Bill Mantas from City TV explains how Linda Chu of Out of Chaos tackles a garage by efficiently decluttering and organizing it. Watch the video here.
At the beginning of this project, the homeowner had everything cluttered in the middle of the floor. Piles were as high as the ceiling. They didn’t even know what they had stored in their garage. The finished project helped the homeowners keep everything in an orderly manner and still have easy access to their belongings.
The Reveal
Items were sorted, grouped, and placed in bins with lids. The containers were labelled so everyone in the household could find what they need and, more importantly, know where to return it. Bins with lids are ideal for garages because they are stackable and keep out dust, pests, and moisture.
Speaking of vertical space, we used overhead storage racks on the ceiling to store skis and other items. For bicycles, we mounted fold up racks with a shelf on the walls to keep bikes from falling over. We installed a broom rack to keep cleaning items in one area. Again, these organization systems keep articles off of the floor, and the family members can find them when needed.
The Out of Chaos team recommends heavy-duty, stainless steel shelving for garage organization. Stainless steel is durable and doesn’t rust, so it is an excellent choice for garages and basements where heat and humidity vary. Also, they are durable and hold lots of weight, which is a good option for heavy, bulk purchases. Adjustability and easy assembly are also essential features to look for when deciding what type of shelving to use.
In assessing the family’s lifestyle, we decided to install a coat rack and boot rack in the garage. This way, dirty outerwear, boots, and sports gear don’t come into the house until they are dry and clean. Because the family loves camping and hiking day trips, we separated their equipment into labelled bins. Now, when they want to go, they place the appropriate bins in the car, and they have everything they need. There is no more searching for items all over the house and forgetting things.
The How-To
Ideally, empty the garage. Separate items into categories and discard broken, unwanted items. Return borrowed tools and move other belongings to areas of the home if they don’t belong in the garage. Once you see the volume of things you have, decide where and how to store them. Then return items to their designated storage space. Don’t buy shelving and containers until you have finished decluttering.
Watch the complete video to see how Out of Chaos tackles a garage. Linda would be happy to help you too. Contact Out of Chaos today.
