 |
As so many of us know, the garage is a common playground for disorganization, clutter, and frustration. We also all know that to make the most of our garage space, it needs to be organized. Countless writings exist on the many things we can use to organize our garages, such as shelving, cabinetry, and containers. But how do we actually get the project started?
Of course, to get any project done, we know we need to dive right in. Here are some useful tips for jumping into your garage organization overhaul. The truth is, before anything can be organized, the garage needs to be cleaned out!
| • |
First things first: open the garage door and let fresh air and light inside. Then, get to work. Take everything that's in the garage out of the garage. Lay it all out on the lawn or driveway. This is going to give you a great opportunity to go through everything so that you may organize it. It’s also going to give you an empty garage to work with, which makes actually organizing much, much easier. |
| • |
Once everything is laid out on the lawn, take stock of what you have. Do you really still need that old lawn mower you were sure you were going to fix up ten years ago? What about the kids’– old sports equipment? Most garages contain a lot of items that we no longer use and therefore no longer need. You are bound to find plenty of those items as you clean out the garage. Ask yourself –– did I even know I had this? Have I used it in the past year? If the answer is no, get rid of it! |
| • |
Get rid of items right away. Don't put them back in the garage, telling yourself that you will get rid of them in the future. The garage is a cesspool of procrastination. Either have a yard sale planned for the very near future or donate the items you don't want. |
| • |
Now that you are only focusing on the items you want to keep, form a plan for how you want to group and organize them. |
| • |
Take a look inside the garage and form a plan for where each group of stored items might fit best. Most homeowners want the things they use the most like lawn care items or sports equipment and bikes to be easily accessible. Items like holiday decorations, which you only need at specific times of the year, can be stored somewhere less accessible. The important thing is that you know where something is when you need it. |
| • |
Fill your totes, containers, cabinets, and shelves according to the plan you've formulated. Remember not to store things on top of one another in such a way that it becomes impossible to get anything. You want to be able to access your items with ease. |
By following these simple tips, you will be on your way to a completely organized garage!
|
|