Facing the Demon of the Messy Garage
by Dawn West
dawn.west@homeimprovementideas.net
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
The typical garage holds a lot more than just a car. Perhaps a kayak, a few bikes, skis that haven't been used since 1982, and then the real killer, boxes of junk. Garage storage is one of the best parts of having a garage, but without some organization, that extra storage can quickly turn into a junk heap. Here are a few tips for reclaiming your garage storage space from the demons of clutter and disorganization.
If parking your car in your garage seems like a crazy idea these days thanks to the stuff overflowing everywhere, it's time for a little garage storage makeover. Give some of these ideas a try and get your car back where it belongs.
Garage Storage Tip #1 -- Hooks
It's amazing what you can hang from the ceiling and the walls -- bikes, hoses, and even chainsaws, though that can be a little creepy. Hooks will get things off the floor, freeing up space, and giving your stuff a clear place to call home. Make sure to attach the hooks securely, then start the liftoff.
Garage Storage Tip #2 -- Flexible Shelving
Chances are your garage storage needs are going to change over time. You'll have to turn your sewing room into a kid's bedroom and all your fabric will have to go to the garage, or you just won't be able to resist picking up a new badminton, volleyball, and croquet set. Shelving with adjustable shelf heights will accommodate your storage needs now and in the future.
Garage Storage Tip #3 -- Labels
Some items will need no label, for instance the big plastic Santa that goes on your roof every Christmas. If you've got boxes or bins or any other sort of storage container whose contents are not completely obvious, labels it. Whether it's a stick-on "Hi, my name is electric cords" or a simple index card taped to the container, labeling will save you from rifling through boxes, helping your newly cleaned and organized garage stay that way.
About the Author
Dawn West teaches writing at Oregon State University. Her previous experience includes working for the Community Development Venture Capital Alliance, a not-for-profit in New York City, and serving as the director for an educational program for at-risk youth in Boston. Dawn holds a B.A. in English from Harvard University.
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