Let’s be honest with each other—what’s currently in your garage? It’s probably a chaotic mix of half-empty paint tins, camping gear we haven’t used since 2019, and the kids’ old scooters that are definitely too small now. It becomes a dumping ground, doesn’t it?
But with so many of us working from home these days, space is at a premium. Converting a garage (or even just part of it) into a home office is a brilliant way to reclaim space without the massive cost of an extension. It’s about being savvy with your budget and clever with your organisation.
If you’re ready to reclaim that square footage, here’s a guide on organising your garage to create a functional, budget-friendly work-from-home haven.
Clear out the clutter
Before you can even think about desks or decor, we need to tackle the “stuff.” You can’t work in a space that feels chaotic. This is the hardest part, but it’s also the most rewarding.
Create three piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Bin. Be ruthless! If you haven’t used that rusty exercise bike in three years, are you really going to use it next month? Probably not. Selling items on Facebook Marketplace or Vinted can actually generate a nice little pot of cash to fund your renovation project. It’s a win-win.
Once the space is clear, give it a really good deep clean. Sweep out the cobwebs and scrub the floors. You need a blank canvas to see exactly what potential the space holds.
Sort out the flooring
Garage floors are usually cold, dusty concrete. Not exactly inspiring for a Monday morning Zoom call, is it? Dealing with the floor is one of the most important steps in making the room feel like an actual room rather than a storage unit.
You need something that is durable but also warmer underfoot. While you could go for carpet, it might not be practical if you are still storing bikes or garden tools in there. A great compromise is interlocking garage flooring tiles. They are often made of PVC or foam, are easy to lay yourself (saving money on labour!), and instantly make the space feel finished.
Another option for garage flooring is using specialist floor paint and adding some large, cosy rugs around your desk area. This keeps costs low but still adds that necessary layer of comfort and style.
Smart storage is key
The biggest challenge with a garage office is that you usually still need it to function as a garage. You still need somewhere for the Christmas decorations and the toolbox. The secret here is vertical storage.
You need to get everything off the floor. Wall-mounted racks are fantastic for hanging garden tools, bikes, and folding chairs. For the rest, industrial-style shelving units are your best friend. They are sturdy, deep, and can hold heavy boxes.
However, for the “office” part of the room, you want something a bit more refined. You don’t want to be staring at a box of spanners while you’re trying to write a report. This is where office shelving comes in. Look for units that look good but are functional.
Position your office shelving near your desk to create a distinct “work zone” separate from the “storage zone.”
Lighting and warmth
Garages are notoriously dark and cold. If you don’t address this, you’ll never want to work in there.
For lighting, the single bare bulb in the centre of the ceiling isn’t going to cut it. You need layered lighting. A good desk lamp is essential, but also consider floor lamps to add a softer glow in the corners. If you’re on a tight budget, battery-operated LED strip lights under shelves can look really professional and save on wiring costs.
Heating is crucial in the UK! If your garage isn’t connected to your central heating, an electric oil-filled radiator is usually the most cost-effective way to heat a small space. Just remember to only have it on when you are actually in there to keep those energy bills down.
Making it yours
Finally, the fun bit—styling! Just because it used to be a garage doesn’t mean it has to look industrial. Add plants (snake plants are great as they don’t need much light), artwork, and photos of the family.
Add a pinboard to keep track of to-do lists and goals. It helps to visualise your work and keeps paper clutter off your desk.
Creating a workspace in the garage is a journey, but it’s one that adds so much value to your home life. It creates that all-important physical boundary between “home life” and “work life,” which is priceless for our mental well-being.
