Create Extra Storage Space In Your Garage With A Simple IKEA Shelving Hack

If your garage looks like a catch-all for forgotten tools, seasonal clutter, and an overflow of storage, you're not alone. Light clutter morphs over time into general household dumping grounds. And even if the space is regularly cleared up — during, say, spring cleaning — it's rarely optimized for function, especially when it comes to vertical space. Bulky storage bins and floor-hogging cabinets may help corral the chaos, but they do little to make your garage feel open or efficient. That's where a clever DIY wall-mounted shelving hack comes into play.

Using the HEJNE Shelves from IKEA, you can create a modular, wall-mounted organizer that instantly frees up floor space. By attaching the slatted wood panels vertically on your garage wall, they create a base structure that can hold hooks, bins, or baskets — perfect for stashing hand tools, extension cords, and gardening gear. It's a simple concept that's easy to customize, scale, and install with minimal tools. For homeowners looking for budget-friendly garage storage solutions or DIY projects that maximize garage space, this IKEA hack provides an ideal middle ground between full-blown renovation and basic wall hooks. What's more, it takes minimal DIY chops to complete. And best of all, the setup can be modified to suit just about any wall layout, making it an accessible upgrade for garages of all shapes and sizes.

The IKEA HEJNE shelves, normally used as a standing unit, becomes a vertical storage powerhouse when reimagined for wall use. The hack involves mounting individual HEJNE shelves — made of solid pine — directly to the wall. Thanks to the slatted design, these panels double as open framework boards, similar to pegboards but with a natural wood aesthetic. With any storage, it's important to consider how much load you intend each board to hold. Another key consideration is what type of wall you're affixing it to: Whether it's drywall, studs, or something else, make sure you're using the right screws and anchors. For example, drywall anchors are used for fragile or hollow surfaces, and 1¼ or 1 ⅜ inch screws are best for ½ drywall panels.

To install, start by drilling two holes in the side frame of each HEJNE shelf panel, spaced parallel to one another. Decide where on your garage wall you want each panel, and align your anchors and screws to match those holes. You can eyeball the alignment or use a level, depending on how precise you want the layout to be. Once the first panel is drilled in place, repeat the process for any additional ones. After mounting, you can add hooks and wire baskets along the slats and rearrange them to suit your storage needs. The HEJNE option offers a low-commitment entry point into customized garage organization. The pine construction is beginner-friendly: it's easy to drill through, cut down to size, or customize with paint, stain, or sealant. For those curious about the relative cost and labor involved with this hack, and whether it's cheaper to buy or build garage storage shelves, bear in mind that most storage solutions require at least some assembly.

What makes this hack work so well is its simplicity. By moving storage to the walls, you're reclaiming valuable floor space, improving traffic flow, and making every item easier to see and grab. It's also easy to modify: If you outgrow the layout, you can add more panels or swap out accessories in minutes. That flexibility is especially helpful for households with evolving storage needs — think growing tool collections or kids' sports gear that changes with the seasons. You can also improve both the look and function of this hack with just a few tweaks. Try sanding and staining the wood to match your garage's décor or seal it against humidity. Add magnetic strips for metal tools or mount small labeled bins for odds and ends. Want a sleeker finish? There are plenty of tips for making garage storage shelves look more luxe that can help you elevate even the most utilitarian setups.

If you're combining this with overhead racks or ceiling-mounted storage ideas, you can squeeze every inch of usefulness out of your garage. Perhaps it's fitting that this hack centers on HEJNE shelving. The name is a variant of Heine, short for Heinrich, meaning "ruler." In its own way, this DIY approach helps you reclaim dominion over a cluttered garage, turning overlooked walls into orderly, efficient storage zones. Ultimately, the HEJNE hack proves that even basic IKEA parts can transform neglected spaces into highly functional, personalized storage hubs.