Energize and Organize: Garages

Autumn has arrived here in New England with the promise of winter around the corner.   Homeowners are making fall maintenance checklists and tackling/completing projects around the house before the snow flies.

How's the garage?  Did you know that 70% of homeowners do not park their cars in their garages.  Why is that? TOO much stuff!
 
Garage organization is a BIG job and requires time and the proverbial many hands make light work helpers.    Here's how to get it done ...

​1.  Empty the  garage.

• Sort and put garage items on large tarps labeled ​keep, recycle, donate and trash.
• Ask several of your helpers to gather up the donate and recycle items and  deliver them to the collection sites.
• Ask a few members of your team to bag up the trash items and set them aside for trash day.

2.  Prep the garage.

• Sweep and clean up garage floor.
• Repair windows, paint, and make any additional maintenance fixes.
• Install shelving, hooks and racks as needed.  Think vertical and off the floor as much as possible when planning storage areas in the garage.

3. Organize the keep items into zones.  Examples include ...

• Lawn and garden supplies (rakes, shovels, leaf blower, lawn mower, hedge trimmers, hand tools, garden gloves, etc.)
• Tools:  barbecue tools, car wash tools, window washing tools, winter weather tools, small hand tools, etc. 
• Sports equipment (golf bags, pickle ball paddles, roller blades, fishing rods, bicycles, balls etc.)
• Holiday decorations
• Cleaning and household supplies
• Trash and recycle bins
• Ladders
• and more 

Here are some links with informative tips and inspirational images for you to visit!
Family Handyman
https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/brilliant-ways-to-organize-your-garage?_cmp=stf
 
Bob Villa:  15 Brilliant Garage Organization Ideas
https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/15-brilliant-garage-organization-ideas-579920
 
HGTV 15 Garage Storage and Organization Ideas
https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/15-garage-storage-and-organization-ideas-pictures
 
This Old House
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/garages/21018117/read-this-before-you-organize-your-garage

And for a very special treat ... check out these imaginative garage transformations! 
HGTV 16 Ways to Make the Garage Your Favorite Room
https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/other-rooms/16-ways-to-make-the-garage-your-new-favorite-room-in-the-house-pictures


​Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com