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Garage-ology 101: The Evolution of American Garages

May 04, 2023
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Oh, the garage – that glorious space where we hoard everything from our ride to our rusty wrenches to our sentimental yearbooks. But did you know that garages haven't always been a staple of American homes? It's true! In fact, they're a fairly recent addition to our architectural landscape. So let's hop in our time machines and journey through the brief history of US home garages.

Back in the early 1900s, cars were a fancy new invention, and only the lucky few owned them. But as the automobile became more affordable and accessible, people needed a place to keep them safe and protected. Initially, folks parked their cars on the street or in a barn. However, as car thefts became more frequent, people started seeking out a more secure option.

Behold the carport - a simple roofed structure that offers some shelter for your ride. It was a budget-friendly option that didn't require any walls or fancy doors. But let's face it, it wasn't exactly the height of style. Essentially, it was a giant tent for your car.

However, as the 1920s came around, folks began to get more imaginative. They wanted a space that would not only keep their car safe but also enhance the value of their home. And thus, the garage was born!

At first, garages were separate structures that were often constructed behind the house. They came in all sorts of materials, from wood to brick to concrete. And they weren't just for parking cars. People used them as workshops, storage spaces, and even as guest houses. Imagine telling your in-laws, "Sure, we have a spare room, it's just in the garage."

As the car industry sped up, so did garages. In the roaring '20s and '30s, cars became longer and wider, and garages had to expand accordingly. And by the swinging '50s and '60s, garages became the talk of the town - a status symbol to flaunt to your neighbors.

But it wasn't until the funky '70s that garages got a groovy upgrade. They became attached to the house, and the door to the kitchen or laundry room meant no more lugging groceries through the rain. However, this also meant garages weren't just for cars anymore. They became part of the living space, transformed into multipurpose rooms.

Fast-forward to today and garages are a must-have feature in most American homes. They're not only a place to stash your ride or your dusty high school yearbooks but also a space to work up a sweat, chill with friends, or watch the game. Some folks even transformed their garages into a full-blown man cave, decked out with pool tables, kegerators, and massive flat-screen TVs. Can you imagine telling your significant other, "Babe, I'm just headed to the garage to hang out with the dudes."

The humble garage has its share of troubles, such as being a magnet for clutter and a hotspot for burglars. And don't even get me started on the ordeal of finding something in a messy garage – it's like trying to navigate a labyrinth!

However, despite their flaws, garages are a cherished part of American culture. They represent our love for cars, our can-do attitude, and our desire for a little corner of personal space. So, when you drive your car into your garage, take a moment to appreciate its history and all the memories it has helped create over the years. And why not throw a garage party while you're at it? Invite your pals over, pop open a few cold ones, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of your own personal hangout spot.

As we peer into the future, it's uncertain what will become of garages. With the advent of electric and self-driving cars, will garages become redundant? Will they become ancient relics like phone booths and payphones? Or will they evolve and adapt to meet the changing demands of homeowners, becoming even more incorporated into our daily lives?

Only time will tell. But for now, let's cherish garages for all that they are: a little piece of American culture that has touched our hearts and captivated our imaginations for over a hundred years. So, go ahead and park your car, crank up the tunes, and bask in the simple joy of having your own private oasis.

Your Partner in Garage Organization: Fleximounts WRC24B Corner 2-Pack 2′ X 4′ Wall Shelving

Attention, cluttered garage owners! It's time to say goodbye to the mess and hello to the Fleximounts Corner 2-Pack 2' x 4' Wall Shelving WRC24B – the top-tier storage solution you've been waiting for!

Why waste precious space when you can maximize those corner walls and set up this amazing wall shelf? And don't worry about being boxed in – the WRC24B provides flexible installation options, allowing you to use it as either a two-pack wall or corner shelf. Plus, it works perfectly with both wood studs and concrete walls.

But that's not all! With its one-piece grid design, this shelving unit is not only easy to assemble but also super stable. In fact, it's way more dependable than those multi-piece products out there. Made of powder-coated steel, it can handle up to 220 lbs on each shelf without breaking a sweat – so say goodbye to cluttered floors and hello to a safer, organized garage.

Not a fan of complicated installations? Fear not, because the WRC24B is designed for easy one-person assembly. And everything you need is included in the package – from the bubble level that ensures perfect horizontal location, to the installation template that helps mount the holes.

But wait, there's more! The Fleximounts WRC24B Wall Shelving storage space offers even more options for organizing your garage. By adding the Fleximounts GRH1/GRH1B hooks or GRH2/GRH2B hooks, you can quickly expand your storage and use the hooks to store bikes, tools, and cleaning materials.

So what are you waiting for? Get your hands on the Fleximounts Corner 2-Pack 2' x 4' Wall Shelving WRC24B and start enjoying a cleaner, safer, and more organized garage!