You just moved to Seattle. You have a new garage, and you have three options:
- Start a garage band.
- Fill it with the boxes the movers unloaded from the truck and begin parking in the driveway.
- Organize the garage so effectively, you’ll be able to park the car AND find your tools. Not to mention that guitar you haven’t touched since 1993.
Because the glory days of Seattle grunge rock are long past, let’s rule out that first option. And although a whopping 70 percent of Americans don’t park in the garage, using it for storage instead, we think you should opt for No. 3. And here are a few DIY garage organization tips that’ll make the task simple.
For the best ways to organize garage, first, set aside a full day to get the job done. Second, round up the kids – and maybe your new neighbors? – to pitch in and make it a group project. Third, grab a coffee. This IS Seattle, after all.
Garage Organization Seattle
The best way to start organizing your garage is to sort everything into three piles: Keep, donate/sell, and toss. Underused items that take up space need to go, so get rid of anything you haven’t used in two years. If an item is in rough shape, throw it away. If it’s only gently used, you can plan a rummage sale – if you’re up for another family project – or donate it to charity.
Once you’ve removed the unwanted items, it’s time to categorize the keepers and organize them into groups (sports equipment, tools, seasonal clothing, etc.) Buy stackable plastic bins for seasonal items and put them in the hardest-to-reach spots. Use open shelves or slide-out storage trays, stacked vertically, to save space.
Before you get too far along, take a moment to think about your floor and ceiling. Storage units should be kept off the floor for two reasons: avoiding water damage and allowing for cleaning underneath them. Remember to look up: Affixing hooks to the ceiling gives you an out-of-the-way place to hang bicycles and bags of athletic gear that only see seasonal use.
More Garage Organization Tips
Don’t put all the jars you use in the kitchen into the recycling bin. Re-use some of them by turning them into storage containers for nails, screws, sticks of sidewalk chalk and other items you plan to keep in the garage.
Organize handheld tools by putting up a pegboard for hanging them, adding a magnetic strip for the tiniest attachments. Consider installing slat walls to support shelves.
Don’t be afraid to use your imagination: Wood shipping pallets can, when set on end, be used to store long-handled tools like rakes and shovels. So can old golf bags. Are you tired of basketballs and soccer balls rolling under foot? Suspend bungee cords between two corner shelves and create a flexible storage bin that affords easy access.
So you’ve followed our advice and your garage is organized for maximum efficiency. Congratulations! But your work isn’t done. Be sure to weed things out once a year. Give your garage an annual spring cleaning to ensure it retains plenty of room for your vehicle. Or, if you prefer, enough space for jam sessions with your new band.
If you’re looking to move to or from Seattle make sure you get your free moving quote from A2B Moving & Storage. You can also give them a call at 206-419-5748 to get the ball rolling on your next move!
Looking to move to Michigan but aren’t sure what sports teams to root for? Check out the Transplant’s Guide to Michigan Sports by our partners at All Around Moving & Storage.
