How to Organize a Garage

Figuring out how to organize a garage can be tricky because people use their garages in so many different ways.

For most people, garages are primarily used for vehicles, but it is also common to use a garage as a workshop, making it necessary to store tools and equipment.

In addition to these primary uses, most people could benefit from using their garage for storage.

It is possible to make the most of the space that you have and combine the primary use of your garage with one or more secondary storage areas.

Let me walk you through a general plan that will show you how to organize a garage and enable you to make the most of your space regardless of how you use it.

How to Organize a Garage - Make a Plan

Before you do anything you need a plan. The first step is to decide what the primary use of your garage will be:

• Storage of vehicles
• Workshop
• Additional square footage for your home (play room, laundry room, etc.)

Now, determine whether you will also need to use your garage for one or more secondary uses:

• Storage of seasonal items
• Storage of outgrown children's items
• Storage of outdoor toys and/or equipment
• Storage of excess household equipment

On a piece of paper, write down your primary as well as any secondary uses for your garage. Now you know what you need to use the space for. The next step is to create zones.

You will need to create a zone for each way you will be using your garage. On a piece of paper, draw a layout of your garage, including measurements to be as accurate as possible. Think about what each zone will be used for as you decide where to create it, reserving the most space for the primary use.

It is important to keep functionality in mind when you are thinking about how to organize a garage. For example, if you will be creating a zone to store excess household equipment, you will want this zone to be as close as possible to the door to your house.

Don't forget about the ceiling when it comes to creating zones. There are many products on the market that take advantage of overhead storage in the garage. Also, remember to think vertically when it comes to shelving. You can create two separate zones from the same space if you store less frequently used items on higher shelves and more frequently used items on lower shelves directly underneath.

Once you have your zones laid out, the next step is to make a list of any storage and organization items you will need to make your zones efficient. Think about things like:

• Shelving
• Overhead bins or shelves
• Peg boards
• Tool boxes or drawer units
• Sports equipment organizers
• Wall-mounted hooks

Do some window shopping to find out what products are available and make a list of items that would be useful for your purposes and then purchase what you need.

How to Organize a Garage - Put the Plan into Action

Now that you have a better understanding of how to organize a garage as well as a solid blueprint to work with, it's time to put your garage organization plan into action. The first thing you will need to do is completely empty out the garage, giving yourself a clean slate. Place the contents of your garage in the driveway or on the front or back lawn. Make three separate areas for the items you will be removing from your garage:

1. Trash
2. Sell/Donate
3. Keep

Bag up the trash and either prepare it to be removed on the next scheduled trash pick-up day, or take it to the local dump and get rid of it.

If you are donating items, make a list of each item, including its general condition (for tax purposes) and immediately bring the items to the drop off location for the charity of your choice. The sooner you remove these items from your property, the better. If you procrastinate, you will wind up back where you started - with a garage full of stuff.

If you are intending to hold a garage sale, schedule the sale immediately for the soonest possible date. Once you get your garage organized, you will be able to designate an area to house your garage sale items until the time of the sale. You can work on sorting and pricing the items a little each day leading up to the day of the sale.

Separate the items in the keep pile according to the zone in which they will be stored.

While the garage is completely empty it's time for a good deep cleaning. Remove any cobwebs from the walls and ceiling and give the floor a good sweeping. If you intend to do any work to the garage like painting the walls, adding insulation or additional electrical outlets, now is the time to do it, when the garage is empty and you have plenty of room to work.

Now is also the best time to install all of the organizational products you have purchased for your different zones. Once the garage is clean, all updates have been completed and the zones have been created, it's time to bring back your stuff and place it neatly into the proper zone.

Now that you know how to organize a garage, set aside a few days to get it done.

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