The garage has become the “catch-all” space in the home, where all sorts of piles end up. It has become a weatherproof attached storage space. I get it; we need storage. Even if we are not keepers of everything, we may need practical storage. There is no one size for organizing; every household has different priorities. When it comes to organizing any part of the home, the idea is to make it functional and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The function is always first. It will make the day-to-day smooth and save time in the long run.
Step one of organizing your garage is to identify how the space will be best used. Will it be used for home gyms, Christmas décor storage, yard tools, a play area, laundry, and dry food storage? I know we all want solely to park our cars in the garage, but if you’re reading this, it is because the garage is used a multi-purpose space. Depending on its size, the garage can be multifunctional; it is best to be practical when making this decision. If you want to get and keep it organized, consider it your top priority and not use it to serve everything.
Step two is, by far, one of my favorite tasks, purging. While I may be one of the few who love to purge unused things, some find it difficult. Ask yourself which is more important, having a garage that makes you feel organized and calm or keeping everything. Begin by removing all items you are sure you do not want. You have a few options when purging: sell the items, make some extra cash, or donate the items. I have been on both sides; there is a time to sell items and a time to donate. Everyone would like some extra money, but sometimes it is best to let go of things quickly and get organized!
Step three: Group all like items together; this is the best way to know what you have and find it easily when you need it. When you group all your like items together, consider removing some multiples even if they still interest you. For example, do you still want to store three basketballs and the Christmas lights you didn’t use last year? If you live slightly less than you are accustomed to, you may find you can live with less and still be comfortable.
Step four: List the storage containers, hooks, and shelves needed for your current items and wait to purchase them. If you wait a bit longer, there may be some additional items you want to let go of. Also, practical versus beauty: I love beauty and symmetry when organizing, but I would choose practical and functional first. Be sure to stick to a budget; these items can get expensive. Marketers beautified organizing so much that we now think we need the fancy stuff; we don’t. Take your time; all storage containers do not have to match; look at Pinterest for ideas, but be aware of the sales techniques.
Step five Keep up with the tidiness of the garage; the garage is part of the home and is best treated like any other room. Keeping it as tidy as you would in your living room adds a layer of care to the home. Purging is a continuous action in maintaining an organized and tidy home. Both minimalists and maximalists accumulate new items quickly. Be selective of what enters your home; it will equate to less purging later. Carefully look at each item and decide if it matches your current lifestyle; if it does, keep it, if it does not it is time to let it go. Less stuff means less clutter and easier to keep organized. Find the number of items you are comfortable having, and give every item a home. A tidy, organized garage will be a byproduct of these actions.
Remember, this is your home and your rules, and it should be customized to your space and needs. There is no one-size-fits-all with this; some may like to live with less, and some may want to live with more; both can attain an organized garage to be proud of. When it comes to material things, there is nothing more to be proud of than the space you live in, for you have poured time and energy into obtaining it. It is by perfecting the details that we get to enjoy it truly.