How to Clear and Organize Your Garage Part 3

Are you still with me? If you have accomplished parts 1 & 2 - great. So far, the stuff that doesn't belong is gone (or marked to go). All bins and boxes are sorted and labeled. Categories are identified. Don't give up - you're almost done. In Part 3 we continue to sort the remainder of things into defined categories and then actually do the organizing. 

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Sort

This step is really easy. Continue to pick up individual things and place them with similar items (in their categories). Label them in your mind if not out loud to reinforce your grasp of the emerging organizational system. Or, write category names on paper and hang on walls/shelves. Or, use chalk to identify categories on the floor or driveway.

​Eventually each item will be with its category mates. If you find things that belong elsewhere set them aside with a reminder tag for where they belong. At the end of the day or session, relocate these things to their rightful homes elsewhere.

Organize (and Apply Finishing Touches)

How will the categories of stuff be best stored? Hint: Open shelves are terrific for most things. Lockable cabinets are a must to keep children safe from hazardous/toxic chemicals. Here are some examples.

 

Category	Item Example	Storage Type
Sporting goods	lawn games	sturdy open shelves at least 18 inches deep and six feet tall
	fishing gear
	camping supplies
	beach toys
	helmets
	skates
	bicycles	large hang hooks during off season
Car	accessories	plastic or metal shelves (with liners or solid surfaces) that support small bottles and hold small parts, 8-12 inches deep
	car cleaning supplies
	car fluids
	snow brushes & ice scrapers
	parts and tools
Gardening	pots, soil, hangers	plastic or metal shelves, 12-18 inches deep
	small planting supplies like seeds, labels, markers
	small hand tools
	fertilizer and chemicals	high shelf or separate locked cabinet
	long handled tools	rack outfitted with nails, screws or hooks for hanging OR barrel to stand inverted handles
Handyman tools	small tools	toolboxes, tool chests, pegboard wall storage, work bench
Trash and recycling	adequate bins for your needs	sufficient floor space for the bins
Cleaning	broom & dustpan, paper towels, rags	hung on nails or hooks; OR a dedicated corner
	snow shovels, ice chopper
Off season	gardening fences, snow tools	loft or hooks placed up high

 

Avoid disappointment - estimate the expected weight of things and purchase the most expensive shelving that you can afford for the job, after all you will have them a long time. Plastic units will not rust and are adequate for light loads especially when the shelves are only two to three feet long. Metal shelving is prone to rusting but resists sagging even when four or five feet long. Homemade plywood and 2x4 shelf units are awesome, as well, if you can get them.
 
Draw up a list or floor plan to ensure there is adequate storage for everything. Clutter often arises from insufficient storage space. Purchase the necessary supplies and get help to assemble/build/install what you need.  Hint: In the planning process, allow extra shelf space for things in transit such as a box of donations, a box awaiting hazardous waste dropoff, a giveaway box, or perhaps bulk storage of household supplies like paper towels. Place things on their respective shelves and hooks keeping categories distinct. Label clearly for future reference and so that everyone who shares the space will know where to find things and where to put them away!
 
The tasks in Part 3 may take a few sessions. Beware, you may have to go through some trial and error before you find products/configurations that fit your needs. In the end though, an organized garage is well worth the effort. What were your goals and did you achieve them? Finding a home for every item? Reducing clutter? Clearing the floor? Parking a car in the garage? Being able to find things? Knowing what you've got? Uncovering meaningful memorabilia?
 
As a final touch remember to sweep the floor and dust off shelves before restocking! You might even consider washing or painting walls.