AUGUST!
Kids making the most of their dwindling summer vacation.
Family bike rides. Trips to the cabin. Fishing.
Picnics at the lakes. Time at the pool.
Yard projects. Dreaming of Pronto Pups and Martha’s Cookies.
Toys, sports equipment, tools, car cleaners, bike storage, lawn mowers, and a million other things… we tend to use our garages a lot during the summer. With high use and busy schedules, we often find it disorganized. Your garage only needs to work for you and those you share it with, but if you have been feeling that it is a little cluttered, here are a few simple things that might help:
- Take advantage of vertical space. Installing peg board or hooks for tools is relatively easy. Things hung on the wall are easy to see and grab. This also keeps the floor open – reducing chances of dropping the roll of twine behind the shelf and not seeing it for a few seasons.
- Make it easy to keep things organized by storing frequently used items in open bins. You want to be able to just toss your work gloves in a spot versus setting them in a closed bin that goes on a high shelf. Keep it simple!
- Avoid having more tools than you need. Extra things become clutter and make it harder to find the things we use. If you do have more tools than you need, store the less used ones in out-of-the-way spaces such as top or bottom shelf that isn’t as easy to get to.
- Make it easy for kids to put their things away by having large, open containers where balls, frisbees, jump ropes, and other toys can be easy stashed. (I left my sister’s skateboard in the driveway when I was 6. Mom drove over it. Neither were pleased!)
- Hanging bikes from garage rafters can be a great way to free up space, but most kids (and some of us adults) cannot easily put bikes back on those hooks. During the summer, look for an area with enough space that users can get their bikes easily in and out without knocking over other bikes. Storing helmets with the bike will help people remember to use them.
- Keep items that small critters might want to eat in sealed plastic containers. We don’t want to leave a buffet out for mice because we don’t want what they leave us in return.
- Over-the-car storage is great for keeping rarely used items out of the way yet visible. It isn’t super easy to install, and it can be a process to access the items (move the car, get out a ladder, etc.) but it is an efficient way to increase the storage in your garage. When choosing what goes on those platforms make sure there is no chance of items sliding out onto you or your car.
- Keeping less-used items in closed bins keeps them dust free. If you are going to use bins, even if they are clear, label them so it is easy to find things.
While I focused on garages, these tips really apply to organizing any space.
- Consider who it is using it (height, physical ability)
- Use vertical space so you can see items easily
- Install hooks or storage racks that fit your needs
- Put items you use the most in easy to access (and easy to put away) spaces or containers
- Label bins (and maybe shelf space so everyone knows what goes back where)
All that said, I hope you spend the rest of summer making memories with the people you care about! The cold wet days that we will be seeing in a few months will offer plenty of time to organize!
Christine Daves
Certified Professional Organizer
Think Organized
www.Think-Organized.com
612-240-0828
