Gorgeous Garage

GARAGE GREATNESS

Wouldn't you love to have a beautiful, organized, clutter-free, envy-of -the-neighbors garage?   Maybe even park a car or two in there??  The Department of Transportation says that less than 50% of Americans park the number of vehicles in their garage as it was built to house. The last thing you see when you leave and the first view of your home when you return is the garage, and that impacts how you feel all day.

Whether your budget is low, middle, or yippee, here's the path to your great garage, carport, or storage building using my Top Ten Time-tested Tips.

1.  First step always is to pull out the stuff (do small areas at a time to avoid overwhelm) and review its usefulness.  Edit ruthlessly!  Recycle, donate, sell, share with the neighbors, or trash it – the key is to put it back into the Universe.  Now you have less stuff and more space to work with.

2.  Plan your garage system in zones - keep all the tools/equipment for a particular activity together in one area.  Sports, toys, gardening, wood-working, car maintenance, holiday, etc. 

3.   Keep in mind that your goal is quick and easy access to the items you use most in any particular season.   Make things easy to find and simple to put away.  This takes some thought and planning before you begin and an honest appraisal of how much you really use things

4.  Always go up - use all the space allowed with high shelves for less used items (holiday decor, off season sporting goods).  Get as close to the ceiling as possible to maximize the space and get stuff off the floor. A cleared floor is safer, cleaner, and just looks more appealing.  If your room height and budget permit there are great options to actually hang items from the ceiling.

5.  Use a system of wall mounted hooks and clamps for as many of your larger tools and sports items as possible.  Several companies offer these at varying price points, or build your own if you’re handy.  Again - use the walls for easy access and to get it off the ground.

6.  Include both open and closed storage if budget permits.  Closed cabinets are great for messy looking items and security.  Keep sharp tools, toxic chemicals and paints away from kids and pets.  

7.  Open shelves can be inexpensive if you shop the big box stores.  I often use a heavy-duty 5-shelf plastic unit for lower-cost projects.  They can hold a lot and no worries about possible water or other environmental damage.  Get the tallest one available to hold your stuff and leave some empty space for growth.

8.  Shallow drawers (best is a large tool chest) are great if you have a lot of hand tools.  Interior storage keeps them clean, safe, and organized by function for quick access.  A pegboard with hooks and small bins for constantly used small tools is terrific for the serious DIY-er.

9.  Use a large basket (hanging or free standing) or tub for balls.  They must be corralled so you won't be constantly chasing them around!

10.  Keep in mind the age and size of family members as you plan storage that is easy to reach for even the smallest ones.  Increases the chances that stuff might be put away after use!