Somewhere around 30% of all garages are used for household storage instead of vehicle parking, according to organizing professionals.
If this sounds like you, it might be time to tackle the clutter. And you just might be able to organize your space and reclaim your parking spot. Here are some quick tips to help organize your garage and finally get that car inside.
Get Your Stuff Off the Floor
Sometimes half the battle is just finding homes for your things that are up and out of the way. Your local hardware store will have several great solutions, but there are plenty that you can accomplish with things you might already have around the house. Here are five of our favorites:
- Angled brackets on the wall are all it takes to create handy hangers for big, awkward items from lawn chairs to riding toys.
- Bungee cords will help you round up basketballs, soccer balls and more. Fasten a few cords into sturdy surfaces to securely hold objects in place.
- Mason jars or any other glass jars are perfect for stashing—and finding—small items like nails and screws.
- A magnetic strip secured to the wall can be your go-to spot for frequently used metal tools like scissors, screwdrivers and more. Remember to make sure that all items have their sharp edges pointing in the same direction.
- Large baskets will help you round up otherwise scattered items like beach toys or snow gear.
Organizing for Safety
If you walk through your garage every day, it’s easy to overlook potential dangers, such as sharp tools and electrical hazards. Consider making safety a priority in your garage by following these guidelines:
- Store items securely. Improperly stored items like ladders that can topple or cords that can tangle are all potentially dangerous, particularly if you have young children. When storing heavy stuff, make sure your storage system can support the weight and your anchors are secure.
- Lock up your tools. Disconnect power tools when they’re not in use and store them safely to keep them away from curious kids or thieves. Be cautious when storing sharp or pointy tools.
- Look after your lawnmower. Remove keys from lawn equipment and tractors to prevent kids from accidentally starting them.
- Inspect your garage door. Regularly test the auto-reverse mechanism to make sure it’s working as it should, and never let kids play with the garage door opener. Make sure the main garage door is locked and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
- Stock up on safety essentials. Equip your garage with must-haves including a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarm and a first aid kit. (Read more about the essentials you should always have on hand).
- Spot tripping hazards. Spills and drips on the floor, such as sawdust or oil, can cause someone to slip and fall. While you’re at it, give your garage floor a once-over. Uneven cracks or missing chunks of cement can present tripping hazards, too.
- Heat it safely. Never install a wood-burning stove in your garage, as this presents a serious hazard. Gasoline vapors from cars, lawnmowers or gas cans are heavier than air and travel along the floor. That means they could easily come in contact with sparks or embers from the wood-burning stove, resulting in a fire.
- Know what not to store. While you’re in cleaning mode, learn what to avoid storing in a garage, including propane tanks and other common potentially dangerous items.
- Brighten it up. No one wants to stumble around in the dark looking for a tool. A well-lit garage is a safe garage. (Bonus: Lighting up your space helps you show off all the spring cleaning you’ve been up to!)
Check in with your local Middle Creek Insurance Agent to make sure your home, garage— and everything stored in them—are properly covered with homeowners insurance you can trust. Call us at 919-524-2149 for a review or submit a proposal request to us at https://middlecreekins.com/contact/ .
Original Erie Insurance Blog Post https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/organize-your-garagehttps://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/organize-your-garage
