Artists Getting Organized: Garage Organizing Tips From The Experts
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By PAGE Editor
Garages and other storage places can sometimes be the trickiest ones to organize. Not only do you need to fit a lot of your belongings, but they are also often awkwardly shaped. Your garage can become a dumping ground in no time if you don’t pay attention - you will just put all the things you don’t know what to do with there and make a huge mess.
But making an effort to organize your garage is worth the time. Various studies have shown that people with functional storage spaces tend to be more productive in other areas and the rest of the house is more likely to be tidy.
You may think that only your garage is a complete mess, but you are wrong. Many people struggle with it because they think they can’t handle it. Most homeowners assume it would take days of hard labor to make their garage a nice place.
Luckily, many organizing solutions can be helpful. Keep reading to get some ideas from the experts. Let’s begin!
Make The Most Of Vertical Space With Wall Shelves
Offering a lot of vertical space is a huge benefit most garages have, so why don’t you take advantage of it? Experts recommend using as much of the space as possible and opting for a wall-mounted system can be a great idea to achieve that.
It allows you to put the shelves as high as you want them to be and make more space for your garage storage, and unlike shelves that sit on the floor, these will give you much more flexibility. Experts also claim that metal shelves are a much better option than particle board as they are way more sturdy and practical for bulky items.
Be Prepared
Planning and being well prepared is essential when you begin organizing your garage. People sometimes don’t have enough storage items or lack the right ones, and that can be a big mistake. You don’t want to throw everything into a large bin and end up even more frustrated later when you can’t find anything. You need a system.
Arrange all your baskets, bins, and trash bags before you even begin and make a plan. Experts recommend having a system beforehand so that similar items can go into specific places that are logical.
Also, don’t forget to bring cleaning supplies, trash bags, and cans when a garage cleanup day comes. Always bring some empty boxes as well. They can be great if you need to collect some items for donations.
Still, if there is a lot to clean and you have a lot of bulky debris that needs to be removed, you may contact your local municipality and rent a small dumpster.
Once you get rid of everything you don’t need you can start cleaning. Sweep the floor and clean your shelves. Experts also recommend checking light bulbs and changing them regularly, as well as other mechanical check-ups.
What Shouldn’t Be Stored In Your Garage
There are some items that aren’t recommended to stay in your garage for a long time and it’s purely for safety reasons. Here are some examples:
Propane - Propane tanks should always be kept outdoors because a single spark could ignite the fumes. This is extremely risky and every expert would say never to do it.
Paint - Cans of paint should be stored in a more temperate area since extreme heat or cold could easily ruin them.
Paper goods - Always store them in the pantry because they are a magnet for bugs.
Pet food - It’s very likely that animals, such as possums, will sniff it and try to get it. It’s recommended to keep the pet food in a sealed container.
Refrigerator - When space isn’t air-conditioned it can be a big energy drain.
Stack Bins Vertically To Save Floor Space
Investing in plastic storage bins is a great way to organize and separate your belongings and create a system. However, they often just get stacked against the wall. This makes it extremely difficult to get to the bottom bins and you can easily get frustrated.
Don’t worry though, there is a solution, especially if you like DIY projects. Building storage towers are fun and easy - you just need a wooden frame and some utility hooks. Make sure you choose different color bins for each category, which will make finding your stuff a piece of cake.
Get Bulky Items Off The Floor With Hooks
Getting as much as you can off the floor is essential if you want to keep your garage tidy and nice looking. An easy way to do it is to attach some hooks directly to the wall and hang some of your belongings. Make sure you hang them high, but still low enough to grab the items easily.
Use Open Shelves Rather Than Closed Cabinets
When it comes to home decor, most designers would recommend closed cabinets, as they look more tidy and chic. Well, your garage has very different rules.
Shelves are easier to access, less expensive, and you won’t be wasting space. You will also be able to see what you have stored and easily scan your belongings.
There is another, more psychological reason. You see, closed cabinets can give you an excuse to throw everything in and just stay disorganized. Cabinets with doors are more likely to become messy.
The only reason you should include them in your garage is when you need specific items to be protected from dust or dirt.
Start Small And Then Go Big
If you have a lot to sort through it’s normal you feel overwhelmed. Having a giant pile in front of you can be discouraging, so experts recommend grouping the items and focusing on one category at a time.
When you have similar items together, you will easily get an idea of where to put them and what to do with them. This strategy is also useful for large spaces. You can make “zones” and work one at a time. It will help you focus and be more detailed.
Keeping your garage cleaned and organized doesn’t have to be as challenging as you think. Follow this easy guide and dedicate just one day to give this space a makeover.more productive
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