Your garage should be protecting your vehicle, but if you’re like many, including one of every four Americans, it’s so filled with “stuff” that even the thought of getting in organized can feel overwhelming. But you can restore order without having to buy one of the Vancouver homes for sale and start all over.
Prevent your car from suffering damage from the elements and make it more comfortable to hop into on those frigid winter days as well as the sizzling hot days of summer, by following these tips to get your garage organised.
Schedule the Time
If you keep waiting to have enough time to organise your garage, it’s probably never going to happen. You’ll need to schedule it in, ideally back-to-back days like over a weekend so that your items aren’t sitting in piles for too long.
Declutter
You can’t organise until you’ve gotten rid of anything you don’t need which means the first step is to declutter. Immediately throw away any garbage or junk lying around and then place everything else in a donate or keep pile. If there are any items that have been there for more than a year or two with the thought that you might be able to use them in the future, don’t think twice, they’re simply taking up space.
Move Items That Don’t Belong in the Garage
You might have some items that really don’t belong in the garage. Now is the perfect time to change that. If you have paint cans, extreme heat or cold can ruin paint which means they should be stored in a more temperate area. Paper goods are a magnet for bugs like roaches and are better off in a pantry or closet in your home. Pet food should be kept in sealed containers inside as animals like raccoons and possums will sniff it out and get in.
Organize in Zones
Once you’ve gotten rid of everything you don’t need, organize your garage into zones, grouping similar items together, such as car supplies (anti-freeze, oil, windshield wiper fluid, etc.), tools, sports gear, camping equipment, garden items, and so on. Think of it like a department store, that way you’ll know where everything should go. You might need a few cardboard boxes for things like nuts and bolts.
Assess the Space and Begin Storing
Now that you know what you have, it’s time to assess the space and take advantage of what you have. You might need to install shelving to utilize vertical space. Built-in cabinets and modular storage can help too. For garden tools and some types of sporting equipment, use wall-mounted pegboards. For any dangerous items like tools and chemicals, get a locked cabinet if you have children.
Keep it Organised
Once you’ve finished, don’t let it get out of hand again. Be sure to put items away right after you use them. You should also set a schedule to keep it organised, perhaps every three months or biannually. Mark it onto your calendar – if you don’t, it’s less likely to happen.
Do you have any tips to add?