As promised, I’m sharing my newly organized garage space and some tips for cleaning and organizing your garage. (I’m still working on the rest of the garage but I promise it’s coming along!)
First, before you can organize you really have to clean up and clear out the clutter. Depending on how messy your garage is, you might need to set aside an afternoon or a whole weekend for this step. We had numerous boxes stacked along this wall filled with old clothes and shoes, old college textbooks, empty gift bags (seriously), random papers and folders, home decor items, etc.
Decide what you really need to keep and then throw some of it away, put some in the recycling bin, and make piles to donate. If you think your clutter could be someone else’s treasure, you might even plan a yard sale. Here’s some of our donation pile:
Once you’ve removed most of the clutter, clean up the space.
I swept dead bugs off the floor and wiped cobwebs off the wall to prepare for the next step. (Gross, yes – but that area hadn’t been touched in years.)
Next, decide what you want to organize.
Tools, garden supplies, sports equipment, bicycles, folding chairs, and more can have their own space with the Rubbermaid FastTrack system.
(Remember that chemicals, ladders, grills, and kids’ toys should all have designated storage areas for safety reasons.)
Here’s some of what I used for my garage organization project (all supplies are from Home Depot):
- (3) 48-Inch FastTrack Rails
- Vertical Ball Rack*
- Wire Basket*
- 4’x16″ Wire Shelf*
- (3) 25-Inch Upright*
- (3) 16″ Bracket with Clips*
- Multi-Purpose Hook
- Utility Hook
- Cooler Hook
- Vertical Bike Hook
- Ladder Hook
- (3) Hardware Packs
* These items are available to order online only.
The directions to install the rails are included in the hardware packs. Make sure you have a drill, screwdriver, measuring tape, pencil, and it helps to have a studfinder also.
Mark your holes as directed and drill (safety first- wear protective eyewear). It’s important to follow the instructions regarding the studs so that the rails are strong enough to support the weight they’re supposed to hold.
Once your rail is installed, slide the cover over it and then you can easily add your accessories. I hung two 4-foot rails side-by-side and one below. The accessories are very simple to move around as your storage needs change.
Once everything is set up, step back and admire your DIY skills. 🙂
(I installed all this by myself while 6 months pregnant – so of course you can do it too!)
The hooks can hold so many different things…
(Yes we have two shovels – this is Indiana, remember?)
The ball organizer is an awesome accessory – you can easily reach any ball you need by pulling it through the rubber cords. It won’t be long till the boys are more into sports and this holder will be stuffed!
The basket is really great for holding smallish and/or awkward items.
And of course the shelf is a must have for bulkier items.
Garages are often an afterthought for many people (like me) but it pays to take advantage of all the usable space in there. Get rid of the clutter and install an organization system like the Rubbermaid FastTrack to help keep your necessities easy to find and within an arm’s reach.
Having an organized space somehow makes me feel more productive – now I just need to tackle the rest of the garage! 😉
Jen
Fast, easy, fun. The FastTrack Garage Organization System is easy to install and allows you to store more by making use of your entire wall…not just where the wall studs are located! Visit your local Home Depot today!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of RUBBERMAID®. The opinions and text are all mine.
Melanie says
I wouldn’t mind having the ball organizer. It looks cool!