How to Live in a Garage

Co-authored by Karen Parziale

Last Updated: February 3, 2023 References

Living in a garage may be by choice or by necessity (such as during renovations or after a disaster). Either way, making it more comfortable is important. Here are some suggestions.

Steps

1
Clean up. Garages tend to be dirty, dusty and oily. Remove all contaminated products and stains. Dust away and sweep up all sawdust shavings, dirt, and other unidentifiable stuff.
- Remove all the junk, boxes and bicycles. You want to be able to get around; only keep what cannot be left out in the elements inside the garage.
2
Make sure there are no moisture problems. Check if the walls and floor are damp. Dampness comes from the earth, leaky pipes, or rain. Damp causes mold which not only stinks (musty odours), but it can also ruin clothes and give someone a chronic cough because it's both a toxin and an allergen.^{[1]
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- Consider whether it is possible to waterproof the outside.
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3
Make sure the door and any windows are properly sealed shut to prevent moisture, dust, insects, or other particles from entering the garage.^{[2]
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- Clean all the windows.
4
Keep the door the same, otherwise it will probably go bust.
5
Furnish the garage. Add your chosen furniture and furnishings. If you're renovating, you might like to cover good items and store them while buying secondhand furniture for use in the garage. And if you've lost your items due to a disaster, secondhand furniture is a good option.^{[3]
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- Shop at local flea markets to save money. Make sure all items are workable and clean.
- Put all the furniture in the room. Arrange it so it can be roomy, functional, and not block other furniture.
- You likely want to pick up a lamp or two. Lighting fixtures in garages are rarely bright enough, and there are rarely enough windows to allow light in.
6
If possible, install a sink, bowl or bucket or even an en suite. A shower can be linked to outside drainage to prevent the water accumulating in the garage.^{[4]
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7
Create privacy. Partition off bedrooms if sharing with other people. Simply wooden walls will suffice for this, plus a door or curtain for the entry to each "room".
8
Create a kitchenette. A sink, stove, and eating table are essentials. Food preparation can be done on the table if there is no space for an additional bench.
9
Find good heating. It will be a lot colder in the garage than inside the house. All heating needs to be safe as a garage is easy to burn down. Electric heaters should be the sort that stop if tipped over, and all gas or wooden fires require flues to vent the toxic elements straight outside.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

How can I make it work if the people who own the garage park their car in there at night?

Community Answer

The fumes from the car aren't good for you. If possible, build a wall between you and the car. If you have the permission of the owner, he/she should not be parking in a garage where he/she knows someone is sleeping. You could sleep with a gas mask on. But if there is no way around the car situation, find another place to sleep.
Question

What else can I use besides fire or a heater ?

Community Answer

That's pretty much it. You can buy cheap space heaters from the dollar store. Otherwise, you'll just have to dress warmly.
Question

Is it possible to add a disco ball?

Community Answer

Of course! You can do almost as much to your garage as to any other room in your house.

Things You'll Need

Bed. One without huge sideboards, basic metal frame will do. Foldable beds are also a good option.
A wardrobe for your clothes.
Small table
Mini fridge
Microwave
Access to sink
Access to bathroom and shower
Other furniture like a sofa if you have space left
Source of heat, lots of blankets, hand warmers, etc.