Park in your Garage
By
Dawn Reitz
Is your garage the catch all spot for the infrequent or unused items in your home? Do
you continuously purchase items that you are sure you already have but can’t seem to
find? Are you parking in the street or driveway because you can’t fit your car in the
garage? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, then it is time to organize
your garage and now is the perfect time. The kids are in school, the weather is cooling
off and you still have some time before the busy holiday season begins. So how do you
get started?
In order to successfully organize your garage in a timely and efficient manner you
need to start with a plan. This plan consists of 3 simple steps. First, know your
sections. Second, plan out your space. And third, figure out the time you have available.
Creating sections for your garage helps you keep like belongings together. Some
examples of sections for your garage are car care, gardening, tools, pool care, sporting
goods and storage. Your sections may differ. Assess what you want to keep in your
garage and create the sections that will best suit your needs.
The next step is to plan out your space. Determine the amount of space you will need
for each of your sections. Place notes on the wall to designate these sections. Take
advantage of the height of your garage in order to utilize your space efficiently.
Finally, allow yourself the necessary time to complete your project. If your plan
consists of installing cabinets or coating the floor, schedule these services in advance.
You will need to allow at least 5 days for floor coating to dry completely. Also, check
your local weather. High winds or heavy rain could alter your plans.
Once you’ve established a plan of action, getting your garage in order basically
requires S.O.S. No. It’s not completely hopeless. This merely means Sort, Organize and
Section.
Sorting your belongings is a two step process. It is either a KEEP or a GO. If you
“use it, need it or love it” then keep it. If not then it needs to go. The go items can
consist of trash, donation, garage sale or consignment. Whichever you choose, dispose of
the go items quickly. Be sure to shred all paperwork containing any personal information.
Also, remember to check with your local waste disposal service before throwing away
hazardous materials.
Organize the keep items based on how frequently you use each item. Place regularly
used items where you can easily access them. The less often used items can then be
placed up high, down low, under or behind the more frequently used items.
Sectioning your garage is your final step in the S.O.S. process. This is where you place
all of your keep items within the sections that you created in your plan. Place the items
you use the least into the specific area first allowing the most accessible space to be
available for the most used items. Move or adjust your notes if needed. Lastly, label
your sections and all storage containers in order for you and all who use this space to
maintain the organization.
By
Dawn Reitz
Is your garage the catch all spot for the infrequent or unused items in your home? Do
you continuously purchase items that you are sure you already have but can’t seem to
find? Are you parking in the street or driveway because you can’t fit your car in the
garage? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, then it is time to organize
your garage and now is the perfect time. The kids are in school, the weather is cooling
off and you still have some time before the busy holiday season begins. So how do you
get started?
In order to successfully organize your garage in a timely and efficient manner you
need to start with a plan. This plan consists of 3 simple steps. First, know your
sections. Second, plan out your space. And third, figure out the time you have available.
Creating sections for your garage helps you keep like belongings together. Some
examples of sections for your garage are car care, gardening, tools, pool care, sporting
goods and storage. Your sections may differ. Assess what you want to keep in your
garage and create the sections that will best suit your needs.
The next step is to plan out your space. Determine the amount of space you will need
for each of your sections. Place notes on the wall to designate these sections. Take
advantage of the height of your garage in order to utilize your space efficiently.
Finally, allow yourself the necessary time to complete your project. If your plan
consists of installing cabinets or coating the floor, schedule these services in advance.
You will need to allow at least 5 days for floor coating to dry completely. Also, check
your local weather. High winds or heavy rain could alter your plans.
Once you’ve established a plan of action, getting your garage in order basically
requires S.O.S. No. It’s not completely hopeless. This merely means Sort, Organize and
Section.
Sorting your belongings is a two step process. It is either a KEEP or a GO. If you
“use it, need it or love it” then keep it. If not then it needs to go. The go items can
consist of trash, donation, garage sale or consignment. Whichever you choose, dispose of
the go items quickly. Be sure to shred all paperwork containing any personal information.
Also, remember to check with your local waste disposal service before throwing away
hazardous materials.
Organize the keep items based on how frequently you use each item. Place regularly
used items where you can easily access them. The less often used items can then be
placed up high, down low, under or behind the more frequently used items.
Sectioning your garage is your final step in the S.O.S. process. This is where you place
all of your keep items within the sections that you created in your plan. Place the items
you use the least into the specific area first allowing the most accessible space to be
available for the most used items. Move or adjust your notes if needed. Lastly, label
your sections and all storage containers in order for you and all who use this space to
maintain the organization.
| Dawn Reitz is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of AMOR (A More Organized Residence) in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information on getting and staying organized contact AMOR at (702) 373-7896 or www.AMoreOrganizedResidence.com |