If you live somewhere that gets cold in the winter, you know how easy it is to leave exterior home maintenance behind. However, this time of year is really great Assessing and Organizing Your Garage,
From reorganizing your storage system to freeing up space for the upcoming warmer months, we turned to two professional organizers and home experts to learn their best tips for decluttering the garage.
meet the expert
- Laura Asher The home experts and DIY influencers behind our Oily House Natural Home blog are.
- diane ann quintana Is a professional organizer and founder of DNQ Solutions organizing services.
Stop Using the Garage as a Dumping Ground
Like basements and attics, home influencer Laura Asher says garages are also major clutter hubs because people often see them as dumping grounds. If this is you, now is a good time to take a look at what seasonal items you have stashed away in your garage that you might want to clear out.
Look for things like holiday decorations and outdoor gear, as these are two major causes of garage clutter. Make sure they are stored away neatly when their season returns.
“This not only creates unnecessary clutter, but also makes it difficult to find what you need when you need it,” says Asher.
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Move winter gear to the front
If your garage is already beautifully organized, there may still be work to do before winter. Professional organizer diane n. Quintana says one mistake she sees is that people store items where they fit, but not necessarily where they are most useful.
“For example, you may want to store your snow shovel and de-icing pellets, sand, or other substances you use to prevent slipping on the ice where you can reach them,” she says. .
It could be in the garage, but it could also be in an outdoor shed or your mudroom; Be sure to customize all these places for easy use.
Make space in your indoor utility closet
Before you get to work decluttering your garage, take a look at your alternative solutions inside. As Quintana explains, your utility closet can be a great option with a few changes.
“I recommend installing a set of small shelves in the back of a utility closet for (things like) paint cans,” she says.
By creating an alternative space indoors, you can ensure that you are not Storing things in the garage that shouldn’t be thereLike old files and photos and clothes that are out of season.
Customize vertical storage options
As you try to clear your garage of clutter, try to assess your vertical storage space. If you’re storing a lot of items on the floor, winter is a great time to create a storage system to solve this potential disaster.
“Storing items directly on the floor increases the risk of water damage as well as unnecessary accumulation of items on the floor,” says Asher. “This can give the garage a cluttered, disorganized look.”
look for Shelving UnitsSimple wall cabinets, and wall hooks, which are especially great for everyday use items like cleaning and gardening tools.
keep things off the floor
Whether you use wall shelving units, ceiling-mounted storage, or rolling racks, Asher says the most important thing you can do in the winter is keep items off your garage floor. Even higher platforms may be worth considering to get you further into the season.
“Protect your items from contact with water caused by snowmelt or leaks,” she says. “By taking these steps, you can ensure that your stored items remain safe, organized, and in good condition throughout the season.” Stay in position.”
Make the most of any ceiling space
Along with shelving units, the garage is a great space rooftop storage System.
“[These]can be great for less-used items like camping gear, while not taking up any usable space,” says Asher.
Use a waterproof container
If you’re short on space and carrying stuff inside isn’t an option, it might be time to invest in a waterproof, airtight compartment. These will protect your items from moisture, temperature fluctuations and pests.
“For added protection, you may consider using silica gel packets to absorb moisture inside the cans,” says Asher.
These are much better than cardboard, which can easily become damp and attract pests. It’s also incredibly important to label each bin as you remove and organize clutter. This way, you can more easily spot things going forward.
