Is your garage an afterthought when it comes to organizing your home? If so, you could be missing out on some valuable storage space, a handy work area, or (gasp!) a place to park your car.
If you could use some help getting your garage organized, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of our best tips for organizing your garage like a pro.
Clear out the junk.
Ready for some brutal honesty? Your garage probably has some junk in it. Most garages do. Whether it’s the old lawn mower that hasn’t worked in years, the extra gardening equipment that you never use, or that old furniture that is never going to fit in your home, the fact of the matter is, it’s just taking up space.
Spend a few hours going through everything in your garage, and be very picky about what you keep. If something is broken, throw it away. If you haven’t used it in so long you forgot you had it, or you simply don’t need it anymore, donate or sell it. Don’t be afraid to let go of the junk; you’ll be amazed at how much space it frees up.
If you really can’t bear to part with some of it, rent a storage unit to keep it in. You’ll still have access to it when you need it, but it won’t be taking up valuable real estate in your garage.
Get shelves or cabinets.
Shelves and cabinets are the best way to store items in your garage. Storage options for the garage range from simple, inexpensive wire shelves to sturdy, custom cabinets, and everything in between. Take a look at your budget, and at the amount of stuff you have to store, and how much space you have to work with in your garage, and you’re sure to find a solution that works perfectly for your needs.
If floor space is truly limited, look into getting an overhead shelf. These are relatively easy to install and provide perfect storage for items you don’t use that often.
Use wall space.
Your garage walls also offer great options for storage. A handy pegboard can keep tools within arm’s reach at all times, while hooks can hold brooms, rakes, hoses and other gardening equipment. Utilizing the wall space will help you make the most of every square inch of storage space you have .
Epoxy the floors.
We are more inclined to keep spaces neat if we like the way they look, so epoxy coating a garage floor does more than just give your garage a nice, professional look. Adding this coating to your floor will make it much easier to clean, so that you’ll be more motivated to keep your garage orderly in the future.
Use labels.
Even a super functional elaborate organization system can fall apart if you aren’t able to find what you’re looking for. Label all boxes, bins, and containers so that you can easily locate what you need. As they say, a place for everything, and everything in its place.
Your garage doesn’t have to be an abyss of useless junk, maze of stacked boxes, or a disorganized jumble of tools and supplies. With a little planning and work, you can tranform your garage into a space that is organized and functional.
Looking for a self-storage option to keep all your extra “stuff?” Arizona Storage Centers provides secure storage at our various centers throughout the Valley. We have locations in Phoenix, Deer Valley, Glendale, Gilbert, and Chandler, so your belongings will never be too far away. Stop by one of our facilities to learn about our many options for self-storage, or give us a call at 480-386-6022. We look forward to serving you!