Not only does a messy garage not look nice, but it also makes it difficult for one to find tools and repair-items. It makes jobs take longer to complete, plus lots of clutter inside blocks the emergency exit in case of danger. Its important that you take care of your garage in the same manner you keep your car clean and well-maintained.
The good news is that you can improve your garage. All you have to do is rearrange it and organise a new storage system.
Keep the floor clean
To keep the floor clean, use storage shelves on wheels. To create maximum space, use shelves that hang from the walls. Try your best to keep stuff on those shelves, not on the floor.
Use storage containers for smaller items such as screws and bolts. For larger items, use cardboard boxes and flat topped stackable plastic containers.
Use pegboards for hanging things such as extension cords etc.
Use a tyre stand for tyres, with covers to keep the tyres clean all year round.
Assess your needs
Many of us have the habit of collecting things and never using them. Many tools in your garage are probably totally useless, or you might have duplicates of the same tool which youhave never used. You could have a broken shovel in there that has been waiting to be repaired for months now; the point is that if you have not repaired it in a year, the chances are, you never will. It’s better to sell it, or if it’s totally broken, throw it in a dustbin. Your garage should be a valuable asset, not a messed-up storage locker.
Plan the set-up
Before making a list of all the items you need, analyse how will you be able to arrange them. The best way to do it is to measure your garage first and see how many wall-shelves and floor wheel-containers it can accommodate. Also, make sure the containers are not blocking any heat vents. It is also better to keep electrical outlets close to workbenches, rather than positioning them at a distance and risking training flexes.
Then, take your list to the shop and measure the size of the shelves and containers available, as this will give you an idea whether or not they will suit your overall design.
Put similar items together
Place gardening items, car parts, grilling items in their own respective places so that you can easily find them. If you want to find things even faster, specify locations more accurately, for example putting nuts and bolts in individual, labelled jars. Off-season items must not be stored in prominent places, hide them until you need them. In the beginning of every season, change your garage aournd to suit your immediate needs.
Select storage containers wisely
Covered and transparent containers are the best types of storage, as they protect items from dust and you can easily see what’s inside. Plastic containers are good for large items too, as they won’t get damp.
Cool, lockable tool boxes are even better. They have drawers of different sizes that can easily slide in and out.
Finally, if your garage does not have enough space; you can use your back yard. Buy a garden shed and put garden tools in there. If it’s large enough, you could also use it to park your bicycle and children’s ride-on vehicles.
Emma Ward
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