The workshop or garage area often ends up as a dumping area. It is not in your main living area and it is sooo easy to walk in and dump something “just for now.” After a while it is very difficult to find things you think are there or even to freely move around. I suggest that once a year you schedule a time to really organize and clean out this zone.
Start with deciding the purpose for this area. Do you plan to:
park a car
store extra household items like water/paper products/oversized cookware
store garden tools and accessories
work on projects
store household tools
use as a holding area for recyclables
store sports equipment/outdoor games/camping gear
After deciding on how you plan to use this space, determine your zones. Some zone suggestions are:
car parking and car related items
garden
recycling
household storage
entertainment accessories
sports equipment
tools
If you have an abundance of tools, you may want to subdivide that zone into plumbing, electrical, wood working, etc.
Decide where to logically place each zone. You will want to place items that you regularly access near entrances. As you are grouping your items in each zone, look for containers to hold small items that are rattling about. A clear shoebox without the lid can hold gardening gloves. A flat basket can hold gardening hand tools. Utilize shelves, peg boards, hooks, and nails to keep items off the floor. Avoid stacking containers because, for sure, you are going to want something that is in the bottom container. Label containers that are not clear.
Clear out each zone. Determine what you have not used ( that badminton set has not been set up in 3 years or more) or is broken, or expired (seeds, chemicals). These items go away. Knock down the cobwebs and sweep the floor before putting the items away that belong in that zone. You’ll be amazed at how much roomier the area is now that all items have been bunched together and stored away.
Now reward yourself. A hot shower and a cool drink might be just the thing.
For more ideas on how to organize that workshop, view my YouTube video on Organizing Your Workshop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vURjz7Agbns
Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer
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