Summer is winding down, kids are getting ready to go back to school, and before you know it, Labor Day weekend will have come and gone. The good news is, it’s the perfect time of year to get organized: National Clean Out Your Garage Day is the Saturday after Labor Day. Why not take this holiday to tackle your haphazard, cluttered garage and turn it into an organized and fully functional part of your home? To help you out, we’ve pulled together some tips from the Houzz.com blog and savvy homeowners. Let’s get to work!
Step One: Clear Everything Out Take every single item out of the garage. Sweep, dust and clean up. Then, take a step back and envision what you want this blank slate to look like. Houzz writer Vanessa Brunner says, “Houzz user Ivan Prefer of Hillsdale, New Jersey has a vertical storage setup similar to the previous two garages, but has also incorporated a neat and tidy workshop area towards the back. Working with a clean slate can help you decide which areas are best to designate for certain activities.” Once you determine what you want your garage to look like, you’ll be able to work through these next tasks with a clear goal in mind.
Step Two: Purge Now is the time to tackle everything you’ve pulled from your garage. Identify garbage, items that can be donated or recycled, items that can be moved to a new part of your home, and items that can have a definite place in your garage. “Clearing out clutter is incredibly satisfying, and odds are you won’t really miss that fifth spare tennis racket,” writes Brunner. “When in doubt, donate or toss it. Recycle as much as possible, and be sure to dispose of paint and other hazardous waste safely.” Once you’ve sorted through your items, you’ll be ready to start organizing.
Step Three: Find the Right Organizational Tools Your main goal will be to create a space that’s open, organized, and attractive. To accomplish this, you’ll need to find the right tools for the job. Many Houzz users recommend finding heavy-duty hooks for wall storage, compartments for ceiling storage, and closed cabinets for keeping small items out of sight. The most important part of this step is to make sure absolutely everything has a designated spot in the garage—so you and everyone else knows exactly where items are supposed to go. Says Brunner, “[Sunny Side Up writer Erin was] tired of drawers and bins full of a hodgepodge of nails, screws, and bolts. Erin took the time to organize each individual piece by type and label accordingly. Tedious? Yes. Worth it? Yes.” Looking for more advice on how to tackle your garage organization project? Read more.
If you need a bit more help in envisioning the perfect garage, we encourage you to visit the Northern Kentucky 2016 HOMEFEST Crown Point, from August 13th-28th. Ideal Garage Solutions will be a featured garage with Tim Burks Builders and Dree’s Homes, so you’ll be able to check out the latest in modern garage design and organization solutions. To learn more about HOMEFEST, purchase tickets, or preview homes, please visit the website.
