subject: Cleaning Your Garage In The Most Organized, Productive Way [print this page] Most people have so much junk, memorabilia, and clutter in their garages that they are unable to park their cars inside. This doesn't need to be your situation any longer!
It is time to use your garage for what it is meant for-storing your cars. Start today by cleaning and organizing your way to a nice, orderly, mouse-free room.
The garage is often used as a household storage room, and anything can end up out there. This type of situation requires extra planning to figure out what is being stored, and where everything is going to be when the job is complete.
For example, a can of paint should not be stored beside scuba gear or ski equipment. Proper planning can prevent this from happening.
The key is to invest in the right types of storage products to easily and efficiently handle the various items that you are storing. Before you begin worrying about what kinds of storage to buy, take inventory of what you currently have.
Ask yourself several questions before deciding on how to deal with a particular item. How often do you use the item?
Is it something that is almost never used, and should just be thrown away or stored in a less accessible place? Remember, there is a good chance that you will be in and out often using the various items that are stored there.
If an item that you no longer use is in the way, you should consider getting rid of it. You can either throw it out, or store it in a new location.
Another important issue to consider is whether the items that you need to store are seasonal. Try storing summer items in an accessible location during the summer, while winter items can be stored someplace out of sight.
Then you can swap their storage locations when the seasons change. This simple practice helps remove substantial clutter.
If you have items that are used all the time, they must be stored in an accessible way, but also need to be organized logically based on function and size. Consideration must be given to chemicals, tools and other items that could be harmful if stored incorrectly.
The process of taking inventory can be quite time consuming, but it can be spread out into short sessions over the course of a few weeks. This can help you avoid any scheduling conflicts, and it should be closely followed by the purchase of appropriate storage devices that meet your needs.
Try purchasing a rack that can be placed above the door. This area often has a lot of space that is left unused.
By placing a rack above the door, you can easily hide items that are not often used. Using a storage rack also provides simple access to your items when the right time arrives.
An especially productive rack, at least for some, is a fishing pole holder. These devices can often hold six or more rods, while keeping them safely out of the way near the ceiling.
Accompany this rack with a simple shelf, and all of your fishing items can be stored away safely in the rafters. You can easily reach those items with the help of a stepladder.
Over the door racks can also be a very useful place to hold skis, snowboards, surfboards and other similar items. Proper shelving can keep everything in order.
Simple shelves can have nets attached to them to conveniently store various types of sporting equipment that do not easily stay in one place. Pegboards are great for hanging certain items such as gardening tools, hammers, screwdrivers, etc.
They also take up very little space. If you are concerned with having items stored on open shelves because of dust, moisture and general wear and tear, try stackable cubes with doors.
These cubes can be moved around to fit within your space limitations, and can store almost anything very well. Once you have a good inventory of your belongings, and have installed shelving and other storage products, you have taken the first steps toward being able to use your space much more efficiently.
Evaluate your space and your items and decide what you can begin with today. You will no longer be embarrassed to raise the garage doors!
