Step 1

SORT: The idea here is to take everything out of your garage down to the bare floor and walls. Move everything into an area such as the driveway where you can easily walk around and look at each item. Take things out of boxes so that you can see what is in them. Decide what to keep. If it hasn't soothed or served you in the last 2 years set it free so someone else can enjoy it!  (check out our web site for local donation resources: www.organizersnw.com/resources/donations) 

 Step 2

SET IN ORDER: When deciding where to put things back that you are keeping, remember that some things are used more than others.  A broom is typically used more than a crowbar, so reserve prime real estate for those items that get used more frequently.

 Step 3

SHINE. While you have everything out of the garage, give it a good cleaning.  This is also the time to inspect your items.  Anything broken, torn, leaking?  Is it worth fixing, or should it be tossed?

 Step 4

STANDARDIZE: Here is one of the most important steps. Divide your garage into sections such as gardening, cleaning supplies, tools, sporting goods. Use these sections exclusively for each type of item. Clearly define each area and each item so that all users know where things belong. Shadow boards are a tried and true method of organization. The idea of a shadow board is that you know right away if an item is missing.

SUSTAIN:  In this last step, we set a specific time (once a month or once every six months) to circle back to the first step, Sort. By doing this you will maintain your beautifully organized garage!