeowners install in their garage. Your system may include a combination (or all) of the things listed below.
Storage Cabinets
Storage cabinets vary in price more than any other type of garage storage equipment. Metal, wood, locked reinforced steel, and plastic containers are all options you might consider. (Metal and steel will cost the most, while plastic is budget-friendly.)
You could pay as little as $100 and as much as $2,000 for new cabinets.
Workbench
Workbenches are often the centerpiece of garage organization design for those wanting a space to work or build. You can easily spend a lot on a workbench (top-end models cost between $1,500 and $2,000). But depending on your goals, this might be one area worth an investment.
Shelving and Racks
Like cabinets, shelving varies greatly in both type and cost. Basic metal shelves cost less than stainless steel or wrought iron. You can even make your own shelves out of plywood to save money. You could pay under $100 or as much as $1,000 for your new garage shelves.
Whether your shelves are mounted or standalone might also factor into the price—mounted shelves may require additional tools and equipment to install.
Overhead Storage
Ceiling racks and flexible mounts offer high-up storage for items you only use sparingly or seasonally (like Christmas decorations). The size will help determine the cost. Basic overhead storage mounts cost between $200 and $400.
Having a pro install these may be best for safety reasons. At the very least, it’s a good idea to tackle this project with a friend if you DIY.
Wall Storage
Pegboards, smaller shelves, and other mounted flat storage options are great for workstations and simple storage. Basic wooden pegboards can cost as little as $20, while large metal pegboards may cost over $300.
Hooks
If you buy a pegboard or need a simple place to hang something, you’ll need strong hooks to hold them on the walls. These can cost under $1 but up to $10, depending on their weight grade.
FAQs About Garage Storage System Costs
Is garage organization worth it?
Your goals will (or won’t) justify the price tag of organizing your garage. If you want a new workspace or just a cleaner, easier-to-access area to keep your belongings, it could easily be considered worth it. You don’t have to spend thousands to organize your garage if you’re willing to do most of the work.
Should you hire a garage storage specialist or do this project DIY?
Professional organizers offer experience and a keen eye for design. They may be able to map out something you couldn’t do on your own (or at least save you hours of research on the topic). For large garages or ambitious storage system ideas, hiring a pro is recommended.
