The same rules apply to organizing garage space that you routinely use to organize your kitchen or to declutter a desktop. First, you prioritize; then you sort and dispose of those things that are unnecessary. Then, you make a place for everything you need to keep and use labels, if necessary, so you can always locate what you need. That’s the origin of “In-Out” baskets on traditional desks, labels on file folders and spice jars, and plastic shoe boxes that allow you to view the contents at a glance. Making sense of the things in your garage, whether you are contemplating selling a home, or just moving in to your new home, is an effort that will make your life easier. The longer you put it off, the harder it will get.
Create Zones
The garage is a hardworking space: Ideally, it will accommodate your vehicles, keep yard and landscape tools handy, including combustible cans of gasoline, serve as temporary home for children’s toys, cycles and sports equipment, perhaps be a repository for seasonal decorations, as well as the temporary home for trash and recyclables. It may also serve you as a workshop or repair shop.
The easiest way to keep organized is to lay out separate zones. Tape off the floor if you must to visualize how much space the roll-about garbage container needs; consider bins and barrels for recyclable materials as well.
Plan for ease of access. Items that are used often should probably be located closer to the garage doors. If you have a side door that you use for yard access, store the mower and the rakes there, as well as extra hoses, seeds and gardening gloves.
Match the Storage to the Stuff
Utilize wall hung or freestanding shelf units or slim cabinets to store gardening tools, rakes and brooms, household tools and extra home supplies. Store multiple bicycles, helmets, skateboards, rackets, skis and skates, hula hoops and frisbees by hanging them from ceiling hooks. Visit your local home store for functional racks and telescoping hooks that you can secure to a wall. If you must store oil and gasoline, weed killer and fertilizer, paint cans and toxic substances, try to gather them all together in a cabinet or metal box. Ensure that those substances are not tempting or accessible to children or pets.
If you must store holiday decorations in your garage rather than in an attic or basement, you will save time and be more organized if you use see-though covered containers rather than cardboard boxes or old footlockers. Remember that most garages are not climate-controlled, so do not store anything that will melt in the heat or freeze in the winter. If there are other things that must be stored in the garage — old file boxes or craft and hobby supplies, package them in sealed boxes or closed containers that are adequately labeled, and stack them neatly along a wall. It’s always a good idea to put some sort of platform under what you store: There is always a chance that the garage floor can get wet or that critters will find their way in. Protect your belongings as much as you can.
Put Back and Replace
By using a portion of your garage as a “contingency room,” you can maximize your interior storage, yet assure that you won’t run out of necessary items. If you have space for additional storage of items such as paper towels and toilet paper, light bulbs and detergent, bottled water and garbage bags, diapers and dog food, you can not only take advantage of sales and closeouts, but also save yourself from last-minute and late-night trips to the store.
It is not wise to plan to store foodstuffs in the garage, however, due to temperature extremes and the possibility that cartons, bags and boxes can attract insects and rodents. But supplies that aren’t subject to deterioration are nice to have on hand. A small shelf unit or even a large plastic bin would suffice. Keep an inventory listing updated and replenish your stores as you use specific items.
Perform Seasonal Cleanup
Just as neighborhoods sponsor spring and fall cleanup days, schedule one weekend each season as a family garage cleanup day. Get the kids involved and sort through the contents of the garage. Dispose of any broken toys, and start a garage sale pile if you’re so inclined. Separate usable sports equipment and wearables that you can donate to a thrift shop or homeless shelter. Reorganize your storage plan if it seems appropriate. Hose out the garage floor if you can, sweep the walls and ceiling for cobwebs, wash windows if your garage has them, make sure the doors and openers are oiled and in prime operating condition, and then enjoy a family barbecue.
It’s not difficult to keep your garage functioning efficiently; it just takes a little determination.
If you have space for additional storage of items such as paper towels and toilet paper, light bulbs and detergent, bottled water and garbage bags, diapers and dog food, you can not only take advantage of sales and closeouts, but also save yourself from last-minute and late-night trips to the store.
