Your garage is an important area for storage. A clean, organized garage is a safe and functional space. This area will take some time but the results will be worth the effort. We are going to clean the garage the same way we cleaned rooms in our home, by using the compass rose to clean one wall at a time. Moreover, once you have the garage cleaned and organized, you can access the items more easily thereby making use of what you have.

Here are the steps to begin organizing this space:

• Begin to group similar items such as gardening, cleaning, tools, chemicals and automotive
• Establish zones for these items and install pegboard or hooks for hanging them
• Install shelving or other storage devices to remove as many items from the floor
• Small items need to be stored in bins (label bins for efficiency in locating)
• Assemble a gardening kit with all the gardening tools
• Assemble a car cleaning kit
• Tools can be sprayed with WD40 and wiped down (great idea for Father’s Day)
• Rusted tools can be soaked in Naval Jelly and then wiped clean with steel wool (make sure to wear protective gloves and goggles)
• Sort screws, nuts, bolts etc and put in small jars or in a storage organizer (label drawers)
• Engrave tools with your name
• Put a white board up to write down items that you have lent to people
• All chemicals should be stored in a metal locked cabinet away from any heat source such as the hot water heater or heat pump
• Purchase specialty hangers or bikes and sporting equipment
• Bikes should be waxed periodically and the chain and gears sprayed with WD 40
• Lawnmowers and yard equipment will last longer if maintained properly: Clean the lawnmower after each use. When cool, spray the entire mower down with WD 40 and wipe. Sharpen the blade once a year and change the spark plug. Empty the fuel after each season before storing the mower.
• Paints can be stored in small Rubbermaid containers with screw top lids. List the color and what the paint was used for. This will eliminate rusty cans and potential spills
• If you have just a small amount of paint whether spray paint or house paint, use this for small craft projects such as spray painting a basket (get them at thrift stores) and give a basket of fruit (clementines are good) for a gift. House paint can be used to paint wooden items such as toy boxes, bird houses or trays.
• For chemical disposal, check with your local Transfer Station. They will take these chemicals and dispose of them properly. Also consider donating to the Habitat for Humanity Restore nearest you.
• Sweep and then spray down the garage floor
• Sweep the walls to remove any dirt and cobwebs

Patio Furniture:

• Seal wooden items with wood sealer to increase their longevity
• Plastic furniture can be cleaned with a bleach and water solution. Let dry and then using a sponge, apply some clear liquid floor wax. This will keep your furniture looking newer and extend the life of your furniture