Create "zones" to make getting and staying organized easier
If you look at your garage and feel like barfing because of all the clutter, you're not alone!
Let me be a beacon of hope: I once felt overwhelmed by all the clutter in our garage and couldn't find a hammer to save my life.
Now my hubby and I BOTH park in the garage, can find everything we need when we need it, and, most miraculously...
We're both inspired to put everything away and keep it organized! Whaaat?
Yes, it's true. We now put ALL our toys and tools away when we're done with them.
That doesn't mean that we're anal or all Martha Stewart-y, we've just taken the time to make putting things away as easy as not putting them away (or easier).
First we took the time to take out everything we DIDN'T want in the garage (it took 3 times and ongoing tuneups)...
Then we created zones. And stuck to them.
What are Zones?
Zones are places where you keep like items together.
Imagine a kitchen - each appliance creates a zone:
The sink is the dish and hand washing zone
The stove and microwave are cooking zones
The fridge is the food storage zone
If we put food in the silverware drawer, it wouldn't make sense, right?
We can create zones for most activities and categories in our homes.
Some common useful garage zones are:
Hand tools
Power tools
Paint
Painting supplies
Garden tools
Power cords
Outdoor toys
Car care supplies
Bikes
Kids outdoor toys
Long term storage
Holidays
You can have storage zones such as:
tools
car care supplies
paint
etc.
Or you can have active storage zones such as:
workout - area with workout items
gardening - gardening tools and supplies, maybe a potting table
woodworking - woodworking tools, a table
furniture refinishing - this is a hobby of mine, I have a place for large cardboard pieces, a container for sanding supplies, and a shelving unit specifically for spray paint
Here are some of our zones - garden/yard tools, hand tools (on magnetic strips) and flat wood for projects (an unfinished garage has it's advantages!).
You can see more of my zones in my post about Vertical Storage.
The I Don't Know Zone
Often garage or storage spaces are one big "I don't know, but I wish I did" zone.
That's why I created the Great Garage Clearout Challenge - make sure you're on my mailing list to learn when the next one is, but don't wait until then to start organizing your garage!
If you're ready to go but feel stuck, reach out to me! Don't suffer in your garage for one more minute.
My Dad's Garage - a Sad/Happy Story
Clearing and organizing a garage is how I began my career as a professional organizer...
After my Dad died suddenly from falling off a ladder in his newly built garage (PLEASE get rid of old rickety ladders TODAY!), I took time to clear and organize that space.
It was a surprisingly beautiful experience. It felt amazing to go through all his things one by one, then set up what my Mum needed and wanted in her new home. We still have family gatherings in that space 15 years later!
Clearing and organizing can be a very freeing, meditative, even fun process if you let it be. It's like an archaeological dig into your and your family's history.
When we set aside the internal judge and nervous nelly in our brains, we can clear and organize our garages without it being torture.
Clear out what you don't want, create those zones, give EVERYTHING a home, and take time to maintain it, and you CAN have the garage or storage space of your dreams.
I have the goal of you finding freedom from 'stuff' stress. I've done it and I'm here to help you do it, too.
XO,
Spring
I'm here for you! Reach out if you have questions and/or you feel stuck.
There's no need to struggle with clutter anymore - you're not alone and I can help you feel better right away.
Text me at 360-265-2477
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