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The Functional Garage

Most garages are dumping grounds for gardening tools, garbage and recycling bins, sports equipment, holiday decorations and everything in between with just enough room to edge your vehicle in for the night. But functional garages with space for all of your supplies, workspaces for gardening and repairs and room for the car are possible with the right storage solutions and a bit of willpower to make it happen. 

Declutter

Like the attic, hallway closet and basement, garages are an easy place to let items sit in limbo – the outgrown toys and old appliances that you don’t use but aren’t quite ready to part with. If you want to make your garage functional, the first step is to declutter. Set aside a few days with your entire family to go through each and every box and part with the items you know you won’t use again. Be ruthless! You might need to rent a truck in order to cart away large and bulky items to the dump or a charity shop. While you’re decluttering, you’ve also got a great opportunity to paint walls or stain the concrete floor while all the contents are cleared. 

Zone 1: Parking

Set aside dedicated areas for the main purpose of your garage – parking, workspace and storage. Use sidewalk chalk to mark areas that need to be clear for parking vehicles. Remember to include enough clearance to open doors and the trunk. 

Zone 2: Workplace

If you or your parents uses the garage for gardening or home improvement projects, designate space for a workbench. You’ll want to have your gardening tools, craft supplies or whatever materials for your projects you’re working on nearby too, so make sure to leave storage space for these items. Peg boards are excellent for organizing and keeping frequently used tools at reach. 

Zone 3: Storage

Smart storage is what can make or break a functional garage. Incorporate a variety of storage solutions like hooks for mounting sporting equipment, solid wood or metal shelves and plastic storage bins. Consider how frequently you’ll use the item and store it accordingly. Clearly label all sides of a box so you can easily retrieve supplies when you need them. 

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