The Great American Garage Dilemma: What Type of Garage Owner Are You?

When you're house hunting, that two-car garage might be high on your wishlist. But statistics show that for many Americans, those garages rarely fulfill their intended purpose. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 25% of homeowners with two-car garages don't park any cars inside, while another third can only fit one vehicle in a space designed for two.

So before you make that garage a must-have feature in your next home purchase, it's worth examining what type of garage owner you really are—or aspire to be.

The Stark Reality of American Garages

The numbers paint a clear picture of how Americans actually use their garages:

• A 2022 CRAFTSMAN brand survey found over a third of American garages (36%) are too disorganized to accommodate a vehicle
• A UCLA study of Los Angeles families discovered a staggering 75% weren't using their garages for parking
• In Sacramento, 37% of homeowners with detached garages don't store any cars in them

These statistics reveal a disconnect between our intentions and reality. We buy homes with garages imagining our vehicles safely tucked away, yet end up with what one expert describes as "a great big walk-in closet."

Which Garage Owner Type Are You?

The Aspirational Organizer

You dream of a pristine garage with gleaming floors, wall-mounted storage systems, and clearly labeled bins. Pinterest boards and home organization shows have you convinced that this time will be different. You've calculated the exact dimensions for both vehicles, with room to open doors without hitting walls.

Reality check:

According to surveys, 50% of homeowners name the garage as the most disorganized area of their house, and 75% of homeowners believe having an organized garage is important—yet only 11% are satisfied with their current garage situation.

The Hobbyist

For you, the garage isn't just storage—it's a workshop, studio, or recreational space. Surveys show 27% of people use their garage for hobbies, 23% work on cars, 19% do woodworking or carpentry, and 13% use it for exercise or sports.

Reality check:

These activities often expand to consume available space, gradually pushing vehicles out to the driveway or street. When there's a free curb space available, the car is often the first thing to leave the garage.

The Clean-Slate Dreamer

You're moving to a new home and see it as the perfect opportunity to start fresh. This time, you'll maintain discipline and keep that garage clear for its intended purpose.

Reality check:

Without a concrete plan and regular maintenance, even the most determined homeowners often find themselves back at square one within months. That "temporarily" stored holiday decoration box becomes permanent, followed by the kids' outgrown bicycles, and then the gardening equipment that's "just easier to keep here."

The Pragmatic Adapter

You've accepted the reality that your garage serves multiple purposes. You've intentionally designated part of the space for storage or activities while reserving room for at least one vehicle.

Reality check:

This compromise often works well initially but requires vigilance. The 33% of two-car garage owners who manage to park one car inside are constantly balancing storage needs with parking.

Making Realistic Garage Plans When House Hunting

If you're shopping for a new home, consider these tips:

1. Be honest about your storage needs. If you know you have significant storage requirements, look for homes with basement or attic storage in addition to a garage, or consider properties with shed potential.
2. Assess your actual vehicle priorities. If protecting your car from the elements is important to you, make garage organization a genuine priority in your new home.
3. Consider the garage layout. Some garage designs make organization easier with built-in cabinets, higher ceilings for overhead storage, or extra depth that accommodates both cars and storage.
4. Factor in cleaning costs. If you're buying a home with an already cluttered garage, budget for a cleanout service or dumpster rental before move-in.
5. Be realistic about curbside parking. Many neighborhoods offer free street parking, which can tempt even the most determined garage parker to use their garage for other purposes.

The Bottom Line

The American garage has evolved from its original purpose into a multifunctional space that reflects our abundance of possessions and activities. Whether you're determined to buck the trend and keep cars in your garage or you're planning to embrace its alternative uses, the key is making an intentional choice rather than letting clutter make the decision for you.

When house hunting, consider not just whether a home has a garage, but how that space will realistically function in your lifestyle. Because as the statistics show, the pristine two-car garage of your dreams often becomes something quite different once the moving boxes arrive.

Our experienced, local realtors at Advantage Real Estate would love to help you find the house... and garage... of your dreams. To get started on your home buying journey, click here to contact one of our knowledgeable real estate agents today!