4 Steps to an Organized Garage
Is your garage full of stuff you never look at, rarely use or stuff you're not sure where else to store?
Is it embarrassing to open your garage door when people are walking past? Are you wasting money purchasing items that are lost in the garage?
Do you feel too overwhelmed to organize your garage?
It's possible to overcome overwhelm by following my 4 steps to an organized garage.
Step 1: START.
The first step is the most difficult step. Here are some tips to make it happen.
*Ask family/friends for help. Consider trading organization hours with a friend, or hiring a professional organizer.
*Commit to the project by blocking off 1-2 "garage organization days" on your calendar.
*Rent a dumpster if needed
*Find or purchase some large, heavy duty trash bags.
*Take "before" photos to record your progress. Refer back to these photos when you don't think you've made any progress. They will provide the proof to keep you motivated.
*Choose a box, shelf, or area as a starting point.
You will feel so relieved once you start.
Step 2: SORT
It doesn't matter where you start sorting in your garage, everything eventually needs sorting.
Here are some tips to help you with the sorting process.
*Set up 4 containers: trash, recycling, "doesn't belong in your garage", and donate or sell. You may want a container for hazardous waste. Refer to your city's disposal guidelines.
*Sort every item into one of the above containers and set aside the items you are keeping. When you are finished with a box or a shelf, move onto another. Remember to also sort items on the walls and rafters.
*Make a decision about each item. Does the item belong in the trash, recycling, or a donate container? Be ruthless and let go of items you don't use. It's important that you make a decision about each item. "I don't know" is a deferred decision that will keep you from moving forward. You can do it!
*Categorize/group all the "like" items that you decided to keep. Paint is grouped with paint, garden tools with gardening and so on.
Step 3: STORE.
If your stuff is sorted and categorized, you are then ready for the next step, store.
How will you store items so you are able to find them and also maximize your space?
Keep storage systems simple (my mantra); expensive garage systems are not always the solution.
Some possible storage options are:
*Rafters
*Shelves
*Cabinets
*Containers
*Walls: nails, hooks, pegboard, or other wall systems
Store each category of items in one area. For example, your automobile supplies may occupy one shelf; gardening supplies occupy another and so forth. You won't have to waste time looking in several locations if you keep the same category in one area.
Store items you use most often in accessible locations. The items you rarely use should be stored in less accessible locations.
Using containers? Label them or use clear containers. The label doesn't have to be fancy; duct tape and permanent marker will do the job.
Step 4: MAINTAIN WITH SYSTEMS
The job is finished. Give yourself a high five!
You want it to stay organized forever, am I right?
Now is the time to establish systems for regular maintenance that will help you keep it organized.
Your garage will remain organized if you:
*Put things back where they belong after using them.
*Regularly donate or discard items you no longer need.
*Remove trash/recycling.
*Reorganize once a year; it will be a much quicker project if you do this on a regular basis.
Celebrate your accomplishments! Your garage is organized and your cars have a secure home. Take some "after" photos and share them with friends/family.
Simply,
Jill
Is it embarrassing to open your garage door when people are walking past? Are you wasting money purchasing items that are lost in the garage?
Do you feel too overwhelmed to organize your garage?
It's possible to overcome overwhelm by following my 4 steps to an organized garage.
Step 1: START.
The first step is the most difficult step. Here are some tips to make it happen.
*Ask family/friends for help. Consider trading organization hours with a friend, or hiring a professional organizer.
*Commit to the project by blocking off 1-2 "garage organization days" on your calendar.
*Rent a dumpster if needed
*Find or purchase some large, heavy duty trash bags.
*Take "before" photos to record your progress. Refer back to these photos when you don't think you've made any progress. They will provide the proof to keep you motivated.
*Choose a box, shelf, or area as a starting point.
You will feel so relieved once you start.
Step 2: SORT
It doesn't matter where you start sorting in your garage, everything eventually needs sorting.
Here are some tips to help you with the sorting process.
*Set up 4 containers: trash, recycling, "doesn't belong in your garage", and donate or sell. You may want a container for hazardous waste. Refer to your city's disposal guidelines.
*Sort every item into one of the above containers and set aside the items you are keeping. When you are finished with a box or a shelf, move onto another. Remember to also sort items on the walls and rafters.
*Make a decision about each item. Does the item belong in the trash, recycling, or a donate container? Be ruthless and let go of items you don't use. It's important that you make a decision about each item. "I don't know" is a deferred decision that will keep you from moving forward. You can do it!
*Categorize/group all the "like" items that you decided to keep. Paint is grouped with paint, garden tools with gardening and so on.
Step 3: STORE.
If your stuff is sorted and categorized, you are then ready for the next step, store.
How will you store items so you are able to find them and also maximize your space?
Keep storage systems simple (my mantra); expensive garage systems are not always the solution.
Some possible storage options are:
*Rafters
*Shelves
*Cabinets
*Containers
*Walls: nails, hooks, pegboard, or other wall systems
Store each category of items in one area. For example, your automobile supplies may occupy one shelf; gardening supplies occupy another and so forth. You won't have to waste time looking in several locations if you keep the same category in one area.
Store items you use most often in accessible locations. The items you rarely use should be stored in less accessible locations.
Using containers? Label them or use clear containers. The label doesn't have to be fancy; duct tape and permanent marker will do the job.
Step 4: MAINTAIN WITH SYSTEMS
The job is finished. Give yourself a high five!
You want it to stay organized forever, am I right?
Now is the time to establish systems for regular maintenance that will help you keep it organized.
Your garage will remain organized if you:
*Put things back where they belong after using them.
*Regularly donate or discard items you no longer need.
*Remove trash/recycling.
*Reorganize once a year; it will be a much quicker project if you do this on a regular basis.
Celebrate your accomplishments! Your garage is organized and your cars have a secure home. Take some "after" photos and share them with friends/family.
Simply,
Jill
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