How to get an Organized Garage

When I get a client who needs their garage organized I hope that the hubby will get involved. Getting your garage organized is a big undertaking and takes a bit more money and planning then say a pantry. So let me give you some great tips I’ve learned over the years on what makes an organized garage work for your family.

Tip 1 clear it out

This has got to be the hardest thing for clients to do when they ask for an organized garage. Clean everything out!! Yes it makes quite a mess and your neighbors might think your moving! but believe me it’s so worth it to get the space free of everything in it. Don’t be intimidated by your things we are going to take control of them. When you are taking out your things touch them once and put them in piles that make sense, donate, sports, tools, christmas decorations. by clearing out the space in this fashion you can see what you have and see what needs to be done about what kinds of shelving or cabinets that need to be built or brought in. And you will have the room to make those changes happen.

Tip 2 space planning

ok here is where a professional can be helpful. Space planning for a small space that has to house your most expensive possession (your car) and fit all your extra stuff it really is a tricky feat. But you can do it if you follow these rules. Measure out the space you need to be kept open like the space for your car or shop space for your hubby. You need to remember doors need to open and not hit anything in their way. so account for that as well.

Then see how much space you have to work with with if you are building shelves you can make them as deep as you need with the space you have a loted. I say go as deep as you have room for. if you are buying shelving like a storage rack then make sure it’s big or small enough to fit where you need it.

Tip 3 sort

This is the fun part for me I love sorting and going through all the things. Make sure you are keeping only the things you use, love and need. All the other stuff like power tools that you don’t use or aunt Janes old christmas tree should be donated to make room for your incredible new organized garage. Sorting makes it easy to see how much of your things are staying and will determine where all your things end up in this new organized garage.

Tip 4 find your storage containers

This the part where your garage is different from your house. Yes we want it too look amazing however the things is your garage need different storage bins than your pantry and you probably should spend the most money you can on these solutions. I always say buy the best thing for the project that way you only buy it once. Yes you can buy cheap bins from walmart and upgrade later but only if you have to. Try to buy it once and be done!

Let’s talk then about storage containers for your garage, most of the time it isn’t heated or may have bugs and mice EEEWWW I know I know but its true. Get bins that will protect your things if they are important to you. I love the waterproof mice proof dirt proof bins from the container store for things that are important to me and i don’t want damaged they are heavy duty and stack like a boss. Also think about what’s going in those garage bins heavy duty things like tools and sharp things. So get containers that can handle that like large black bins. finally things that are small and will be stored on shelves can be stored in clear shoe boxes.

Also think about other ways to store your things hooks, slat walls, wall attached baskets for sports equipment. make sure you do your homework so that you buy the right container or hook for the job.

Tip 5 put it away and label

Ok you made your piles you have purchased your bins the last step to an organized garage is to put it in places that make sence to the way you live. If you ride your bike every week then put it by the garage door so that you can get at it easly. Christmas decor should go in the corner or up high on shleves even drop down ceiling racks are perfect for things that you use maybe once a year.

then label the heck out of every bin and drawer. If you put labels on the bins good chance things might go back into that bin and you might just have an organized garage for more than a day. If you need more tips see my decluttering your entire house post. or organized wall tips