Keeping your garage or workshop clean can be difficult, especially if you’re working in the space on a daily basis. While it’s tempting to toss a bunch of junk and memorabilia in the garage, as it is to leave tools and materials lying around a workshop, consistently tripping over your vinyl records doesn’t exactly make for the most productive workday. Instead, it’s important to take a strategic approach to organizing your garage or workshop so you can maximize your time and ensure the success of your projects. Here are some ways you can make the most of your space while keeping it clear of chaos.
The Deep Clean
Doing a deep clean of messy garages and workshops isn’t as intense as it sounds. Often times, it just means starting with the smallest things first and working your way up from there. This step is for people with garages and workshops in disarray who might need a little motivation to start the cleaning process.
Organize
One of the best ways you can start your deep clean is by making piles for items you want to keep, throw away, or donate. This helps you better understand what you need so you can design a space centered on making these important items more accessible. Luckily, there are plenty of places in every city that welcome donations, regardless of what the item may be. If you’re looking to donate specific supplies, we recommend checking out this article by Consumer Reports that details where to donate heavy-duty items like appliances and building tools.
Relocate
Some items you choose to keep simply shouldn’t be stored in a garage or workshop. For instance, pet food should be relocated to an area of your house where pests can’t easily break into it. Similarly, propane tanks can be ignited by vehicle sparks and thus should not be stored near your vehicle. It’s important to critically think about how each item functions in your garage or workshop, and decide from there if it works in the space or needs to be relocated.
The Floor Plan
Another great way of keeping your garage or workshop organized is by drafting a floor plan that outlines where everything will be stored in the space. This is especially helpful if your garage and living space are joined. Noting the location and dimensions of doors, outlets, and windows is recommended so you can plan to keep those areas clear of any blockages. Otherwise, here are some helpful tips for designing your floor plan:
- Categorize items and put them in the same spot so you know where to look for certain supplies.
- Place items used often near the doorway, this way you can easily access them once you start your workday.
- Put seasonal and other rarely used items in the areas hardest to access.
- Store bulky items in areas away from vehicles so they won’t get damaged
The Storage
When working in a smaller structure like a workshop or garage, it’s important to have plenty of floor space. For this reason, it’s crucial to invest in shelves and storage bins to ensure messy piles don’t collect on the floor of your workspace. It’s generally recommended to purchase clear, stackable bins so you can easily spot out the items you need and be able to keep them stored together.
