‘It’s the unnoticed champion of the house.’
It serves as the ” ultimate all-purpose area” and the “go-to storage spot,” yet with some work, the garage could transform into much more than just that.
“For numerous families, the garage often serves as the final repository for miscellaneous items — usually the last area to receive the care it needs,” explains Katherin Creighton Taylor, a professional organizer and the founder of DECANTT Organized Living, a home organization business based in Toronto.
It’s the overlooked champion of the house, discreetly amassing items ranging from sporting equipment to gardening tools, seasonal containers to paint cans,” she explains.
“However, with a mindful strategy, this diligent area could transform into one of the most practical parts of your dwelling—a spot where you can easily drop off belongings, thoughtfully stow away items, and facilitate your everyday activities all year round.
Effy Terry, the founder of Organize That, a company offering professional organizing services in the Greater Toronto Area, concurs. “Being a professional organizer, I frequently encounter garages being utilized as impromptu storage areas, leading them to turn into quite chaotic spaces,” she explains.
Regardless of whether homeowners want to store their vehicles indoors once more, regain room for personal interests, or just improve accessibility, organizing the garage revolves around establishing functionality with intent.
Terry points out that typical objectives for organizing a garage encompass having enough room to park vehicles inside during colder months, ensuring tools, sporting equipment, or seasonal articles are readily accessible, providing areas for pastimes or DIY endeavors, as well as minimizing both visual disarray and potential risks.
HAVE A VISION
According to Creighton Taylor, the initial step involves starting with a clear vision. “Prior to removing anything, think about the overall look and functionality of your garage,” she advises. “Will it be used for efficient storage solutions? For weekend projects? Or simply for easy vehicle parking? Determine your objective before handling even one container. Next, evaluate items that no longer fit this purpose and remove them.”
Next, establish deliberate areas. Partition the garage into sections that align with your way of living: lawn and garden maintenance, sports equipment, home supply reserves, seasonal articles, tool and utility space. “These divisions should mirror your habits, rather than merely storing what you possess. Keeping similar items together doesn’t just maintain order; it simplifies everyday tasks.”
Give priority to vertical and overhead storage solutions. Don’t overlook underused spaces such as walls, ceilings, and corners. As Creighton Taylor points out, “Installing wall-mounted rails, open shelves, and ceiling-mounted racks will increase your storage options without reducing valuable floor area. Seasonal items or those used infrequently can be stored higher up, whereas daily necessities should remain accessible.”
Created with daily convenience in mind. “Your organization must enhance your lifestyle rather than hinder it. Picture swift access to sporting equipment, an unobstructed route for garbage collection days, specific areas set aside for wet footwear or vehicle maintenance items. The outcome? A garage that collaborates with you instead of working against you.”
ELEVATE STORAGE
Enhance your storage with systems designed for durability. Consider investing in cabinets, open shelves, and flexible options that merge aesthetics with functionality. “Although practicality is essential, an organized-looking area tends to remain tidy,” she remarks.
Integrate uniformly labeled storage bins, standardized hardware, and a tidy garage floor mat to create coherence and clear organization within essential sections. Opt for robust, low-maintenance materials that complement your home’s style. As the saying goes, “visual order fosters reverence for the area.”
Ultimately, stay aligned with the changing seasons. “Set a schedule for quarterly reviews to ensure the area continues to meet your evolving requirements. Use spring as an opportunity to declutter excess holiday items, switch out winter equipment for summer supplies, and organize workspaces. Regular seasonal updates help preserve the integrity of the system without necessitating a complete overhaul,” according to Creighton Taylor.
Terry suggests beginning with decluttering. “Take everything out and categorize the items. This makes it simpler to determine what should remain as you have all objects visible simultaneously,” she explains.
Organize based on their utility and how often they’re used. Ponder: Am I using this item? Is it functional? Was it used within the past year? “Now’s an excellent opportunity to either donate or get rid of anything damaged or redundant,” she advises.
Restore the area to its present function. Are the children too big for those bicycles now? Do you continue to enjoy playing golf? “Get rid of those ambitious possessions that likely won’t see much more use. Objects kept in anticipation can consume valuable space and slip from memory. Let go of both the items and the lingering doubt about not using them anymore. Utilize this space for objects that genuinely serve your needs.”
CREATE ZONES
Organize the area by designating zones for various items such as tools, gardening supplies, sporting goods, automotive accessories, seasonal decorations, and more. Consider which items should be easily reachable. Make use of vertical spaces; remember that walls can also serve this purpose. As Terry mentions, “Slatwall systems work wonders, but even some strategically placed hooks or shelves can make a significant difference.” If you’re not planning a complete garage makeover just yet, adding a fresh coat of paint along with affordable wall hooks or simple shelving units could still greatly enhance your storage capacity.
Dirt, fallen leaves, and spider webs accumulate rapidly in garages. Giving the area a thorough cleaning followed by rinsing with a garden hose can make it feel revitalized and prepared for reuse. Organize and clearly mark items. Utilize transparent containers or properly label opaque ones. As one source notes, “This ensures that everybody at home knows exactly where everything belongs and where they should return items.” Perform regular maintenance checks. According to another tip, “A straightforward seasonal cleanup keeps clutter from building up again over time.”
Terry recommends finishing your visit with a stroll through your preferred hardware store, paying attention to how they arrange their sections. “I frequently draw ideas from the ways stores display merchandise. Consider this: Why not ‘browse’ items you already have at home? Seeing what you possess means you’re less likely to purchase duplicates and end up with extra.”
