Garage Organization 101

For too many of us, the garage is a chaos of yard tools, sports equipment, auto/motorcycle gear, camping paraphernalia and a horde of other stuff that hasn't found its true home.  There's just enough room to squeeze out of the car or inch the motorcycle out delicately so as not to disturb the tomato cages, hockey sticks and rakes that are balanced in the way.

 There is hope!  With a few tips and tricks, we can take that jumble and turn it into a neat, organized space for just a few dollars.

Tip #1: Clearing Out

If possible, start from scratch by clearing everything out and giving the garage a good sweep. Then, before putting the items back, think about the items to determine where each item really belongs.

If it belongs in the house, bring it in the house.If it belongs to your neighbor, give it back.If you no longer have a use for it, donate it/recycle it/trash it.If it's broken, be realistic.  Are you really going to fix it? If not, get rid of it!

Tip #2: Setting the Foundation
While there are a number of impressive manufactured systems out there (search on "garage organizational system"), you don't have to spend a lot of money to lay a solid foundation for organization.  Inexpensive pegboard, utility hooks, and common household items may be all you need to get your things stored with easy access and room to park. For example:

A panel or two of pegboard can store the majority of your tools from hammers to hedge clippers.  (Bonus: Go a step further and create a chalk outline of the item so you know where to hang the tool back up.) Utility hooks are great for storing bikes from ceilings, ladders and wheelbarrows from walls. Bundle your hoses/extension cords and hang to keep neat.Shelves are also useful for making the most of space.  If you're handy, some lumber and plywood may be all you need.  If not, there are a number of shelving options at your local hardware store. Old peanut butter jars are perfect for storing the smallest of items – like nails or drill bits.  (Bonus: Attach the jar lid to the bottom of a shelf and you have a perfect storage space that takes up no surface area.)Have a few old laundry bags that need to be replaced? Like grapefruit enough to buy in bulk?  Use the mesh bags to store baseballs, soccer balls and other sporting equipment.  (Bonus: Add a hook your kids can reach so they can be responsible for putting away their items.)A practice golf ball on a string from the ceiling makes an excellent parking gauge and will maximize the space to keep your motorcycle. Place so that the ball touches the windshield when the car is just far enough inside for the garage door to shut freely.

When creating your foundation, keep in mind what you are passionate about: your motorcycle.  Carve out a corner to dedicate specifically to your bike – and nothing else!  Look for our next garage article "Motorcycle Mecca for id="mce_marker"500: Creating a place for your passion" for how to outfit that area. We'll share the essentials for your motorcycle's space and spend some of that money you saved organizing the rest of your garage on the cheap.

Tip #3: Utilizing the Space
Once the foundation is set, it's time to utilize the space you've created:

•         Group like things together.  Keep all the sports stuff on one shelf and camping on another.  Items will be easier to find when you need them.
•          Use the whole wall, even where you cannot easily reach.  Storing seldom used items up high is worth the extra effort when you gain the extra space on the ground level.
•          Don't ignore the over-head space either. Putting seasonal items in the garage loft area will save valuable ground space and keep the items you need accessible.

This is just one humble opinion on the basics of garage organization without spending a lot of cash.  Again, the next garage article will be focused specifically on the organization and contents of your motorcycle's area and will put that money you saved and space you created to good use.

What's your favorite tip for keeping your garage organized?