Garages have a hard job. They need to store all the stuff we don’t have space for in our homes along with tools, sporting equipment, yard supplies, and maybe even a car or two. If that’s the state of your garage, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Thankfully it’s possible to tame the clutter and reclaim use of your garage.
Depending on the status of your garage, organizing it could take more than a few hours. It’s best to play it safe and set aside either a full day or a full weekend to accomplish this project. Let’s face it, breaks will be taken to reminisce on old items like trophies, soccer cleats, and that snow jacket from 10 years ago, so we will need all the time we can get. When you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work, here’s a solid game plan for successfully organizing the garage.
Declutter first
The first step to any organization project is decluttering. You won’t make much progress by simply shifting everything from one side to the other. Take everything out and give your garage a good cleaning. Once you’re done, go through every box you have in the garage. You may uncover hidden family heirlooms or other prized possessions. Sort items into three main groups: keep, donate/sell, and toss. Be honest!
Categorize items
Grouping like items together will make them easier to find. Create a few broad categories for your remaining stuff and group them together. It’s helpful if you designate spots in your driveway or yard or a large box to keep things together. Here are some examples of categories: sports and recreation equipment, tools, seasonal décor, gardening tools, etc.
Plan garage layout
Decide where each category of stuff will live in your garage. Consider the frequency of use when planning where to place items. Items that are used a lot should be placed at eye level or within easy reach. Seasonal or rarely used items can be placed in higher, hard-to-reach spots, and store bulky equipment in corners.
Purchase containers or install storage
Once you know which items will be stored and how much space you have, now is the time to purchase containers or storage units. You can use a mix of stackable clear plastic bins, lockable cabinets, wall-mounted shelves or pegboard and overhead ceiling racks for less-frequently used items. Another helpful tip is to label containers or color code categories so you can easily reference where everything will be.
Schedule regular maintenance
After all your hard work, you’ll want to keep it clean for good. Create a schedule to regularly go through your items to get rid of anything you don’t use. Make it a habit to promptly put away items after using them.
These tips will help you regain control and use of your garage. This guide will help you get rid of clutter and have a safe and clean garage that you can comfortably use.