Organizing your garage may seem like a daunting task. If you do not use your garage regularly, chances are, it is piled high with rakes, equipment, tools, and junk that you entirely forgot your ever bought. No matter what state of your garage, getting it into ship shape can take as little as one day. Keeping it in ship shape, however, may take some dedication on your part towards a more organized and clean lifestyle,
First, as with any other room when you are trying to organize, throw away everything that you have not used in the past 18 months. This includes furniture, exercise equipment, appliances, carpets and picture frames. By eliminating those items that do not directly affect your life in a positive way everyday, you are going to be eliminating simple nuisance that simply create added and unnecessary stress.
Next, take everything else in your garage outside for the remainder of the day. It does not matter how much stuff you have or how picky your neighbors are about community cleanliness – you need a day to invest in your personal welfare.
Purchase peg board from your local home improvement store. Buy ample hooks and shelves that fit into the pegboard. Along with the pegboard, purchase some rubber flooring (we will get to that later). When you get home, install the peg board all around your garage – on every single available wall.
Next, put your items on the pegboard using the hooks and shelves that you purchased. Hang rakes, tools, hoses, coats, etc on the hooks in places where they seem appropriate. Install a shelving unit onto which you can hang your coolers, sleeping bags and other items that are generally found in garages. No matter where you put your items, keep in mind that you should put them into pods so that you know where, in general, items should be when you go into your garage. For example, store a hammer next to the nails, not the basketballs.
Using the rubber flooring, create a workspace for your tools or indoor garden (whichever your hobby might be). In this workspace, add a waist-high worktable and a work bench. Install adequate lighting and you will instantly (almost) have a space where you can work on small projects, but not feel that you are overwhelmed.
You can also invest in a storage shelf with doors on it. The shelf with doors on it is recommended if you have so many items that tend to only add clutter to your space. Consider putting items like paint cans and small tools (nails, screws) into the storage shelf. Simple close the door to the shelf and you will never have to worry about having to actually look at the clutter again!
If you garage has sturdy walls and a firm roof, consider making the garage an addition to your home. Whether it is attached or separated, your garage has potential to be a playroom for the kids or teenagers, an office or a study, Investigate options by visiting the home improvement section of your library or looking up home renovations online.