“My garage is a hot mess and I can’t take it anymore…please help!”
All winter clients have been clamoring to have us work on their garages and we’ve had to say, “Not yet. It’s too cold.”
I love the changing seasons of the northeast, except when the season dictates a delay for my clients; but this past week’s gorgeous weather was perfectly timed for a garage project.
Our clients moved into their new home last fall before their renovations were completed. This caused them to use their two car garage as a “dumping ground”. We’ve been working with them all fall and winter to get unpacked and settled in between closets installations, painting, and other renovations.
Now it was time for the garage and boy, were we excited. So excited we didn’t get any good “before” photos! Eek! I hate when that happens.
Planning a garage overhaul? Read our best practices so your garage transformation is a success:
Tip #1: Enlist Help!
Work with a team, or, at the very least, a partner. Garages are deceiving in how much stuff they can hide. They hold a lot of big, heavy items that may need two people to move or lift safely. They also hold lots of little things that need to be removed and sorted. Allocate time and energy to this project and consider the weather. You don’t want it too cold or too hot.
Tip #2: Empty It Out
Everything, and I mean everything, needs to be pulled out so you can assess the structural aspects of your garage. Examine the walls, floor, ceiling to see if anything needs to be repaired. To help organize the contents, do you have built-ins, free-standing shelving, hooks? What might you need? Organizing inside the garage is impossible so taking it out into your driveway or parking area will allow you room to sort and edit items you no longer need.
Tip #3 Clean
Garages need to be cleaned regularly, and this is a good time to do it. Grab that broom or shop vac and suck up leaves, cobwebs, and dirt. Power washing is recommended for neglected spaces. I believe a nicely painted garage provides a good backdrop for the organization to come. Painting elevates the space and reduces visual clutter.
Pro Tip: Add painting the garage to your pre-move-in painting list. This is the easiest time to do it. You won’t regret it!
Tip #4 Sort and Edit
Over time our stuff gets jumbled up so grouping like items allows you to review and determine what you can let go of. Ten snow shovels? Broken toys? Old paint? Let go of the stuff you no longer use, need, or love.
Pro Tip: Make sure you can get rid of these unwanted items quickly and easily by planning your garage project around your local bulk pick-up date or when your town dump is open.
Tip #5 Categorize and Contain
Put all that camping gear in a large tub and place it on a shelf. Next time you need camping gear it will be easy to find, dust-free because it was protected, and ready for use. Do this for every category you have. Be selective with what you store and how you store it. Garages in areas that experience extreme temperature changes and humidity should not hold your most valuable or sentimental items. Cardboard boxes invite critters and don’t hold up well – clear plastic tubs with labels are your best bet.
Tip #6 Go Vertical
Using shelving units and hooks to get things off the floor will double or triple your storage space! Overhead racks, if your garage height allows, will also provide additional long term storage and help to keep the floor clear.
Tip #7 Create Zones
Set up zones: trash & recycling, tools, yard & garden, toys, bikes, sports equipment, etc. Knowing that sports equipment is all in one place will make it easier to find what you need when you are heading out to the game.
Originally intended for our cars, garages have become extensions of our homes and serve as storage units. But like any area of our home they need maintenance and love on a regular basis to remain functional. Follow our tips for a smooth garage overhaul and let us know how it turns out.