If you are like most homeowners, the garage ends up being a storage space for all kinds of things that just need to be put out of sight. From old toys and tools to outdoor seasonal equipment, a garage can become a nightmare of organization in a hurry.
Even if you aren’t planning on parking a car in the garage space, having a clean and orderly garage can give you more storage space than you can imagine. Most items just get thrown on the floor or piled in wobbly piles when they can be stored much more efficiently.
From your hand tools to your welding equipment, having a space that is set out for every item can save you time and create a conveniently workable space. Follow the steps below to create an organized space in your garage that you can use for years to come.
Purge
The first job in organizing your garage is to clean it out completely. Go through all of the items you’ve collected over the years and get rid of anything that is broken or not needed. Donate or discard anything that you don’t have space for or no longer serves a purpose.
Clean
Give your whole garage a good deep cleaning. Use a broom to get right into the corners and clean out those cobwebs, and then give the floors a good scrub. This is the best time to address any needed repairs, as well as check for any nests or infestations that need to be dealt with.
Grouping
Once you have cleared everything out of your garage, start to arrange similar items into groupings. It can make things much easier to find if they are organized according to use. Have different spaces for your outdoor tools, your recreational items and your seasonal decorations.
Shelves & Storage
Most garage owners only end up using the space available on the floor for storage, but they are missing out. There are many clever ways to use all the areas of your garage for storage. Invest in some shelving units and storage containers to keep things organized and safe from harm and moisture. Hang your tools on a peg board above your workbench and keep your rakes and shovels organized with tool hangers on your walls. Even your bicycles can be hung from bike racks attached to the ceiling to save on floor space.
Create A Work Area
For big or small projects, it’s great to have a dedicated space to work. Build or buy a simple workbench to give yourself an area to work on your projects. Mounting a pegboard or small shelving system above your work area is a great way to keep everything you need within reach.
Lighting & Ventilation
Have enough overhead lighting available so that projects are well lit and items are easy to find. If you don’t have a garage door that can be opened for ventilation, think about installing a vent fan to keep the air inside your garage safe and fresh.
