16 September 2019
Garages can often be ignored when the spring-cleaning starts, but it is one place that becomes so easily cluttered; especially over winter. Many of us use our garage as a dumping ground for old clothes, tools, broken toys or equipment and we just forget about it. That is until the weather starts to get warmer and we want to dig out the gardening tools or bikes to enjoy the sun. In order to make the most of the space you have it’s essential to first give your garage a spring clean- and you’ll be so glad you did it.
Your first focus when you begin the cleaning process should be to restore order. The best way to do this is to start with a solid plan in mind. First, decide what your garage’s function will be; what do you want from it? If you are an avid gardener, it could be the perfect place for storing tools or even a place to create a small indoor garden. If you make a list of what you need or want to achieve you are more likely to get there.
When you clear out your wardrobe, it is advised that if you have not worn something in over a year, it needs to go; the same should apply for your garage. The likelihood is you’ve probably forgot about half of the stuff which has been sat in your garage gathering dust, so ask yourself- do you really need it if you went this long forgetting about its existence? Donate things as they may be of use to someone else, don’t keep things just because you don’t want to part with them; make sure you will use them.
Once you have decided a purpose for your garage and ruthlessly discarded of unwanted items, you then need to make sure you have a top of the line storage in order ensure your garage stays up to scratch.
Upwards Storage
The best type of storage is anything that goes upwards, this ensures maximum floor space is available and utilises otherwise unused wall space. Shelving that is mounted to the floor is best and is secure and safe. You can then store boxes and baskets on the shelves safely.
Hanging
Hanging tools and equipment is another great way to keep the floor space free, perfect if you store your car in there. You can get a peg board with hooks for vertical hanging, this is great for gardening tools as they have handles. Hanging storage is also a great option for bigger items such as bikes, it is safer than leaving them around on the floor.
Trolleys
Wheeled trolleys, buckets or wheelbarrows are a great way to store gardening tools or equipment you use regularly as it makes it easy to remove them all from your garage as necessary. Alternatively you may wish to consider expanding and investing in a tool shed at the bottom of your garden
Labels
Make sure everything has a home, and it stays that way. If you label everything you can be sure to keep in order and encourage others to do the same. If the whole family knows where everything goes, they are more likely to keep up with your organisational system.
Posted by Matt Jordan
