Get Garden-Ready with an Organized Garage

If you’re like most of us in the midwest, you’re well into lawnmower season. Every weekend, the low, steady hum of lawnmowers punctuates the steamy summer air, the smell of crisp-cut grass fills your nostrils … and the clutter in your garage makes you want to tear your hair out.

If you have to step over half a dozen things before you can dig out your lawnmower or find your gardening tools, it may be time for a garage overhaul. After all, your garage is one of the most active areas in your home! Wouldn’t it be nice to have a designated area for your tools, your kids’ sports equipment, and anything else you need at hand?

At Saint Louis Closet Co., we can help by offering storage solutions and a few tips for organizing your garage.

7 Tips for Cleaning and Organizing Your Garage

1. Take Your Time and Make a Plan

If you decide to clean and organize your garage or utility closet over the summer, be aware that it will take some time. Don’t assume this is a two or three hour task: you’re likely to get frustrated. Give yourself a couple of days for this job. Divide the job up into reasonable segments, assign tasks to your family members, and take plenty of breaks.

2. Clear Everything out First

You’ll want to get a good look at the space in your garage and what you’re working with. You’ll also want to clean the floor – maybe even paint it as well – before you move your belongings back in. So, it’s worth it to get everything cleared out. You may be surprised at how much space you really have!

3. Take an Inventory and Donate Things You No Longer Need

Divide your belongings into “keep,” “throw away,” and “donate.” If you have tools that are simply in need of repair, put them aside, too. The more junk you can clear out, the easier it will be to organize the things you truly need. Once you’ve cut down, group like belongings together and make a plan for storing them.

4. Create Stations in Your Garage for Easier Access

Think about how often you use certain items and where you can keep them so that they’re easy to get to. Make sure you do this in a way that makes sense for your lifestyle! For example, you’ll want to keep your lawn care supplies in one place and your automobile care supplies in another. It helps to group similar items together. And don’t forget to label bins so smaller items are easier to find!

Take a look at the way this client set up a potting station:

5. Maximize Wall Space with Shelving Units.

Why stack everything on the floor when there’s plenty of wall space you can put to use! From pull-out baskets for sports equipment to cabinets that can hold your holiday decorations, Saint Louis Closet Co. has solutions that adjust to meet your needs.

6. Get Your Kids in the Habit of Putting Things in Their Assigned Places.

Got kids? Make sure there’s a place for them to store bikes, sporting equipment, and toys. Get them into the habit of organization early! If they know that there’s a place for everything, they’re a little less likely to leave their bicycle in the driveway.

7. Prepare for the Unexpected.

Sometimes garages flood. Your car’s oil leaks. Your spouse runs over an item that was left on the floor. Or you need an emergency kit that you just can’t find. Consider propping your tools and other belongings up so that they aren’t damaged. And be sure to store must-have or emergency items close to the door and within reach.

Elevated feet for your garage and basement shelving can keep the units off the floor in case of moisture and help keep debris to a minimum.

An organized custom garage can help to make your day run a little more smoothly and keep everything from gardening tools to sports equipment neat and tidy. With a place for everything, and everything in its place, your garage can add valuable storage to your home.

Would You Love an Organized Garage This Summer? Our Designers are Here for You!

Saint Louis Closet Co. can maximize your garage space with unique storage solutions, vertical storage options, and raised locker cabinets to help create an organized garage for your family. Manufactured in our facility right here in Saint Louis, you can be sure that all of our custom garage storage options are built to last.

Would you like to learn more about what Saint Louis Closet Co. can do for your garage? Schedule a free consultation and design with one of our top designers today. Or look at some of the garage projects that we have completed for our happy customers.