Have you seen that garage? You know, the one down the street that functions as good as it looks?
The garage that is organied and so advanced that the owners have no clutter concerns.
It is the one that holds cars in the winter to keep them snow and ice free.
Now... imagine that garage is yours. It can be! Read on to learn 7 tips to get you there. You CAN take back your garage!
U.S. Department of Energy reports that 25 percent of people with two car garages don't park any cars in there, and 32 percent only parked one.
In the Calahan house, we make adjustments to our two-car garage every spring and every fall. In the spring, we arrange our garage for easy access to the riding mower, bikes, toys etc. In truth, we have one bay that we don't park a car in because it is often filled with huge cardboard boxes (from a neighbor's new fridge) that are turned into leamonaid stands or forts. It becomes living space. My husband's car sits in the drive during the summer months. However, as the leaves change color an it begins to get cold, we change strategies. It becomes time to arrange the garage so both cars can fit!
1. Take everything out of the garage
We usually pick the day before garbage pick up and empty EVERYTHING out of the garage. Taking this step forces us to make a decision on each item.
2. Simply the best
Decide to only keep items that are going to be in good shape and be used in the upcoming year. Any item that we are not going to keep (like the now, well-worn refrigerator box) goes to our curb for pick up. Toys that have broken are also taken to the curb along with other items. When we run into toys that our children have grown out of (like a bike that will be too small when the next season rols around) we either sell it or donate it.
3. Divide and group together (aka Define your zones)
As you empty the garage, designate different areas of your lawn for different types of things. Organize the items you have decided to keep into categorized piles. Consider one of the following grouping ideas: function, by the family member who uses the item or season. (This grouping step happens in your yard by some family members while others are doing the next step.)
4. Clean it out
Get a hose or power washer and clean out any debris that you have in the space. If you want, since the space is empty, now is also a good time to paint!
5. Install a modular organizing garage system
I like modular systems because they can change as your family needs change. Select a modular system with adaptable cabinets, bins and hooks.
The other benefit of modular systems is that you start using your vertical space more effectively. When you use your wall space, you clear the floor for your car!
If you want ideas for your modular system, check out these organizer recommended tools.
6. Assemble your garage
Once your systems are installed, it is time to get everything out of your yard and into the garage! Put it all in their new spaces.
7. Rotate seasonal items out of storage
If you have a lot of items, consider putting seasonal items in your basement or attick storage. We move bikes to the ceiling for the winter. Family members will have easy access to items they need right now and the garage becomes a stress-free zone.
What do you do to manage the piles in your garage?
