Home and Garden Tips

Bringing your garage back into a part of your home can add value and much needed space.  And key to that new space is organization.  Well defined work areas and categorized storage will go along way toward maintaining your new space and simplifying related tasks.

Here are three simple yet essential steps toward a clean and organized garage.

1. Clear out unused stuff.  Donate, dump run, tag sale, craig's list.  You really need to let go of things you don't use or that don't work.  Reduced clutter is vital to a clean, organized space.

2. Rejuvenate your floor.  Imagine walking into your garage in socks ?   A fresh clean floor will encourage use and provides an immediate visual upgrade.  Move everything out or to one side and sweep, clean and paint with a special garage paint or epoxy.  Garage floor matting is also available although can be expensive.

3. Everything needs a place.  Now its time for racks, shelves and storage devices.  You really need to fill all available wall and ceiling space with storage devices.  Leave some open space for new or seasonal items.  Use overhead hooks for bikes and ladders, tool racks for shovels, rakes and such.  Create an area with a workbench a wall rack for tools and gardening items.   Make a corner for sports equipment utilizing bins and specialty racks.

Most should find that some basic clearing, cleaning and organizing can turn your under utilized garage back into a useful part of your home with relative ease.