Organizing A Garage

Organizing Your Garage

Your garage is meant to do many things: protect your car, store your bicycles and lawn equipment and provide a place for your dirty work. Yet lately, it has become just an over packed storage unit. How do you restore order?

Like any big project, starting is the hardest part. You begin by moving out the larger items first. If you can fit a card or two in there then move them to the street ( you will need to the driveway for the sorting and temporary space). If this will be more than a one day project you want to look into on site storage for you items during the process.

Once the large items (golf cart, lawnmower, cars, bicycles, etc) are out, pick one area or wall and start there. Sort items into categories (ex: kid toys, decorations). As you do this, weed out items that are broken or no longer needed and place them aside for trash or donation.

Once everything has been categorized, you need to find a place to store it all. Decoration and items rarely used (once a year or so) should go into the attic or on a high shelf. Pegboards or slat boards are great in garages, but if that is not in your budget, shelving with baskets is a lower cost alternative.

Another great storage item is a ceiling storage unit. They are low cost, easy to use and perfect for these rarely used items. If it is still out of your budget, a good alternative is to install high shelving around the perimeter of the garage.

Separate the garage into sections (lawn and garden, toys, storage only, tools etc) so it is easier to figure out where items are store; only store things that belong in that section in that area. This also helps kids to keep the area better organized since it is easier to visualize zones or center like they have in school.

After everything is put away, a label maker or simple masking tape and a permanent marker are essential. Mark all baskets, Shelves and wall hooks so it is easy to remember where to find and replace items.

Some quick tips for additional storage: A tall laundry basket or garbage can is great for sports supplies and balls. Try storing long found at your local hardware store. Don’t keep items that in inexpensive to replace unless you use them all of the time. Styrofoam coolers for example are easier to buy again if rarely used than to find a place to store them and keep them clean.

If in doubt or for more ideas grab a neighbor, a relative or a Professional Organizer to help you out; two heads are always better than one, and it makes the job go a lot faster! Now get to that garage before it gets too hot, and enjoy your new space!

ADDITIONAL TIPS

-          Plan ahead and arrange what you will need before your star. Have all of your cleaning supplies and storage Containers readily available.

-          Assign jobs to every family member. Smaller children can help by sorting toys, and older children can help with lifting and moving objects. If you have an infant or toddler make arrangements to have another family member or friend watch the child for the day.

-          If you have quite a few items that are in good condition but you do not need or want them, make plans to hold a garage sale the day after organizing your garage.

About the Author

Courtesty of Florida Shuttle Transportation

321-250-2820

Home Organization : How To Organize the Garage

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