Key insights:
- Sort and store your belongings by type. Sports equipment and lawn supplies should each have designated spaces in the garage.
- Invest in a shelving system to safeguard your items up and off the garage floor.
- For maximum organization, create consistent labels for all your storage bins.
As the warmer weather approaches, here are insights you can use to declutter your garage. Be sure to follow these garage organization strategies now so you are ready to tackle all those outdoor projects.
1. Set realistic cleanup goals
Prior to organizing your garage, make a list of what you’d like to achieve throughout the cleaning process. With these benchmarks in mind, you can stick to a clear plan so you don’t get sidetracked as you clear the clutter.
- Here are some questions to ask yourself when planning a garage cleanup:
- What do you want to accomplish most by the end of your cleaning?
- Will you be able to park the car in the garage?
- Do you want to create a much-desired garage workshop, office or other designated workspace?
2. Invest in organization supplies
Plastic storage containers can be expensive, but they’re also a foolproof way to keep out any critters and to protect against water damage. Determine in advance what you’ll want fully protected in your garage storage, then check the big box ads that week for deals.
Remember, investing in air-tight storage containers is an essential step in garage organization. Not only will these containers aid in arranging your belongings, but they’ll also help keep your items damage-free over the years.
3. Sort your belongings
To facilitate a more efficient organization process, make piles for different types of garage items, including:
- Sports equipment
- Gardening tools
- Seasonal décor
- Cleaning supplies
- Yard tools
If you find items that haven’t been touched in years, it’s time to part ways. Box up unused things and label them for donation or to sell. If you start to feel indecisive, step aside and let the piles sit overnight. Come back fresh in the morning to make the final call.
4. Split up the space
Designate areas in the garage according to their use and store items accordingly. Doing so will help create a functional and efficient storage space.
For example, use the space closest to the house for recycling and other items that you access often. Stow the sports equipment in the areas closest to the outside of the garage, as these items will likely travel in and out frequently. You may also create a mini workspace for the projects you tackle inside the garage, keeping your most-used tools handy and other similar tools together.
5. Get items off the ground
Simply put, piles and stacks won’t work. Get stored items off the floor of your garage to maintain their safety all year long. Shelves or other wall systems increase the stability of your stored belongings while enhancing the garage’s visual appeal.
When organizing your things on shelves, keep accessibility in mind. Start by placing your most-used items within arm’s reach, then stow away seasonal or rarely-used items in higher storage.
6. Label everything
Position clean, easy-to-read labels on all storage bins. You can easily create labels with masking tape and a marker, or purchase special stickers or a label maker. Whatever method you choose, ensure that you always have supplies on-hand to create labels. If the contents of a bin are changed, you can update the box by placing a new label over the old.
In addition, label each container consistently, with a tag placed on the top and all sides of the box. This will help you locate items in your garage with ease.
7. Take pictures
Although they won’t make the scrapbook, photos that serve as evidence of your belongings may come in handy if you have to file a homeowners insurance claim for lost or damaged goods. If you are spending the time to organize your garage, you may as well catalog your items along the way.
It’s garage go-time
With these simple tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to an organized garage. Get started on your decluttering and cleanup process now for more space and better efficiency.
If you’re cleaning in preparation for a home sale, reach out to Edina Realty or one of our agents. We’re here to help you along every step of the way.
