8 Garage Cabinet Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed

Magnetic Tool Holders

Most people think of drawers or pegboards for storing tools, but that can make your go-to items harder to grab quickly. From my experience, magnetic tool holders are convenient because they turn wasted space like the inside of a cabinet door into an easy-access tool wall. Magnetic tool holders have offered me:

• Instant access to the tools I use most
• More valuable drawer space for bulkier items
• A clear view of my most important tools (no more digging)
• Less wear from clanking around in drawers

Not sure where to mount them? I typically install them on the inside of a door so I can open it, grab what I need, and shut it without disrupting my workflow. Mounting on an exposed cabinet side works just as well.

Sliding Drawers & Pull-Out Bins

These features are often skipped when designing cabinets because they’re seen as “extras,” but I’ve personally found that they’re the difference between using all your cabinet space and wasting half of it. For me, deep cabinets without pull-outs are basically black holes. Once something goes in the back, it’s gone. I use sliding drawers and bins to:

• Make full use of deep cabinet space.
• Hold heavy or awkward items like motor oil, paint, and cleaning supplies.
• Group items by category and slide the whole bin out to where I’m working. It’s cut down on my bending and reaching. 

Pro tip: Use clear pull-out bins so you can see what’s inside without rummaging. I keep one dedicated to car fluids and another for painting supplies.

Adjustable Shelf Dividers

Most cabinets come with static shelves, and we live with them instead of customizing. For me, dividers turned what used to be piles into neat, defined sections. Here’s how they’ve helped me:

• I’ve created a customizable layout for different seasons or projects.
• The dividers prevent items from toppling over or getting buried.
• They’re great for keeping tool sets with their accessories.
• I’ve dedicated specific zones for items, without wasting vertical space.

These days, I keep my cordless drill and chargers in one section, with bits and attachments right next to them. No more hunting.

Door-Mounted Storage Racks

Cabinet doors are almost always wasted real estate. Luckily, once I started adding racks to my garage cabinet doors, I realized I could keep all my “grab-and-go” items in one place instead of scattering them across drawers. They’re

• Perfect for spray cans, extension cords, gloves, and other small items
• Easy to reach without digging through shelves
• Great for keeping your main storage space free for larger gear

Go for metal racks with rubber grips. They hold up better than plastic and don’t rattle when you open the door.

Cord Management Systems

Who wants to spend time untangling power cords? Also, who wants to take the time to put them away the right way? I never do, and I finally realized I was spending more time untangling cords than using them. Cord management changed that overnight. They:

• Eliminate cord tangles and kinks
• Make it easy to find and grab the exact cord you need
• Keep cords off the floor and out of harm’s way
• Make charging stations neater and faster to use

Heavy-duty hooks for extension cords, retractable reels for frequent-use cords, and adhesive clips for charger cables are my top options for cord management. I’m still experimenting and finding the right solution.

Small Parts Organizers

Most people toss nuts, bolts, and screws into random jars or coffee cans. I did that, and I really got tired of it. It’s how I ended up buying things I already owned just because I couldn’t find them. After I invested in specific parts organizers, I noticed benefits right away:

• Lets you sort hardware by size and type
• Stackable or mountable for efficient use of space
• Saves money by keeping duplicates in check
• Reduces frustration when you’re mid-project

These days, I swear by labeled bins with clear tops. You can spot what you need at a glance, and nothing gets mixed up.

Integrated Lighting

Garages usually rely on a single ceiling fixture, which means your cabinets turn into dark caves. The first time I added LED strip lighting under a cabinet, I wondered why I didn’t do it years earlier. I instantly noticed the following benefits:

• Direct task lighting made my detailed work more precise
• Finding small parts was faster and easier
• The whole workspace felt brighter without overhead shadows

I’ve used several types, so I recommend experimenting a bit. Plug-in LED strips for permanent setups, and battery-operated puck lights for quick installs.

Locking Systems for Safety

People think locks are only necessary if you have kids, but I’ve learned they’re just as useful for keeping expensive tools or hazardous materials secure. Quality locks have given me peace of mind, especially since there are plenty of people who have access to my garage. I appreciate them for several reasons:

• Keeping sharp tools and hazardous chemicals safely stored
• Protecting valuable gear from theft or “borrowing”
• Letting me control access without reorganizing every time someone else needs the garage

Bonus tip: Keypad and RFID locks are my go-to. They’re faster to open and don’t require keeping track of keys.

Conclusion

Garage cabinets are a great starting point, but without the right accessories, they can still end up as cluttered and inefficient as any old shelf. Every one of these add-ons has saved me time, reduced my frustration, and made my garage a space I actually want to work in. If your cabinets aren’t working great, the fix isn’t always more storage; it’s smarter storage. Usually, all it takes is the right accessory to make the difference between a space you tolerate and one you love.