In the spring and fall we think about getting the garage in order! Set aside time to tackle this big project with your family team. In Houston, we are notorious for keeping our cars in the driveway and lawn equipment, unopened boxes and more in our garage! Use these steps to successfully conquer this overwhelming space!

Plan Your Work
With all organizing projects, we need a plan for organizing success! Begin by setting aside 2 consecutive days for organizing your garage. You will need to take everything out of the area, boxes, bikes, recreational equipment or whatever! Enlist your family to assist with this endeavor for them to have ownership of the project and help in the decision making! If a clean space and a way to find toys is not reward enough, remember to find an incentive for your children in this family project.

Toss and Categorize
Keep in mind when you might use items again! “Just in case” is not a sufficient reason to keep all the items in your garage. Be decisive about how frequently you will use belongings and whether to keep them. Recent clients most struggled with eliminating lumber and wood. You can get the right size piece at a local lumber yard easier than keeping all the wrong size ones! Decluttering is just as important in this space as any other in your home. Once you have made decisions about what you are keeping, it is time to define categories for storage. Categories for your garage might be recreation, hardware, tools, gardening, and seasonal. If you have wood scraps, be sure to store these together but don't keep every scrap. Also, take this opportunity to clean your garage, sweeping out bugs, dirt and more!

"Finding a Home"
Once you have created your categories, remember to locate what you use most in the areas of best access. Whatever you use most should be located closest to the door to the house. Items that are used the least can be stored behind or beneath other belongings. Use wall and ceiling space to maximize your area. However, keep as much as you can off the floor.

Organizing Products
When purchasing organizing products for your garage, retail and wholesale superstores have wonderful and inexpensive products. Garage items can be very heavy and need extra support. Metal shelving units are most popular. Sturdy plastic containers with lids that seal are an excellent way to keep bugs and dirt away. Rubbermaid has products designed specifically for garages with slots for specific tools. As always, be sure to have visual appeal with your organizing! If you can see it you know you own it.

The joy of a spacious parking area for your car, access to your lawn and recreational equipment and the feel of an uncluttered area are rewards for your hard labor.

Ellen R. Delap, CPO®
Professional-Organizer.com
www.professional-organizer.com
edelap@professional-organizer.com
281-360-3928
Certified Professional Organizer®
Certified Family Manager Coach™
Member/Past President NAPO Houston
Member National Association of Professional Organizers
ADD and CD Certificate/National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization