Garage organization can be difficult, and you may be wondering "how do I organize my garage?". We've got actionable tips for the best way to organize your garage.
- Decide What To Keep
- Clean Surfaces
- Create Zones
- Choose a System of Organization
- Optimize Your System
- Don't Skimp on Safety
- Upgrade
- Enjoy Your Clean Garage
Once you've followed these easy steps, you'll be able to step back and look at your beautiful, clean garage space. Ready to get started?
Step 1: Decide What to Keep
First, you have to decide what to keep. When sorting, ask yourself these questions:
- Is it a duplicate?
- Is it in good enough condition to use safely and effectively?
- Will it be useful to me in the next year?
- Will I miss it if I don't have it?
- Will someone else get more use out of it?
If you're honest in your answers, you'll be able to let a lot of things go, giving priority to what you actually need. Give yourself more open space rather than adding more garage storage space.
Step 2: Clean Surfaces
It is surprising how much dust, dirt, and debris collects inside a garage. You may even find insects and rodents that have moved in. Don't skimp on the cleaning.
- Sweep corners, steps, and floors.
- Wipe down the doors.
- Dust surfaces of shelves and containers.
- Use a hose or a few buckets of water and a squeegee to mop the floor.
- Set up baits or traps if you have critters.
- Spray to prevent future bugs.
Now that you're all cleaned out, you're ready to start putting everything away.
Step 3: Create Zones
Make your space work for you rather than the other way around. Create zones according to what makes the most sense to you and your activities. Sometimes it helps to sketch a layout. Leave sufficient space for parking, opening car doors, and walkways. A cramped garage is one that will be neglected, making it more likely to become chaotic and disorganized again soon.
Step 4: Choose a System of Organization
Choose a garage storage organization system that works best for your personality. If you're an aspiring neat freak choose closed cupboards, drawers, and labeled boxes for everything. If you'd rather have everything in view with easy access choose open shelving, wall hooks, magnet strips, and bins. For extra space, use the ceiling. Try not to use the floor of your garage for storage as it is a tripping hazard, a hiding spot for insects and rodents, and an easy way to get water damage.
Step 5: Optimize Your Storage Systems
Next, optimize your storage organization system. Decide if there is a better location such as your attic, basement, or shed to store a specific item. Group seasonal items together. Leave items that are used often within easy reach and store infrequently used items higher and out of the way. You'll also need to consider where you're putting perishable food items if you have a food storage system. Try to stack as many items vertically as you can so you save on space.
Step 6: Don't Skimp on Safety
Here are a few safety reminders:
- Use shelves that are strong enough for the weight of your items. If using hooks, screw them into studs.
- Store heavier objects underneath lighter objects.
- Use a sturdy ladder to access harder-to-reach areas.
- Always use proper safety technique while lifting and reaching.
- Install locks on your windows and doors, including the garage door.
It's never worth it to skimp on safety. The extra time and added dollars you may spend to make your garage a hazard-free space will protect you and your family from future accidents.
Step 7: Upgrade
Think about upgrading your garage from a dark, cold box into a fun and inviting room. Consider installing brighter lighting, insulating the garage door, add mats or epoxy the floor, and paint the walls and ceiling. The more inviting you make your garage, the more you'll want to be there and treat it with care. That means your space is more likely to stay organized, so it's a definite win for you.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Clean Garage
Now that your garage is clean and organized with efficient storage systems, you can park your car inside of it, find whatever it is that you need, and walk into your house without tripping over everything. All this can be done in a weekend by following our 8 steps. It will be well worth your time, we promise! Enjoy! Check out Flow Wall's inspiration gallery and then customize a plan to give yourself the garage of your dreams.
