Tips For Parking In A Narrow Garage

Parking in a narrow garage can be a bit tricky, but with these tips you’ll be able to do it like a pro. Just make sure to take your time and pay close attention to what you’re doing. Otherwise, you may end up scratching or denting your car.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you have to park in a narrow garage!

What is the Narrowest a Garage Can Be?

The standard width of a single-car garage is eight to ten feet, with a minimum width of seven feet. This varies, though, based on building plans and local building codes.

For a double-car garage, the standard width is eighteen to twenty feet, with a minimum width of sixteen feet. However, it is possible to build a garage that is narrower than the minimum width. 

The narrowest a garage can be is six feet wide for a single-car garage and fourteen feet wide for a double-car garage. 

Narrower garages can be more challenging to build, and they may not meet all building code requirements. As a result, it is important to consult with a professional before attempting to build a narrow garage.

Tips for Parking in a Narrow Garage

If you’ve ever had to park in a narrow garage, you know that it can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some tips to help make the process a little easier. 

Back In 

When parking in a narrow garage, backing in is always the easiest option. By reversing into the space, you’ll have a clear view of the entire area and won’t have to worry about hitting anything when you’re trying to maneuver out. 

In addition, backing in gives you a clear exit route and allows you to simply drive out without having to reverse. If you’re parking in a crowded garage, backing in also allows you to avoid the hassle of having to back out of a space when you’re ready to leave. 

Park Close to the Wall

When parking in a narrow garage, it’s important to park close to the wall. This will help to prevent other vehicles from hitting your car when they’re trying to park. 

It also helps to make sure that you have enough space to open your doors without hitting another car. If you’re not close to the wall, you run the risk of taking up too much space and making it difficult for other drivers to park. 

Leave a Foot of Space Between Your Car and the Wall (or Other Objects)

When parking in a narrow garage, it is important to leave a foot of space between your car and the wall (or other objects). This will ensure that you have enough room to open your doors without damage to your car or the object. 

Additionally, if you need to get out of your car in an emergency, you will have enough space to do so without being cramped or risking injury. In general, it is always best to err on the side of caution when parking in a tight space. 

Use a Parking Mat

Parking in a narrow garage can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a parking mat. 

A parking mat helps to prevent your car from sliding around, and it also protects your car’s paint job from getting scratched. In addition, a parking mat can help to keep your car clean by preventing dirt and dust from getting on the floor. 

Pull All the Way Into the Garage

It may seem like a no-brainer to park all the way into the garage when you have a narrow garage. However, many people don’t do this and it can cause problems. 

When you don’t pull all the way in, it’s easy to hit the wall or another car when you open your door. It’s also harder to get out of the car when you’re parked closer to the wall. If you have a tight squeeze, pulling all the way in will give you more space to maneuver.

Park So the Driver’s Door is Closest to the House

If you have a narrow garage, it can be tricky to park without damaging your car. One way to make sure that you don’t hit the walls or doors is to park so that the driver’s door is closest to the house. 

This way, you can open the door and step out without having to worry about hitting anything. You may also find it helpful to park in the middle of the garage so that you have equal space on either side. 

Angle the Car

When you are trying to park your car in a narrow garage, the best thing you can do is angle the car. By angling the car, you give yourself more space to maneuver and make it easier to get in and out of the garage. You also reduce the risk of damaging your car or hitting something in the garage. 

When you angle the car, you should always turn the wheels toward the curb. This will help to prevent the car from rolling forward and hitting something. If you have a remote control for your garage door, you can also use it to open the door before you start to park. This will give you even more space to work with. 

Create More Space in the Garage

One way to make parking in a narrow garage less daunting is to clear out any clutter that might be taking up space. This might include items like garden tools, bicycles, or boxes of holiday decorations. 

By decluttering your garage, you’ll create more room to maneuver and make it easier to park without damaging your car. In addition, decluttering can also help to prevent accidents by reducing trip hazards. 

So if you’re tired of feeling cramped in your garage, take some time to clear out the clutter and create some extra space. Parking will be a breeze in no time.

Use Home Garage Parking Aids

When parking in a narrow garage, the use of home garage parking aids can be extremely helpful. 

Perhaps the most useful of these aids is a set of mirrors that can be mounted on the wall. By placing these mirrors at strategic angles, you can get a clear view of both sides of your car, making it easier to avoid hitting something. 

Another useful aid is a set line that can be hung from the ceiling. This line will help you to gauge how close you are to the wall, preventing you from getting too close and damaging your car. There are even smart parking aids you can use!

Ultimately, the use of these simple aids can help to make parking in a narrow garage much easier and less stressful.

Add Better Lighting and Wall Bumpers 

When parking in a narrow garage, be sure to add better lighting and wall bumpers. This will help to ensure that your car does not sustain any damage while you are away. 

Better lighting will allow you to see exactly where you are parking, and avoid any potential obstacles. Wall bumpers will help to protect your car from minor scratches and dents, as well as preventing any major damage if you should accidentally hit a wall. 

If you’re new to installing wall bumpers, be sure to check out this video:

Final Thoughts

If you’re ever in a situation where you need to park in a narrow garage, remember these tips and you’ll be able to get in and out with ease. Just take your time and be patient. Remember, it’s better to go slow than risk damaging your car or someone else’s. 

Have you ever had to park in a tight spot? What tricks did you use? Let us know in the comments below!