Make Your Garage Great Again!

When the weather is not too hot and not too cold – what better time to get your garage under control? Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to park the cars in there? Or for the kids to be able to find their bikes or sports equipment? We’ve organized a lot of garages, and we always see a common theme: the garage has become a dumping ground for all of our unused/unnecessary items. By just getting rid of a little of the clutter, though, you will be able to free up space for the things that really matter. Here are a few suggestions:

Unfinished Projects

The chair with the broken leg? The picture frame that you meant to paint? You had good intentions, but if things like these have been in the garage for more than several months, it’s time to admit that you just aren’t going to do them and let them go.

Leftover Home Maintenance Items

Whenever a home project is completed, you inevitably have leftovers: paint, caulk, tiles, wood, piping, electrical wiring, etc. While it makes sense to keep some of this, your garage cannot possibly store it all. Also, paint does not last forever, especially when it is kept in the garage, which is not temperature-controlled.

Outgrown/Broken Toys

If there are too many toys in the way, your kids will not be able to find what they really want. They won’t even know what toys there are. If toys are organized and can be accessed easily, your kids will more likely to want to go outside and play.

Unused Sports Equipment

Don’t let used sports equipment accumulate when your kids move up a league or you get a new set of golf clubs. Check in your area for places that resell gently used equipment, or donate it to a local youth organization.

Obsolete Electronics

You bought a new computer or television. Where does the old one go? If you’re like most people, it goes in the garage until you can figure out what to do with it. That’s an easy fix. Check in your area for the next Electronics Recycling Day. Best Buy also takes a number of used electronics for recycling.

These are just a few suggestions for freeing up space in your garage. In order to keep from getting overwhelmed, try to address just one of these categories each day. By the end of the week, you’ll have a lot more space and even more peace of mind.