Organizing or even contemplating organizing the garage can be a tiresome task for many homeowners. It's the one place that we all seem to love to be disorganized. However, the sooner you get it organized, the sooner you can make better use of that space.
Remember that organizing your garage is about finding a designated place for everything while still keeping your tools and sporting goods easily accessible for everyday use.
1. Sort and categorize all items in your garage
First things first, empty that garage. Start by sorting everything into categories. Separate all lawn maintenance tools, sporting equipment, electric tools, etc. Once you realize how much stuff you actually have, you can determine the best ways to organize and store everything.
Also, if there are miscellaneous items that ended up in the garage by mistake, return them to their proper place.
If your garage is overflowing and is beyond organization, sort through everything and decipher what should actually be in the garage and which items could be stored in the basement or attic, or better yet, sold at a garage sale.
Remember to recycle all materials such as batteries, car parts or used motor oil. These things cannot be disposed of in the garbage.
2. Separate and store seasonal items
Get a handyman to install a rack to hang lawn maintenance tools to keep them accessible yet out of the way. Anything that is used on a regular basis should be kept in an easy to reach spot.
If it's nearer to winter, place snow shovels, snow blowers, and ice scrapers in an easily accessible place. Along these same lines, if you have skis, sleds or other snow toys, group these items together. Have a tall storage cabinet built for a perfect place to stash these items. This could also be a great place to store warm clothes like hats, gloves, scarves and boots.
For other sporting equipment such as tennis racquets, baseball bats, rollerblades, etc., solid wooden or steel shelving units are an excellent choice. If your family has multiple bikes, buy large, sturdy hooks at your local hardware store and hang them.
3. Add additional garage storage shelving or cabinets
If you haven't already done so, now is the perfect time to add additional garage storage space to help you maintain your organization in the months to come. You could have shelves or cabinets mounted on the wall or, for a more inexpensive option, consider purchasing durable plastic totes and drawers. The key is to store the items you use on a regular basis in a way that allows you to easily access them.
4. Create an efficient work area
If you use your garage as a work area, be sure to make the best use of this space. Install a work bench or table. A pegboard and a sturdy tool chest are a great way to store your tools, yet keep them easily accessible. Have the board hung above the workbench with each tool's resting place clearly marked. Make it clear to anyone who uses the tools to return them to their proper place when finished.
5. Relocate trash and recycling bins to nearby the garage entrance
Section off an area near the entrance of your home for trash or recycling to make it easier to dispose of these items.
Now, it's time to get busy. Hire a handyman or carpenter to have cabinets, closets and shelves all built right into your garage. Additionally, invest in some good storage units as mentioned above and start organizing. The rewards will be worth the hassle.
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