Introduction
A cluttered and disorganized garage or shed can be an eyesore and make it difficult to find the items you need. Transforming these spaces into clean, organized areas takes some work, but is rewarding and worthwhile. Here is an in-depth look at how to transform cluttered garages and sheds into functional spaces.
Assess the Space
Before beginning any organizing project, it’s important to thoroughly assess the space. Walk through the garage or shed and take notes on:
- The overall condition – Is it very cluttered or just needs some minor organizing?
- Problem areas – Note any especially cluttered or disorganized sections.
- Items being stored – Make a list of all the items currently being kept in the space.
- Frequently used items – Note which items you use often.
- Infrequently used items – Note items you rarely or never use.
- Available storage – Check for shelves, cabinets, hooks, and other storage options.
This assessment will identify problem areas and help guide the organizing process.
Sort Through Items
The next step is to sort through all the items in the garage or shed. As you work, it’s helpful to divide items into groups:
- Keep – Items you want to keep in this space
- Donate/sell – Items to donate or sell
- Trash – Broken or unneeded items to throw away
- Relocate – Items to move to another location
Be ruthless in deciding what items to keep. If you haven’t used something in years, it’s unlikely you’ll need it in the future.
Organize Items
Once you’ve sorted items, it’s time to organize what you’re keeping. Consider these tips:
- Group like items – Keep all tools together, outdoor items together, sports equipment together, etc.
- Frequently used items – Place near the entrance for easy access.
- Install shelving – Shelves and racks provide organized storage for many items.
- Use bins and baskets – They help divide items into categories.
- Label storage areas – So you know what’s stored where.
Also look for wasted space that could be better utilized.
Maintain the Space
Finally, you’ll need to maintain organization moving forward:
- Put items away – Always immediately return items to their designated spots.
- Do regular purges – Go through items once or twice a year and get rid of anything unneeded.
- Limit clutter – Avoid letting new clutter accumulate. Deal with it quickly.
- Clean regularly – Wipe surfaces, sweep floors, and keep things tidy.
Making organization a habit will keep your garage or shed functional.
Bring In Help
For severely cluttered and disorganized garages or sheds, bringing in a professional organizer can help. They can provide an objective eye, help you make decisions about what to keep or toss, and install customized storage solutions.
While hiring a pro isn’t cheap, it can be worth it for large or overwhelming projects. They can transform the space quickly and completely.
Conclusion
With some time and effort, you can transform even the most cluttered garage or shed into an organized area. By assessing, sorting, organizing, maintaining, and bringing in help if needed, you’ll gain usable space and find what you need more easily. Just take it step-by-step until your garage or shed functions optimally.
