10 things people with organised garages have in common

Think twice about what you’re relegating to the garage. Limit what you keep there to things you actually use in the garage or outdoors.

“The biggest mistake I see people making that leads to a cluttered garage is using their garage as a storage unit for items that should be stored inside the home, like clothing, paperwork, sentimental items, books and other household items that do not fit indoors,” says Katherine Lawrence, a certified professional organiser.

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“So often, garages are messy because homeowners make do with the storage systems that were there when they moved in, or they are cobbled together from discarded furniture or found items that weren’t meant for garage storage,” says Melissa Keyser, a professional organiser.

People with organised garages invest in uniform shelving units that don’t scrimp on sturdiness. Look for a high weight capacity, adjustable shelves and a durable finish.

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It may sound trivial, but utilising the same type of bin ensures they stack together neatly. Plus, uniformity creates less visual clutter.

In a space that isn’t climate-controlled, look for hardy storage bins. Suzanne O’Donnell, of My LA Organiser, also recommends bins with an air- and weather-tight seal to protect contents from moisture, dirt and pests.

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Awkward items that don’t fit neatly in a bin still need a designated storage space. Heavy-duty hooks utilise wall space for storage and raise items like bikes and long-handled tools off the floor. Pay attention to the weight limits and installation instructions to ensure the hooks are secured properly and will hold up.

Lawrence recommends a variety pack of hooks that can accommodate many different items. Longer hooks can house extension cords, while shorter hooks are well suited for shovels and rakes.

Pegboard is a garage organisation staple that takes items off your workbench while keeping everything close at hand. Many people with organised garages step it up and install a metal pegboard system with hooks, shelves, bins and more.

Before going this route, take inventory of what you need to store and map out a plan. That way, you’ll know how many pegboards to purchase and what add-ons you’ll need. Include a little overage to accommodate future tool and hardware purchases.

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Neat and tidy garages don’t just magically stay that way. People with organised garages commit to cleaning up regularly, including after every project. They also set aside time seasonally to do a thorough cleaning and tackle any reorganisation needs.

Lawrence recommends doing deep cleaning and decluttering sessions in the spring and fall. “Toss items that are dried up, rusted out or broken,” says Lawrence. “Donate items that are still in good condition but have not been used in some time and do not fit with your current projects.”

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“It’s important that you clearly categorise and store your items in garage ‘zones’ such as garden, tools, kids, sports, camping and holiday,” says Amy Tokos, a certified professional organiser, owner of Freshly Organised.

With automotive equipment in one corner and gardening gear in another, you won’t have to dig past air compressors and shop vacs to reach shovels and rakes. Once your gear is organised in zones, Tokos recommends labelling bins and boxes, too, so you know exactly where to search for the items you need.

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People with organised garages consistently monitor what is in their garage and give themselves permission to purge when necessary.

“Be ruthlessly honest with yourself about what you really need to keep and store,” says Keyser. “If your garage is filled with tools or equipment you rarely use or only keep because ‘one day you might need it,’ consider renting or borrowing that item.” Utilise community tool libraries or ask a neighbour or a friend if you can borrow an item you may only need to use once, or even annually.

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Sets of heavy-duty shelves, pegboard and bins are good first steps, but people with organised garages take it to the next level with a full-fledged storage system. Garage-specific systems provide storage options tailored to your exact garage needs, from the biggest pieces of sports equipment to the tiniest nails.

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Source: Family Handyman