Garage Organization: Utilizing Garage Space for Storage and Hobbies

One of the most underused spaces in the home is the garage. In fact, it is also the least organized, and if you are like most, the garage is the one area every one avoids. Are you ashamed to open the garage door? How long ago did you abandon putting your car inside because it no longer fit, with all the junk that is thrown there?

In the New Year why not make it your goal to clean and organize your garage into a useable work and storage space? Not only will you reclaim some great space, but a clean and well organized space will help your psyche.

To start, you need to separate the clutter into piles. Donate, have a yard sale, or toss everything you do not need, or will ever use. This might sound simple, but getting rid of unneeded or unwanted items is a difficult task. We form attachments to “stuff” and these days most families rent storage units for this “stuff” and pay rentals to hold on to it. Get a grip! Turn lose!  Try holding two yard sales per year in which you get rid of anything you have not used in the past six months. Use the money to buy organizational units for the garage.

Once you have separated everything in the garage, toss the throw away pile, donate and yard sell everything else you want to get rid of, and you should be reduced to a manageable amount of “stuff.” From looking at what is left you can determine the kind of organizational units to purchase. You might need drawer space, a lockable cabinet for chemicals, paints, and varnishes, plastic tub storage, etc. Do not purchase a storage layout before sorting because you have no idea what you will need and may purchase things that are not suited for your needs.

Another major decision to be made prior to purchase is what kind of work areas you will need, and what kind of counter tops are appropriate for those areas. For instance, if you want to use garage space for a hobby area, you might want a sink area or solid surface counters. If your husband enjoys woodworking, he might need a wooden counter top. Figure out where these areas will be located and roughly sketch out how the area should look. As in organizing a kitchen, imagine yourself standing at the work area and think about placement of things you will use. If you are a leftie, you might want drawers on the left, or vice-versa, if you are right handed. Thinking through this process will certainly make the space more user-friendly.

 Storage using plastic tubs is a great use of space. Select see-thru tubs to easily determine contents. These are ideal for storing decorations, crafts, toys, and a million other possibilities, all organized and at your finger tips.

Before installing the new storage area, you might want to patch and paint the walls. Earth-tones are always in vogue. Coordinate the cabinet and counter top colors to the walls. The floor is another option. You can always paint it with high-traffic paint, or purchase the new interlocking floors made especially for the garage. These clean up easily and are stain resistant.

You will be amazed at how handy the new garage space will be, and the items stored will open up more space in the attic and closets. Start off the New Year with a new look, which will give you a psychological pick up as well.

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