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The garage is one of the most versatile spaces in a home, which is why it's a breeding ground for chaos. However, you can tame the clutter with the help of Jamie Novak, author of two best-selling books, 1,000 Best Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets and 1,000 Best Quick and Easy Time-Saving Strategies. Here, Jamie reveals how to make the most of your garage space.
1. Sort Your Stuff
The first step is figuring out what you own. Start by sorting everything into categories. Separate the gardening tools from the car maintenance supplies and sporting equipment. The "like with like" principle is a basic, yet powerful, organizing technique.
2. Toss the Trash
Keep a few heavy-duty garbage bags handy as you sort so you can easily toss things away. Be ruthless -- get rid of all the broken equipment, rusted tools, and toys that are missing pieces. Haul the recyclables to the curb or to the recycling center, and check www.eiae.org to learn where you can drop off hazardous waste, such as computer equipment and paint cans. Insider tip: home supply stores sell a powder mix that can be added to paint cans to make them safe to throw away.
3. Share Your Stuff
Once you have separated items into groups, and tossed the trash, you may be surprised to see how much good stuff you own. Keep the best and give away the rest.
• Give away your unused items for free at www.freecycle.org
• Donate to a local charity and take the tax deduction
• Give back borrowed items to their owners
• Schedule a garage sale for the items you've earmarked
• Return abandoned family items
4. Measure the Space
To see exactly how much room you have for storage, park your car in the garage and open the doors and trunk. Use chalk to outline the floor space. Measure the gap from the top of the open trunk to the ceiling; you can then hang things above your car.
5. Plan the Space
The items you decide to keep need a home, and the floor is not an option. Plan out the space, designating certain areas for specific items. Look at your categories and pick an area of the garage for each one, keeping accessibility in mind.
6. Store It Where You Use It
Keep the items you use most in the easiest to reach locations. For example, store your bulk paper goods near the house so you're not walking through the garage for a roll of paper towels. Stow infrequently used items—like outdoor holiday decorations—in the hardest to reach places, like the rafters.
7. Add Storage Options
Now is the time to add shelving and cabinets, tubs and bins. Old kitchen cabinets and versatile pegboards add valuable storage along the walls. Use all the space from floor to ceiling, making sure you can open all doors without banging or scratching something. Be creative: use the backs of doors including the ones on cabinets.
8. Give Everything a Home
Don't mix categories and store similar items together. Consider a sports rack for balls, gloves, cleats and hula-hoops. Leave room to grow—moderately. Use smaller containers that you can easily move once they're full. Protect treasured items in waterproof containers, and do not store photographs or other temperature—and moisture—sensitive items in the garage.
9. Label, Label, Label
Label each bin, shelf, container and cabinet door. This makes it much easier to maintain order, so even when you're in a hurry, you'll be able to quickly put things away. Label the lid and all sides so you can read the contents from any direction.
10. Maintain the New System
To keep your garage looking great, you'll need to break the old habits that caused the clutter in the first place. Adopt a household rule that you'll put away the item as soon as you're done with it.
These 10 steps will only work if you do, so schedule a time and get started. Work on small sections over a period of time or do a weekend marathon session. The best way to transform your garage from chaotic to contained is to give yourself a deadline, enlist the help of others, and get started!
