Here are ten steps to get your garage back into shape:
The Most Important Step: Clean It Out
The first thing you need to do is get rid of all the stuff you don’t use anymore, assuming you haven’t thrown away all your trash cans because they were ‘too full’ (how does that even happen?).
You can either hire someone to haul everything away for you (recommended) or go the honorable route and do it yourself. If you choose to face your demons bravely, be prepared.
Most Americans have an average of $1,000 worth of stuff in their garage that they don’t use anymore. If you’re like most people, you probably have a bunch of old shoes that are “worn out” or clothes that are too small.
It’s time to break the cycle of buying new things to replace what doesn’t fit just because you’re embarrassed to get rid of it. What will other items be in your pile?
Organize by Category
Before you can even think about putting things away, it’s imp that you put everything in its right place. That means no more ‘haphazard’ organization; if things need to go on the left wall, make sure they’re all on the left wall.
That also applies to overhead storage – all boxes should be stacked neatly together, not scattered throughout different parts of the room. Store items logically – small items can go on high shelves, while large items are best kept close to the floor.
Build Your Own Shelves
Most garage storage systems are built with function in mind – you need something where you can conveniently store heavy boxes of books or some type of wall-mounted rack that holds tools.
However, this often comes at the cost of organization – one big box full of smaller ones defeats the purpose of neatness. Instead, why not build your own shelves?
There’s no rule saying every shelf has to be a perfect rectangle; if you want a series of crates instead so it looks better, go for it! You can even repurpose old drawers as storage containers for smaller objects like power tools. Just be sure to label everything – this is especially helpful if you’re working on a budget.
Make the Most of Your Walls
Most garages are full of nooks and crannies, which means you can make use of every inch by hanging up any unused space. Take advantage of your walls – they don’t have to be bland concrete slabs, after all! If they’re stained or painted, why not create some artistic designs?
You could even paint an elaborate mural that matches the rest of your decor. Or if you’re low on time or money, just color them with chalkboard paint so you can write things like ‘tools’ or ‘pots’ on each section for easy labeling.
Go the Extra Mile for Storage Space
If you want to get really organized, there are some extra steps you can take. Look into overhead storage racks so you can free up valuable floor space – these attach to your existing ceiling beams and hold items like bags, sports equipment, chairs, shovels, ladders, etc.
If this is all beyond your budget or you just don’t need any more than what you have now, consider building an outdoor shed in your backyard. That way even if you put everything away in the garage, it still looks spotless. It also gives you a second option should anything ever happen to your home or garage (like a fire).
Turn Your Clutter Into Curb Appeal
If you’re like most people, you probably have a car sitting in your garage 24/7. That means your garage – which should be one of the cleanest rooms in your home – is probably the exact opposite at the moment.
However, this doesn’t mean you should do something drastic like sell or trade-in your car just to get rid of it – that’s expensive and impractical! If anything, try using decals to turn it into a work of art instead. You can put bumper stickers on both sides so it looks cool when parked inside the garage or outside in the road.
Or for a more modern approach, just use window paint or even spray paint to create an interesting design right your car’s windshield.
While it may seem like a small change, this can create a new sense of aesthetic and attract potential buyers. If you plan on selling your house in the near future, don’t forget to add this to your ‘curb appeal’ checklist!
Organize Your Tools with Tool Hangers
Making sure that all of your tools are neatly organized is one of the best ways to ensure they’re always in working condition when you need them
Look into tool hangers that attach to walls – these come in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on what type or size of tools you have.
You can also use different sizes for larger items like gardening equipment and smaller ones for screws, nuts, bolts, etc. This way, everything is within reach when you need them and doesn’t take up floor space.
Keep Your Cords Organized
Most garages are full of power tools, which means there’s a high chance your cords will get tangled if you’re not careful. Plus, most homes use multiple outlets in their garage that can lead to electric short-circuiting and fire hazards if the cords aren’t kept under wraps.
To avoid this, look into using wire channeling to hide all of your electrical cables instead – these flexible tubes work great for covering both old and new cords alike!
You can install them with adhesive or zip-ties so it only takes seconds before you have a clean management system in place. They’re also durable enough to support up to 66 pounds so they won’t fall apart even if you have a lot of devices plugged in at the same time.
Highlight Your Garage’s Original Features
Tired of your garage looking too bland? Look into highlighting certain sections with paint or wallpaper to give them more character.
For example, you could match one wall’s design to the rest of your main home or go for something completely different – maybe even use bright colors instead!
Just make sure not to overdo it – you want to avoid making it look tacky since this is where most people are going to be parking their car(s). Instead, try something simple but attractive like adding black and white stripes for contrast or using a stencil to create the design.
It’s important to note that you should never paint over any of the garage’s rust because it could lead to mold growth – just stick with primer instead.
Keep Your Garage Organized
Keeping your garage organized is a lot different from organizing the rest of your home. Most garages have a theme or function – for example, if you have a workbench, this gives you a designated area to put tools.
The same goes with sports equipment and other large items that need space to move around in. Sometimes these things might take up more than one section since they’re big enough (ie: two workbenches) so be sure to group them together accordingly!
As long as it makes sense and serves its purpose well, anything can go inside your garage. Just keep in mind that prioritizing organization is key because this will make everything much easier when it comes time to clean and maintain your space.
A Great Reason to Clean and Organize Your Garage
If you’re currently selling your home or planning on moving in the near future, having organized garages can attract potential buyers.
When they see how big your storage space is and how much room there is for everything (including their own stuff!), they’ll know you mean business when it comes to organization.
This will make them feel like they can move in right away without any hassle. So don’t wait up – start cleaning your garage today and put everything in its place!
A Quick Summary
Now that you’re ready to spruce up your garage, get started on your next DIY project! Don’t forget that the most important step is to get rid of all trash and junk.
Once you’ve done this, it’s time to decide which of the above tips will work best for your garage. Then, follow them accordingly and get started!
Remember that things don’t need to be perfect since there are always going to be downsides – just try your best and eventually you’ll come up with a system that works well for everyone involved. Happy organizing!
