Spring is finally here! We are all ready for outdoor activities, sporting events and maybe a trip or two. You might be an avid gardener and can't wait to get your hands dirty, but when you look at your garage you don't even know where to find those important pruning sheers. Let's find a way to get this space organized so you can get back to the fun stuff!

First, solicit help from your family (including your kids!)

Explain to them why it's important to organize the garage and how it will benefit everyone. Make it clear that you are not expecting them to do all the work alone and that you'll be working together as a team. Choose a day where you have a few hours (I know that is a tough one). The reason you need a large block of time is because you're about to take everything out of the garage and you want to be sure you have enough time to get it all back in. Break things down into smaller tasks - especially for your kids. Find small things for them to do (like going through their toys, helping sort items into bins etc.) so that they feel a sense of ownership in the activity. This way they will be more likely to want to keep it organized once everything is done!

With everything out, this is a great time to sweep and clean the garage a bit as well!

Second, categorize your things just like you would with any organizing project.

Here are some common categories:

• Tools: hand tools like hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, saws, drills and power tools like table saws, jigsaws, and cordless drills. (This category also includes screws, nails, bolts, and other small hardware items)

• Automotive: motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, tire pressure gauge, and other car care products.

• Electrical: light bulbs, extension cords, power strips, batteries etc.

• Gardening: gardening tools, planters, fertilizers, gardening gloves, watering cans, seeds.

• Sports equipment: bikes, balls, skateboards, tennis rackets, golf balls, roller blades and other athletic gear.

• Household items: cleaning supplies, storage containers, and holiday decorations.

• Outdoor living: outdoor lighting, grilling supplies, propane tanks, and patio furniture supplies.

• Paint supplies: paint, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, paint thinner, stains etc.

• Ladders, step stools, and wagons are all items you might just have to put where you have room since they are large.

• Kids toys: keep items in smaller categories for all of your kids outdoor toys. Putting them close to the ground allows for them to easily reach them (and put them away!)

Third, edit each category taking out anything you do not use, need, or have too many of.

If the kiddos have outgrown toys, let's share them with someone else! Chemicals that are old or haven't been used in a really long time just need to go to your local hazardous waste recycling center. You can't just throw them away in the trash or down the drain because they can potentially be harmful to the environment and human health. Hazardous waste centers can properly dispose of them for you.

Fourth, find storage solutions that will get things up and 32off the floor.

Storage containers are an invaluable tool for organizing your garage. They provide a convenient way to store items that would otherwise be scattered around the space, which can lead to a cluttered and disorganized environment. Rail hanging systems for your yard tools are so important. Hangers for your bicycles, fertilizer spreader and ladders are inexpensive and a must-have. If you are not handy, check out Thumbtack to find a local handyman. to install the hangers.

Fifth, we recommend additional shelving but only if you have the space and only if you really need it.

If you are implementing shelves, consider where they are placed in your garage. Putting them near the entrance of the space will allow for easy access to frequently used items. Try to refrain from adding more shelving that might just become a dumping ground for more stuff. Any shelving that you do add should have bins labeled with the category that they hold. Remember to always put the heaviest items on the bottom shelf to keep the space safe.

Lastly, label any bins that house your categories.

This is so that you can easily find your gardening gloves or golf balls when it's time to do your favorite activity. If you have items that you aren't sure where they should go, or what category they should be with, think about related products. For example, koozies may not seem like a garage item, but if you always use them when you are also using a cooler, inside the cooler might be a good place to store them!

If this project is more than you have time for, consider hiring a professional organizer that specializes in garage organization. We love getting our hands dirty :)

Let's enjoy this spring of 2023 with an organized garage!

Call us today for a complementary consultation. We can't wait to help you get organized!