What lives in your garage besides the car?  As an Organizer, it is not uncommon to see garages that are not being utilized for their intended purpose.  Cars don’t live in the garage because it’s full of so much stuff.  In many parts of the country, there are no basements so the garage becomes extra storage space.  Often, the garage has become an over-flow for clutter from inside the house.      

Let’s refer to the blog from last week - The Four D’s of Organizing - 

-DECIDE what you want to use the garage for.  Do you want to house the your vehicle in the garage?  What about tools, toys, etc. 

-DIVIDE the items that you have decided to store in the garage into categories.  Group like items together.   If storage bins are needed, use clear, plastic containers and label.  Cardboard boxes are not good for storage especially in the garage because they can get damp and attract bugs and rodents.  

-DESIGNATE the groups of like items into “zones”.  You may have a zone for gardening supplies, tools, etc.  Look vertically for storage space and add shelving if necessary.  Be sure shelves are deep and sturdy enough to hold the containers and items you intend to put on them.  Store items that are rarely used on higher shelves. 

-DONATE bikes and other sports equipment that kids have outgrown, shop tools that haven’t been used in years, camping and fishing equipment that you think you will use "someday".  

The weather is perfect to clean out and organize the garage.  Get the whole family involved and make it a fun weekend project.  By getting the whole family involved, they will also know where to put things away to keep it nice and tidy.  
If you would like more ideas, check out the garage organizing board on Pinterest.  http://pinterest.com/jsjanorschke/garage/