Fall Garage Organization: How to Get Your Garage Ready for Winter

Fall is the perfect time for a garage reset. As summer winds down and cooler weather arrives, it’s time to put away the bikes, kayaks, camping gear and lawn equipment and make room for the things you’ll actually need this winter.

A little fall garage organization now can make a huge difference when that first snow arrives. Instead of digging through piles of summer equipment to find your snow shovel, you'll know exactly where everything is.

The goal isn't to create a picture-perfect garage. It's to create a garage that works for your family and the season you're in.

Start With Garage Decluttering

Before you start moving things around, take a good look at what you're storing.

Fall is a great time to do some garage decluttering and get rid of things you no longer use, need or want.

Ask yourself:

Do we still use this? Will we use it next year? Would we buy it again today?

If the answer is no, it may be time to let it go.

Here are some common garage items that may be ready to leave:

• Holiday decorations you no longer use. If you've stopped putting something out year after year, there's probably no reason to keep storing it.

• Old sports equipment. Kids outgrow bikes, skates, scooters and other equipment quickly. If they've outgrown it — or your family no longer participates in that sport — consider donating it or passing it along to another family.

• Camping equipment. If you know you're not going camping anymore, you don't need to keep an entire collection of camping gear taking up valuable space.

• Old or broken tools. Get rid of tools that are broken, duplicates you never use, or things that have been sitting untouched for years.

• Old gardening supplies. Broken pots, worn-out gardening tools and supplies you no longer use don't need to spend another winter in your garage.

• Things you've been saving “just in case.” If you've had something for years and haven't used it, be honest about whether you ever will.

You don't have to get rid of everything. The idea is simply to make sure the things taking up space in your garage are things you actually use or value.

Clean Out the Garage

Once you've decluttered, it's time to clean.

Sweep the garage floor, remove dirt and debris, and knock down those summer cobwebs. If you've moved things out of the way, take advantage of the opportunity to clean areas that are normally difficult to reach.

And here's an important tip: don't immediately put everything back exactly where it was.

Instead, think about what you'll need over the next several months.

Move Winter Items to the Front of the Garage

This is one of the simplest ways to make your garage more functional.

Put the things you use most often in the easiest-to-reach areas.

During the summer, that might mean keeping bikes, lawn games and gardening equipment near the garage door.

In the winter, your priorities change.

Move your:

• Snowblower

• Snow shovels

• Ice melt

• Winter sports equipment

• Snow brushes and other winter gear

toward the front of the garage, where they're easy to grab.

You don't want to be moving boxes and summer equipment around while standing in the garage during a snowstorm just to find your shovel!

Put Your Summer Equipment Away

Summer equipment can now move toward the back of the garage or into higher storage areas.

Bikes, kayaks, camping equipment, lawn games and other warm-weather items probably won't be used as often during the winter.

This is also a great time to take a second look at those items before storing them.

If something is broken, hasn't been used in years, or your family has simply moved on from that activity, don't automatically store it for another season.

Declutter it now and you'll have less to deal with next spring.

Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Winter

Before you move your lawn mower and other summer equipment to the back of the garage, clean them up and prepare them for seasonal storage according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The same goes for your trimmer and other lawn equipment.

Once everything is clean and properly prepared, move it toward the back of the garage.

That way, your lawn equipment is out of the way but still easy enough to access when spring rolls around.

Get Your Snowblower Ready Now

Don't wait for the first snowstorm to discover that your snowblower needs maintenance.

Fall is the time to make sure your snowblower is ready for winter. Check it over, perform the maintenance recommended by the manufacturer, and make sure you know where everything you need is located.

Then move the snowblower toward the front of the garage.

The same goes for your snow shovels, ice melt and other winter supplies.

If you need it during a snowstorm, you should be able to reach it quickly.

Don't Store Everything in Cardboard Boxes

Your garage may not be the best place for everything you're currently storing there.

Cardboard boxes can absorb moisture, which can be a problem in a garage — especially for books, papers, photographs and other items that can be damaged by moisture.

Whenever appropriate, consider using sturdy plastic storage containers with secure lids instead of cardboard boxes.

And remember that some items shouldn't be stored in the garage at all.

For example, paint generally shouldn't be stored in a garage because freezing temperatures can damage it. Always follow the manufacturer's storage instructions for paint, chemicals and other temperature-sensitive products.

Organize Your Garage by Season

One of the easiest ways to maintain an organized garage is to organize it according to how often you use things.

Think about your garage in three zones:

Front: Items you'll need throughout the current season.

Middle: Items you use occasionally.

Back or higher storage: Seasonal items you won't need for several months.

This simple system makes it easier to find things and makes your seasonal garage clean-out much easier each year.

When spring arrives, you'll simply reverse the process — moving summer equipment forward and winter equipment toward the back.

Fall Garage Organization Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

You don't need a fancy storage system or an entire weekend of complicated organizing to get your garage ready for winter.

Start with the basics:

Declutter. Clean. Move. Organize.

Get rid of the things you no longer use. Clean the space. Move your summer equipment toward the back and your winter equipment toward the front.

Most importantly, make sure the things you need most are easy to find and easy to reach.

The snow will be here before you know it. A little fall garage organization now will make getting through those first snowy days much easier.

Get your garage ready for winter now — before the first snow arrives!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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It's Fall - Organize Your Garage - Winter is Coming

It's officially Fall! That means no more fun summer activities like tubing on the river, kayaking and all of the other summer activities we love so much.

The leaves are falling, the weather is turning windy and cool and we need to start preparing for winter!  That means clearing out the garage of all of the summer toys and getting ready for snow!

Start by emptying out your entire garage. Yes, it's a lot of work - but it needs to be done (at least twice a year!). 

Be realistic and take a good look at what you have in your garage. If there are toys for kids (skates, bikes, scooters.....) you will need to decide if they have outgrown the toys - or will have outgrown them by next spring. If so, now is the time to get rid of them (donate, give to another family.....).

If there are other things in your garage that you have not used or will not use again - get rid of them.

Sweep out your garage - now - while it's empty.

Make sure that your lawnmower, trimmer and any other machinery that you use is cleaned and empty out any fuel it might still have in it. Store them in the back of the garage.

Make sure that your snowblower is working and ready for winter.

Put your snow gear (snowblower, shovels, ice melt.....) near the front of the garage with easy access.

The snow will be coming soon!  Be ready!



Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

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Storage Units - Garages - Basements: Stuff Everywhere

A lot of people have things in storage. Whether its in a garage, the basement or a storage unit.

The big questions is - WHY? 

Why did you put it into storage? Are you really going to use it again? Later? Sometime? In the next year? The next five years? Be honest!

Let's be realistic. If you put it into storage because you don't have enough room in your closet and you switch between summer and winter clothes - well - that's one thing.

But - a few suggestions. Make sure that the clothes are clean when you put them into the bin. Make sure the bin is securely closed (to prevent dust, water and critters).

Make sure the bin is labeled so that you know what's in there!

If you are storing things because you are going to move - be sure that everything is in good condition and wrapped well. Again, label the bin (or box). It will save you time when you are ready to move so that you know where to put the bin once you arrive at your new destination.

Don't store things that you have never used or rarely used or will probably never use. Don't store old books that you will never re-read or books from your high school or college years. Be honest - you are never going to re-read the books and there is no reason to store them.

Don't store old magazines that you never have time to read - because you won't ever get around to reading them.

Don't store things from relatives or friends - that you will never use. Give them to someone that will use them and appreciate them.

Don't store old furniture from your childhood for your kids. They have their own tastes and they don't want your stuff. They just don't have the nerve to tell you.

Don't store stuff that you will not be able to use for the next five years. It's a waste of space and money and in five (or ten) years - you won't want it anyway. And it will also probably be moldy or unusable.

Be realistic. If you don't have room for it - you need to make a decision on how long you are going to pay to store it. Look at the money spent on storage fees - versus the actual value of the item.

Sometimes you just have to let things go.


Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

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It's Getting Cold Outside - ReOrganize Your Garage

It's getting colder outside and depending on where you live snow could be just around the corner - or in some places - have already happened.

So - it's time to move your summer toys to the back of the garage and reacquaint yourself with your snow blower.


It's time to winterize your garage and get ready for the snow. It will be here soon enough.  A good place to start is by taking everything out of your garage and giving it a good sweeping.

Throw out any broken items and put any items that you no longer use in the "donate" pile. That would include any toys that your kids have outgrown.

If you have any leftover gardening supplies (mulch, dirt, bulbs, seeds....) or anything that you won't be able to use next spring, get rid of it.

Some people might still be able to use their lawnmower a few more times before the snow falls, but plan on having your lawnmower winterized and empty it of any liquids according to your manual.

Re-arrange your garage to put the snow blower where you can easily reach it. Make sure that it is ready to use by doing any maintenance that it might need.

Make sure that you have easy access to your snow shovels or anything that you might need - such as salt for those snowy days.


By organizing your garage before the weather gets really bad you will save yourself a lot of headaches in trying to find everything when the bad weather hits.

Don't get caught unprepared!  Get Organized - Get Winterized!



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Spring Time - Clean Out That Garage

Spring is here and it's time to clean out your GARAGE !

It's that time again - where you empty your garage and clean your winter gear and move it to the back of the garage ( or another storage area ).

Be sure to empty your snow blower of any fuel or liquids. You might want to take it to a shop where they can perform any needed maintenance before you store it for the summer.

Clean off any of your "snow toys" and make sure they are in working order before you store them away.

Sweep out your garage and re-organize your space. I'm sure that over the winter things have become cluttered.

Take your lawn mower to be inspected and be sure that it's in working order.

Move all of your garden tools to the front where you can access them easily. Make sure that all of your tools and equipment are in working order

Clean out your garden bag (it's planting time!) and be sure that none of your garden tools have rusted over the winter.

Make sure that your bikes have their tires filled with air.

If you have kids - check to be sure that they have not outgrown their summer toys. If so - it's time to let them go.

Enjoy the transition from winter to spring!

Think of all of the fun things that spring brings with it.

Have a great, clutter free day! 

 
Organizational Consulting Services

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Organizing Your Garage for Summer Fun

It's almost May. The weather is beautiful and some of us have already started to get their gardens ready for planting.

So it's time to re-organize your garage and bring your gardening and summer sports equipment to the front of the garage and move all of that winter sports gear to the back!


It's time to summer-ize your garage and get ready for summer fun! A good place to start is by taking everything out of your garage and giving it a good sweeping.

Throw out any broken items and put any items that you no longer use in the "donate" pile. That would include any toys that your kids have outgrown.

Re-arrange your garage to put all of the summer gear where you can easily reach it. Put that snow blower and all of your shovels away for the season. Make sure that any of your equipment is thoroughly cleaned and ready to use by doing any maintenance that it might need before storing it.

Get those bike tired inflated and find your bike helmets!


By organizing your garage and bringing all of the summer gear to the front you will be ready to enjoy the weather without having to dig through your winter gear.


Organizational Consulting Services

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Fall is Here - Winter to Follow - Get Organized Now

Yesterday was the 1st day of Fall. My favorite time of year. But depending on where you live snow could be just around the corner - or in some places - have already happened.

Move your summer toys to the back of the garage and reacquaint yourself with your snow blower.


It's time to winterize your garage and get ready for the snow. A good place to start is by taking everything out of your garage and giving it a good sweeping.

Throw out any broken items and put any items that you no longer use in the "donate" pile. That would include any toys that your kids have outgrown.

If you have any leftover gardening supplies (mulch, dirt, bulbs, seeds....) or anything that you won't be able to use next spring, get rid of it.

Re-arrange your garage to put the snow blower where you can easily reach it. Make sure that it is ready to use by doing any maintenance that it might need.

Make sure that you have access to any snow shovels or anything else such as salt for those snowy days.

Some people might still be able to use their lawnmower a few more times before the snow falls, but plan on having your lawnmower winterized and empty it of any liquids according to your manual.

By organizing your garage before the weather gets really bad you will save yourself a lot of headaches in trying to find everything when the bad weather hits.



Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

Winterize Your Garage

It's time to winterize your garage and get ready for the snow. A good place to start is by taking everything out of your garage and giving it a good sweeping.

Throw out any broken items and put any items that you no longer use in the "donate" pile. That would include any toys that your kids have outgrown.

If you have any leftover gardening supplies (mulch, dirt, bulbs, seeds....) or anything that you won't be able to use next spring, get rid of it.

Re-arrange your garage to put the snow blower where you can easily reach it. Make sure that it is ready to use by doing any maintenance that it might need.

Make sure that you have access to any snow shovels or anything else such as salt for those snowy days.

Some people might still be able to use their lawnmower a few more times before the snow falls, but plan on having your lawnmower winterized and empty it of any liquids according to your manual.

By organizing your garage before the weather gets really bad you will save yourself a lot of headaches in trying to find everything when the bad weather hits.



Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

ORGANIZING YOUR GARAGE

When people think about organizing their living space they usually forget one very important “room” in their home ….. the garage. Unlike the other rooms of their house the garage serves many uses.

It stores their car… to keep it dry and warm and out of the bad weather.

It stores their lawn mower, gardening tools and lawn furniture.

It stores their snow blower.

It stores their bicycles and other sports gear.

Sometimes it’s even used as a workshop, complete with workbench and tools.

So many uses…..yet, it’s the least thought about room of the house.

When we go for walks around our neighborhood we get to peak into many people’s garages….since a lot of people leave them open. And I always says “those people need me !”.

Many people’s garages are packed from floor to ceiling with “stuff”. A lot of people can’t even get both cars into their garage because there is no room. Yet they have no problem letting the entire neighborhood see their disorganized space.

Organizing your garage is important because of the many functions that it serves. By stepping back and thinking about the various functions and organizing your garage into “zones” you can get the best use out of your space. Have a “sports zone”, a “garden zone”, a “tool zone” …and so on.

It is very important to remember that due to the various temperature changes and the humidity (and since most garages are not heated) you need to consider the types of materials (shelving, cabinets, storage units….) that you use. Plastic shelves and containers are probably better options than wood.

Don’t store things in paper boxes due to the moisture…. or you might end up with mold. Keep things off of the floor so that they don’t get wet.

There are numerous pegboard type systems out there that can be used to hang all of your tools and get them off of the floor. Remember to use your vertical space. You can also mount shelving to hang from the ceiling for “above car” storage. And there are numerous options to hang your bikes.

By using a combination of storage options for your various needs you can double or triple your space and have a garage that can also be used for your ….. car.

A company that has some great options to help you with organizing your garage is: Garage Outfitters

Another important thing to remember is that you should have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in the garage.

Organize your garage…. and make your neighbors happy !


Organizational Consulting Services

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Getting Organized at Home Is Easier Than You Think

People today have more space, more stuff, and less time than ever before. But with the luxury of “more” can also come more clutter and more disorganization, making the need for professional organizers greater than ever before. So, it’s not surprising that, according to the industry authority, the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO®), the professional organizing industry is booming. More than 148,000 clients were served nationally by NAPO® members in 2008.

Many of NAPO®’s members specialize in niche areas — whether it’s the garage, kitchen, home office, closet, pantry, or any other residential space — great news for the ninety-six percent of people surveyed on behalf of NAPO® in 2008 who said they would save time every day by becoming more organized. Among those, fifteen percent felt they could save more than one hour of time daily if they were more organized at home, giving them an extra 15 days in a year. Many Americans just do not know what to keep and what to toss. With statistics such as these, it is more important than ever to consider ways to get organized and take that step to better living.

Here are a few tips to help you to save time and money and reduce stress:

• Make the garage work for you. Determine how you wish to use the space.

• Sort, purge, and then decide the proper storage containers or fixtures for the treasures that you must.
*** Clearly label both the tops and the sides of the containers.

• Consider floor-to-ceiling possibilities for shelving, racks, stackable drawers, hooks, and pegboards.

• Go through your closet today. Pull out everything you haven’t worn in the last year.
*** Hang like items together.

• In the kitchen:
*** Things that work together should be stored together.
*** Feel the flow of activity in your kitchen.
*** Place glasses near the sink or the refrigerator.
*** Put snacks in a convenient drawer or cupboard.

Member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO®).

Organizational Consulting Services

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HOME INVENTORY ORGANIZING

Tragedy strikes – usually with no warning. Are you prepared? If a fire swept through your home would you be able to give your insurance company a complete and accurate listing of the contents of your home? And if so, does your homeowner’s policy cover all of the items listed?

Having a complete and accurate list, with all of the necessary information before you actually need it is crucial. Unfortunately, most people aren’t prepared (and don’t get prepared) until it’s too late.

A home inventory should be compromised of such things as:

Item Description, Brand Name, Model #, Original Cost, Serial # (if it has one), Where purchased, Date Purchased

The easiest and most efficient way to compile a household inventory is to simply go room by room. Make a complete list of all of the contents of each room. Don’t forget to go through all of the drawers and inside any cabinets. Each item needs to be logged.

If you can, take pictures of each item (or a grouping of items). Also, be sure to take a picture of the room itself. If you have a video camera it would also be helpful to take a video of the entire house.

Don’t forget the closets, laundry room, pantry, garage and all outside areas, such as the patio or a shed.

Once your have your list, review your home owners policy to be sure that you are covered for all of your items. This might also be a good time to sit down and review your policy with your agent to be sure that you are satisfactorily protected. You don’t want to be surprised that something you though was covered really wasn’t.

Another important point to remember is that you need to put a copy of your home inventory list in a safe spot outside of your home. This can be in a safety deposit box at a bank or you can give a copy to a relative to hold for safe keeping.

Making a home inventory list is very time consuming. But it is something that is definitely worth the investment of your time. Once you have made the initial list you should update it at least once a year. The yearly updating should only take a fraction of the time it took to create the original list.

Invest in yourself…… protect your home.



Organizational Consulting Services

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