It may seem daunting to clear out the junk and organize a garage, but take it step by step and it becomes easier.
Perform Triage. Review every item in your garage and separate them by category. If you don’t use an item and it’s in bad shape, throw it out. If it’s usable but not for you, give it away, take it to a consignment shop or donate it to a charity and get the tax deduction. Now categorize the remaining items: painting supplies, tools, sports equipment, garbage can and recycling containers. This helps determine the type of storage needed.
Make it Wash & Wear. A garage is subject to water, oil leaks and spills, so it must be easy to clean. Paint walls and floor with good-quality, washable paint before you install storage cabinets or shelving, which must be waterproof and raised above the floor. Epoxy floor paints resist dirt and clean easily. New systems with vinyl chips adhere to a base coat and provide a handsome speckled finish much like terrazzo or granite and clean easily.
Temporary Storage. If belongings can’t stay in the garage or driveway overnight while the work is done and paint dries, call a container storage facility such as PODS. They’ll drop off a storage unit that can stay on-site or be removed to offsite storage until the garage work is finished.
Think Vertical. Shelves and cabinets provide more storage in less floor space. They organize small items such as paints, tools, potting supplies, and more. Special clasps from the hardware store keep shovels, brooms and rakes flat against the wall. Bikes can be hung on wall hooks. If a garage has a high ceiling, loft shelving can fit above the cars as a four-foot wide shelf from one side of the garage to another.
Size Up Cabinets. Before installing storage units, measure carefully. The cabinets should be deep enough to hold the items to be stored but not so deep that doors can’t be opened if a car’s in the garage. A 20” deep cabinet on one side is better than 12”. To keep the driver’s door clear, a cabinet to the right or on the front wall is good. Passengers can be let out before the car goes into the garage.
A long closet with sliding doors that don’t swing out leaves more space to walk around. Before installing cabinetry, ensure that it won’t cover an electrical outlet. It should remain accessible or be re-installed within the cabinetry where it can be reached.
Organize Bits & Pieces. A pegboard above a workbench is handy for tools; some people outline each tool in position so it can be returned easily. Use bright colors and it becomes a work of art!
Gather like items such as gardening tools, camping gear and car wash materials into boxes or plastic totes and label them. Place small items like nails and screws into smaller plastic bins so they can be found easily. Special racks can hold golf clubs, tennis rackets, sports shoes or boots, baseball bats, rollerblades and other sports equipment
Design a Work Space. A base cabinet with a countertop provides room for messy chores, such as potting plants or painting a picture frame. Task lighting above the work area is essential, so an electrical outlet should be nearby.
When All Else Fails, Add Another Storage Area. If a garage is jammed with a riding mower, family bikes and other large items, a separate shed in the yard can reclaim the garage for a car. A rented, climatized storage locker is safer for items like furniture, books or clothing that may mildew or attract moths.
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