A garage doesn’t have to be a recycling centre in miniature. Instead, it can be an inspiring addition to the home where work or hobbies are carried out.
Believe It Or Not
The Chinese art and science of Feng Shui is based on the theory that balancing the energies of any given space can help assert the fortunes and health of those who live there. Whether you are a believer or not, there is something to be said for applying the basics of this system to your garage. A good spring clean can not only maximize your garage storage, but also transform the space into an environment suitable for a number of other activities.
A Clean Start
The most efficient way of seeing just how much space you are not using effectively is to give your garage a much-needed clear out. While this may require some effort, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
To begin, you need to prepare basic storage solutions. This means finding any storage boxes or bins you might have and giving them a rigorous clean. Not only will this inspire you to clean or mend anything you put in them, it will also help to protect your items against damage such as rust or staining. Once you have cleaned your storage equipment, line them up outside your garage, bearing in mind that there is always the possibility that you may need to buy more.
The next stage is possibly the most difficult, but also the most liberating. Garages often become receptacles for household storage, acting as the final resting place for items that have seen better days. If possible, assemble all your items in the centre of the garage and begin to sort through them. You should have three categories in mind for each item - keep, repair or bin (or in our more environmentally aware times, reuse, repair and recycle). As a guideline to help you make your decision, consider just how much you have needed or used the item in the last year. If the answer is little or none, then the item should be thrown away or recycled. Items needing repair should be put in a container marked ‘For Repair’. Signs such as these often inspire us to carry out mundane tasks when we have little else to do. The items that you know you will need or absolutely cannot do without should be placed in the containers you have earlier cleaned. There is no need to mark them just yet; you will develop your own filing system according to what you have and can mark them later. The key here, though, is to be ruthless. If you don’t need it, don’t keep it.
Ace the Space
Once you have stored the items you are keeping, it is time to look at the space itself. It is certainly worth cleaning out cobwebs and dirt, but it may also be worth applying a lick of paint. Consider the space in the same way you might consider any room in the house. What do I want to use this room for and how can I achieve the right effect? Now is also the time to consider storage solutions, whether that’s mobile storage shelves, tool storage units or any of the storage systems available. Consider the space on the wall and on the ceiling. If it can be used, you will only gain more space and be able to access the essentials with greater ease.
Fill the Space
Once you have implemented all the storage solutions on your list, you can begin to reorganize your space. However, leave your ‘For Repair’ items in their container. Once you have found new homes for all your other items, you may find that you are inspired to further your home organization and begin the necessary repairs. Once you have done so, these items can be moved back into the house or installed in their rightful places, giving you even more space to play with.
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