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Organize your Garage/Basement - Add hooks in your garage to a side wall away from cars so you don't risk scratching them. A row of hooks along a side wall will hold all of your shovels, rakes, bikes, sleds, lawn chairs and anything else you care to hang. If your garage has rafters, use these like hooks. Store seasonal items like lawn chairs, ladders and sleds up there. In your basement, hooks can store a variety of items in order to maximize floor space for storage or use.
- Add shelves and bins to maximize storage and keep it out of the way. You can purchase sturdy plastic shelving units at most home improvement stores. Use these to hold gardening supplies, tools, and spare auto supplies. Use tool caddies and storage bins to organize your various supplies. In your basement, keep toys and crafts organized in storage bins and shelves.
- Build a storage shed to keep extra tools. This will free up extra needed space in your garage and basement. Lawn and garden equipment such as rakes, mowers and garden hoses, are easy to store in sheds. This way they are already out in the yard, where they will be used.
- Set up a workbench. You will want to be sure to put it against the wall closest to the house. This will save you the expense of excess electrical wiring, since it will be close to an existing source of power. It will also be the warmest wall of your garage if it is attached to your home, so the work area will be warmer as well.
- Put up bike racks in your garage/basement to get them up and out of the way. This will allow more space for things you need on a regular basis. Advanced bike rack systems allow for ceiling storage and are easy to get down as they operate on a pulley system.
- If you have a crawl space in your basement, utilize this space for seasonal storage as well. A crawl space is ideal for storage of snow tires during the summer and all-season tires in the winter. You can store an array of items in your crawl space, but should avoid storing moisture-sensitive items such as clothing. Mildew and molds are highly prevalent in this type of climate.
- If you don't use it, throw it out! Chances are, if you haven't used something in 6 months to a year, you won't be using it at all and need to throw it out or give it away. There are a few exceptions to this...things like seasonal items should be kept. Old tools that need fixing are better gotten rid of and replaced with new ones...chances are, it's cheaper to replace them anyways.
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