Organize Your Garage And Tools With These Tips
If your garage is like most, it’s probably filled with boxes, unused items, shovels, bikes, tools, and maybe even things you haven't used in years. With a little planning and some dedicated time, your garage can go from cluttered to functional.
Follow these simple tips to transform your garage into an organized, easy-to-use space that works for you.
DECLUTTER BEFORE ORGANIZING
When tackling organizing your garage, starting with decluttering will make the whole process easier. Start by taking items down from storage and categorizing them. Your garage might have power tools, sports equipment, yard tools, seasonal decorations — a variety of things. Sort through your items and decide what’s worth keeping, donating, or throwing away. Be sure to set aside enough time to go through everything.
Once you’ve decluttered, you’ll have a better idea of what actually needs to be organized.
DEEP CLEAN
When your space is emptied for decluttering, the next step is to give it a deep clean so you can organize with a clean slate.
When cleaning, work from top to bottom, meaning you’ll want to start by knocking down any cobwebs or debris from the ceiling.
Next, dust and clean your light fixtures, then dust the shelves. Now you can clean the floor. Make sure you let it dry before you move items back in. Don’t forget to clean your garage door, too!
USE VERTICAL AND OVERHEAD STORAGE
It’s easier to keep your garage organized when you have space to move around, and one challenge of organizing a garage is figuring out the best way to utilize the space you have. This is where vertical and overhead storage can come in handy.
Maximize vertical space by hanging materials like a pegboard or installing shelving that can help you hang and organize tools. Overhead storage is perfect for items that you don’t use every day.
As you organize, prioritize accessibility for the items you use most frequently.
LABEL EVERYTHING
When it’s time to get down the Christmas garland and you’re staring at five identical gray bins stacked on top of each other, you won’t be very happy with yourself. That’s where labeling comes in.
Label small hardware items, such as screws and nails, into compartments or bins, and label them so you can easily find them later. Or, use clear bins and containers.
STORE SEASONAL ITEMS THE SMART WAY
Items you only use seasonally, like camping gear, holiday decorations, and winter weather equipment, can be stored in higher, harder-to-reach places like overhead racks. Use sturdy bins and remember to label everything for easy access when you need it.
CLEAN REGULARLY
Remember that first tip of decluttering? In the future, you might not have to spend as much dedicated time toward decluttering if you keep up with it in manageable increments. It only takes a few minutes every week to wipe down surfaces, sweep the floor, and make sure everything is in its place.
Now that your garage is organized, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your tools and materials. Head to Miller’s Building Supply at 1819 E. Monroe St. in Goshen for high-quality tools and building supplies.