How to Organize Garage in 4 Simple Steps

During the winter months the garage can turn into a serious mess – clutter that won’t fit in the house gets thrown to the garage and begins to pile up.

Now that the weather is warming up, it’s a great time to get the garage organized. We will share with you steps for how to organize garage:

1. Clean & Sort

The first step in taking back your garage is to clean and sort through everything. Group items together that can be stored together, such as:

• Gardening tools and lawn care supplies
• Sports equipment, gear, and balls
• Automotive tools and supplies
• Household tools
• Garbage and recycling bins

While you’re sorting through, consider creating three additional piles: recycle, trash, and donate. Don’t be afraid to donate something you haven’t used in over a year. Odds are you probably won’t use it this year either.

Once you have everything sorted, clean your garage! This is the best time to add a new coat of paint, clean off scuff marks and remove stains from your concert floor. If you come across stains that require a professional cleaning give us a call and we can help remove those stubborn stains for you!

2. Plan

Before you start installing shelving units and putting things away, create a plan. Measure your garage and map it out on grid paper. Be sure to include windows, doors, utilities, and space for your car. Once you have everything planned on paper you can now mark areas for shelving units and storage bins. We recommend keeping items you’ll need regularly toward the front of the garage for easy access, and then tools you may not use as often near the back or overhead if possible.

How to organize

3. Storage Solutions

Now that you know how much space you have available, you can look at the options you have for storage. Your local hardware store should carry items such as: cabinetry, shelving and support brackets, storage bins and boxes, tool hanging systems, and bicycle hangers. Choose whichever storage solution is best for your needs.

Don’t forget to invest in a label maker – it will come in handy when you start putting everything in bins, boxes, and on shelves!

4. Organize

With a plan in place, your storage solutions purchased, and label maker in-hand, you will be totally ready to start getting things back in order! Here are some additional tips to help you keep things organized:

• Use a magnetic strip to keep drill bits, screws, wrenches, nails, etc. in place to avoid digging through a drawer to find what you need.
• Keep garbage bags on a sturdy kitchen paper towel holder that is affixed to the wall. Now, you can easily and quickly access your garbage bags.
• Connect large pieces of PVC pipe together with screws. Then, you can place those bulky yard tools in the PVC pipes.
• Repurpose kitchen jars. They’re perfect for holding small items that tend to get lost.

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at (314) 227-3932.

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Updated 4/26/2018