Many people dread the idea of going “into the garage” — especially if it involves cleaning. However, once you get your garage organized you may quickly realize that your garage is a major blessing to your Philly home. It’s a place where you can keep important things stored neatly, a workshop, and even a place where you can start an office. Use these garage organization tips to motivate yourself to finally clean and organize this practical (yet often overlooked) space.
Everything In Its Proper Place
The first step to organizing your garage is to map out a plan for where every type of item will be stored. There are six major categories of items to sort out:
- Tools and carpentry supplies (including paint, caulk, and similar items)
- Household supplies (like cleaners and brushes)
- Gardening and yard supplies
- Sporting goods and beach supplies
- Memories and keepsakes (like trophies and awards)
- Extra furniture or miscellaneous items that are still needed
Draw out a plan on a piece of paper for each of these sections. Remove everything from the garage and then start replacing each item into these areas. Take your time to carefully organize each section so that you can grab what you need easily. If there’s anything you don’t need, put it in a separate pile near your garage door to sell on eBay or at a yard sale in your neighborhood.
Storage Bins Are Your Friends
When you start to sort through all of the stuff in your garage you are quickly going to realize that there are lots of knicks and knacks that you don’t really need at the moment, but you don’t feel comfortable tossing in the garbage or selling just yet. That is what makes storage bins so useful. Dedicate a miscellaneous bin to these items so that in a year or so, you can revisit these items and either toss or use them when you’re ready. If you keep up with your organization plan, sorting through this miscellaneous bin will be your only spring cleaning chore in the garage each year. Storage bins are also perfect for keeping those six sections neatly organized. Weather-tight bins also help keep moisture out.
Utilize Your Wall Space
If you have a relatively small garage, make sure that you use the wall space to store items as well. In most cases, it’s a simple matter of nailing a board, rack, or garage shelving unit onto the wall. You can use this wall space for your ladders, shovels, gloves, sporting goods, and more.
Work or Play Area
Many people organize their garages for storage only, but it can also be productive as a place for creating, working, or having fun. If you find that you have some room left over in your garage, even if it’s just a small square, use it as an office or workshop. Cordon off the area by putting white tape on the floor or by surrounding it with your storage bins. Add a small desk and a hanging light if needed.
Image Source: Flickr/Guwashi999
Not many Philadelphia homes have garage space, particularly in the city, so if yours does make sure that it’s well-organized and being fully utilized. Use these garage organization tips to make your garage a place where you will feel comfortable storing your stuff, working, and even building or creating new things.
Main Image Source: Flickr/Rubbermaid Products
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