Guide To Home Improvement - Organizing Your Garage

Are you intimidated by the untidy piles of stuff in your garage? If so, installing a storage system can help you get rid of the clutter and be more organized.

Toss or Keep?
First decide which items you're going to keep. It may be hard to part with your memories, but getting rid of things you no longer need or use will make it easier to maximize your storage space.

Storage Systems
Garage storage systems come in a variety of sizes and can be customized for your needs. You can buy a storage system that includes shelving, cabinets, drawers, and hooks. Use adjustable shelving for odd-size items. Hooks can also help get your stuff off the floor. Seasonal items like picnic tables or lawn chairs can even be suspended from the ceiling with appropriate hangers.

Decide how much and what type of storage you need. If you have an extensive tool collection, cabinets can keep them organized while offering you easy access. If you have rakes, mops, or gardening tools, consider hanging them on a pegboard for easy access. Use bins and baskets to store smaller items like craft supplies, nails, or golf balls and make sure to label them so that you can quickly find what you need.

Sports Equipment
Bikes can be stored on stands, racks, poles, or lifts so that they take up less space. You can also buy racks and stands for skis, rollerblades, balls, fishing rods, and other athletic equipment.

If your goal is to be able to park your car in your garage, use as much of your wall space as you can. Once you've set up a storage system, make a point to use it so that you can really benefit from your new organizational system.

Source
DIY Network

About the Author
Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist,the author of The 25-Day Financial Makeover: A Practical Guide for Women,and has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.