Garage Redo

While many find garage cleaning easier than tidying other rooms, I don’t. Decluttering the garage always feels endless.   I take everything out, sort items into trash, donations, and keep piles. Meanwhile, my husband is moving things from the trash pile to the keep pile. Once everything is sorted and the garage is clean, we can start organizing.   Here are some tips on how to organize a garage.
First, identify what’s stored in your garage. Go through the saved pile and sort it by category: sports equipment, bikes, tools, lawn equipment, seasonal, and by user.  Then, plan where and how these items will be kept.    Effective organization combines various storage methods to suit both your space and belongings—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but these guidelines will help you plan.
Group similar items together based on their use, frequency, and who needs them. Combining sorting methods maximizes space.  Use shelves, baskets, hooks, or specialty storage to organize efficiently.  Fixed or flexible wall storage adds both horizontal and vertical options for items like tools, bikes, and equipment.
While garage floor storage uses up valuable space, it’s necessary for certain items. Reserve floor space for things that can’t be stored elsewhere, especially if you’ve maximized wall and ceiling storage.
Freestanding shelves are versatile, affordable, and come in many sizes. Use them to organize items like paints, holiday decor, or sports gear. Choose sturdy shelves that can handle heavy loads and remain stable.
Some tools, like large cabinets or table saws, as well as golf clubs, need floor storage.   Use specialty racks if needed to keep them upright and organized.
Arrange frequently used equipment—like lawnmowers or strollers—for easy access without having to move your car or other objects.
Don’t forget the rafters and ceiling.  These out-of-the-way areas offer loads of storage potential for things you don’t need to access often. This space is appropriate for lighter-weight items, like patio umbrellas, canopies, and outdoor cushions.  It’s also a great spot for seasonal items, like the Christmas tree and your skis.  Make sure that whatever you put up there is not too heavy or too awkward, especially if it requires a ladder to access.
This area often becomes the default storage for lightweight, leftover building materials like 2x4s or PVC. Laying down plywood can be a simple way to add to the surface area, but make sure the boards securely span the rafters before storing anything there.
 You can find hanging racks designed to add storage in the garage via the ceiling. Some simple racks hang down in a fixed position to hold items like storage bins, tents, bikes, and even ladders.  Others have pulleys or adjustable height mechanisms for easier access.
Look for racks that mount to the ceiling and act as tracks for bins to slide into. A key factor will be determining if your space has enough clearance for these solutions–and making sure what you plan to store meets weight requirements.  Keep an open mind, the ideas are endless!