Hello everyone! It’s Christine again, from First Home Love Life, and today we’re going to discuss some different ways on how we can organize and make better use of our garages! These Garage Storage Organization Tips and Ideas will help you find places for, and organize things like; DIY supplies, tools, gardening gear, camping goods, kids stuff, sports equipment, car care and more!
Don’t have a garage? No worries…You can totally use these tips to work in your shed, covered carport, even storage unit to make better use of your space!
TIP 1: PURGE…AND THEN PURGE SOME MORE…
Seems so simple, yet lots of people have a problem with letting go of junk! I call them the ‘what if’ fears…
What if I’ll need these next week?
What if I figure out a use for this?
What if I finally remember what I needed this for?
These questions that we ask ourselves are really just excuses to keep us standing still. If you’re unhappy with the current state of your garage and want to make a change, you need to be willing to let things go! As I declutter any area in my home (not just my garage) I ask myself questions that need to be answered on the spot-not thinking about it-to make me realize I’m being silly holding on to certain things…
Do I have a place for this? If the answer is no- it automatically gets put into the donate pile. Yes? Then put it where it belongs.
Is it easily replaceable? Do you really need to be hoarding 20 of the same sized screwdrivers in case one breaks? Keep 3 at most and donate the rest. You can always run out and buy another one.
Will I be using this in the very near future? I’m not talking about a couple a months from now. If you do not have a use for something in the near future and it’s replaceable, get rid of it for now.
Of course there are exceptions to these questions- things like high dollar tools that you’ve invested on may not see use regularly, but you have them so you must create a space for them. YOU MUST CREATE A SPACE FOR THEM- even if that means parting with other things. You can’t keep it all if the storage area is chaotic.
See my “KID’S ZONE” [click here]
TIP 2: CREATE WORKING ZONES
Once you’ve done your initial purge. Its time to start putting like items together. Not only does this create a system for you to work within one space at a time, but it’s an easy way to organize without being completely over the top meticulous about every detail. Zones can include areas like…
-
gardening area
-
car repair
-
wood working area
-
kids stuff
-
camping gear
See my “YARD TOOL” organization [click here]
TIP 3: USE VERTICAL SPACE
Pegboard, wall racks, ceiling racks, hooks, screws and anchors…
Your garage or storage shed has walls-use them!
Storage space is hot real estate so you need to be smart about using every last inch. Keeping your lawn mower in the corner? Hang a pegboard above it to hang rakes/shovels etc…with a shelf to hold seeds and fertilizers and you instantly have a ‘working zone’ for anything lawn and garden related. It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated, promise! 🙂
TIP 4: KEEP THINGS EASY TO REACH AND FIND
If you work out of your garage or you’re a DIYer and are constantly reaching for paint, stain, and wood filler it doesn’t make sense or seem practical to keep it hidden away in a closed cabinet where you might forget about it and end up repeatedly purchasing the product thinking you ran out. {raises hand: guilty}
As long as you have an organized way of storing your items, keep them out! Keep them right there, and easy to find and come back to over and over again.
Use small baskets to corral like items. (I bought these at a dollar store)
Or small drawer organizers for small tools, nails, and screws…
And…last but not least…
TIP 5: USE WHAT YA GOT!
Organizing any space, especially a garage does not require a ton of money. Stop using the excuse that it’s “so expensive” and “I’d have to buy all new storage bins” etc…
Use what you have. Repurpose items to give them a new job. For instance…
This tall chest of drawers used to live in my office holding an assortment of craft stuff. I recently cleaned it out and was planning to just donate it but at that time I was also cleaning out my garage and really needed a place to store lose items. Light bulb moment!
Each drawer now holds a specific thing like extension cords, light bulbs, batteries…It’s serving a purpose again and didn’t cost me a dime!
When it comes to organization, remember that nothing is forever. Needs and wants will change and evolve, and that’s okay! They’re supposed to do that.
I’m always tweaking and changing things up to keep it fresh and functional around here.
I would love it if you followed along…
BLOG | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER
And if you’re still reading… you must be hungry! I know I am after typing all that 😉 I don’t just share organizing projects over on my blog, nah…I love to cook too! You can find some of my super delicious recipes like….
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Grilled Maple Dijon Pork Chops
Come over and say hi sometime! Talk to you soon friends, take care!
Hi guys, Shannon here! It’s so great to have such a strong voice sharing organization ideas here at the hollow. I hope you enjoy Christine’s helpful tips. She has so many super ideas for keeping the clutter in check. Please make sure and give her a peek over at First Home Love Life. You can view more cleaning and organizing ideas here as well! I’ve got a few new irons in the fire. I’ll be checking in real soon to give ya the scoop!! Take care now. Until next time 😉
Becca says
Of course, I’m still reading and, of course, now I’m “really” hungry! Ha! I love your garage organization tips! And, if that weren’t my hubby’s NY Yankee “man cave,” I’d totally implement those ideas into our new garage! Hmmm …. maybe I can sneak a few in when he’s not looking! 🙂
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I know. Cleaning guru and she cooks? Get out!
Hope you and the fam are settling in well after the big move!!
DebbieP says
I have spent the last year purging and organizing! I love the idea of zones so I’m going to implement that idea as well! Thank you for fresh ideas!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I love to purge! It’s never ending… I make a loop through the house and next thing you know, I’m back where I started. An organized home is so much more relaxed though, for me, so well worth it! Luck on your new zoning projects!!
debbiedoos says
I have been in total purge mode here lately. These are awesome tips!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I need to purge my kitchen and pantry next. lol 😉
Seriously though, my home decor room is calling for a purge next!
Out with the old…
Debbie refresh restyle says
Great tips! I’ve been doing the purging, now I need to purge again and organize 😉
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
It’s never ending with all the new we bring in right?
Always in motion 😉