If your garage is cluttered and cramped, it can be difficult to find storage space for all of your belongings. Often garages become a dumping ground for everything that you don’t have space for inside your home. Not only is this frustrating, but it can also be dangerous. Luckily, it can be easy to declutter and organize your garage on a budget.
In this blog post, we will discuss some garage organization tips and tricks and show you how to organize your garage without spending a lot of money. We will provide you with storage ideas that are cheap and easy to implement!
8 Steps To Organize Your Garage On A Budget
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1. Assess Your Garage And Figure Out What Needs To Be Organized
The first step is to take a look at your garage and figure out what needs to be organized. This may seem like a daunting task when you have a messy garage, but it will be worth it in the end!
When assessing your garage, you will need to look at the space you have and think about how much storage you can realistically create with a good organization system.
Be sure to consider which other large and bulky items are stored in your garage, such as your car, and how they can impact the organization process. Once you have a good idea of what needs to be done, you can move on to the sorting!
2. Sort Through Your Belongings And Get Rid Of Anything You Don’t Need
Once you have assessed your garage, it’s time to start sorting through your belongings. This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of anything don’t need or use anymore. Once you have decluttered your garage, it will be easier to find space for anything you want to keep.
This is also a good time to create an inventory of your belongings. Having an inventory will be useful in the future when you can’t remember where you stored certain items. It can also be helpful when you’re trying to decide which things should stay and which things should go.
If you’re having trouble deciding what to get rid of and what to keep, create a list using three columns:
- Non-negotiables: These are the items that are most important to you. Any items on this list will be staying and you’ll need to find space for them.
- Negotiables: These are the items that you would like to keep but can live without if necessary. If you’re short on storage space, you may need to get rid of some of these items.
- Don’t needs: These are the items that you can live without and don’t have any sentimental value. These are the easiest items to get rid of.
Once you have this list, go ahead and toss and donate all of the items that you don’t need and then assess if you have enough space for the remaining items. If not, you’ll need to start deciding which items on the “negotiables” list will stay and which will go.
Continue working through your list until you’ve reduced your items down to a manageable volume to store. At this point, you’re ready to prep your storage space.
3. Deep Clean Your Garage To Create A Clean Storage Space
Once you have sorted through your belongings, it’s time to deep clean your garage. This will create a neat and tidy storage space for anything you want to keep. You may be surprised at how much storage space you have once your garage is clean!
To deep clean your garage, start by sweeping and mopping the floors. Then, wipe down all of the surfaces. This includes any shelves, cabinets, and storage containers. Be sure to get rid of any cobwebs in the corners!
4. Plan how you want to organize your garage and decide on a layout
Once you have finished cleaning, you will need to decide on a storage system. This includes what kind of storage equipment you want to use and what kind of layout you want to create for your garage.
This is where it can get expensive if you’re not mindful of your budget. Some storage systems can be very expensive, particularly the custom options that you find at your local home improvement store. However, there are lots of great cheap and easy options too.
Some storage ideas include:
- Using storage bins to store medium and small items (such as hand tools, power tools, drill bits, extension cords etc.)
- Creating a system of shelves for larger items
- Hanging things from the ceiling
- Installing storage racks on the walls
Once you have decided on a storage system, you can start planning out your layout. This includes where you want to store each type of item.
For example, you may want to keep all of your garden tools or sporting equipment in one area, or you may want to combine storage of certain items, such as keeping all of your different holiday decor in one place.
Whatever system you decide, make sure you think ahead to ensure that you have enough space for all of the items that you want to store.
5. Gather The Required Tools And Equipment To Create Your Storage Space
Now that you have a plan, it’s time to start gathering the necessary tools and equipment to create your storage space. This may include storage bins, shelves, hangers, storage racks, etc.
You may already have some of the required items in your home. However, if you need to purchase new storage equipment, be sure to compare prices and look for sales.
Another great way to save money on equipment for your storage space is to check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or garage sales in your area.
You may be able to find storage bins or racks for a fraction of the cost of buying them new.
Once you have everything that you need, you can start setting up your storage system.
6. Set Up Your Storage System
Now that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment, it’s time to set up your storage system.
Start by taking everything out of your garage and sorting it into piles according to what kind of storage space you will need for each item.
For example, create a pile for items that will go on shelves, a pile for items that will go in storage bins, a pile for items that will be hung from the ceiling, etc.
Once you have sorted everything, you can start putting everything away in its new storage space. Remember to update your inventory as you go so that you have an accurate list of your items and where they are stored.
7. Label Everything So It’s Easy To Find What You’re Looking For
Once you have everything stored away, be sure to label everything so that it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.
This is especially important if you have a lot of storage bins. Label each bin with the contents so that you can easily find what you’re looking for when you need it.
You can use a labeling system of your choice, such as stickers, vinyl labels, or markers. Chalk paint markers or Sharpies are a good option if using markers.
8. Follow A Regular Cleaning Schedule To Keep Your Garage Tidy
Now that your garage is organized, it’s important to maintain it so that it doesn’t become a mess again.
The best way to ensure that your garage stays clean and tidy is to set a regular cleaning schedule. This may be once a week, once a month, or as needed.
Be sure to add your regular cleaning schedule to your calendar so that you don’t forget to do it.
As part of your regular cleaning routine, be sure to sweep and mop the floors, and wipe down storage bins, shelves, and racks. This will help to prevent dirt, dust, and debris from building up and making it difficult to keep your garage clean.
Finally, be sure to put everything away in its proper place after use so that your garage stays tidy.
By following these simple tips, you can easily keep your garage clean and organized on a budget.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our tips and tricks on how to organize your garage on a budget, it’s time to get started! It may take a little effort at first, but soon you will see how easy it is to keep your garage tidy and organized.
There are so many different ways that you can organize a garage on a budget, so you’re sure to find a system that works for you. And the best part is, that these storage ideas are cheap and affordable for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How can I create more storage space in my garage?
A: There are a few ways that you can create more storage space in your garage. One way is to use storage bins to store smaller items. Another way is to create a system of shelves for larger items. You could also try hanging things from the ceiling, using vertical organization systems, or installing storage racks on the garage walls. Options that clear up floor space are a great idea if you don’t have much space available on your garage floor.
Q: Can I use storage bins that I already have in my home?
A: Yes, you can use storage bins that you already have in your home. However, if you need to purchase new storage equipment, be sure to compare prices and look for sales. Another great way to save money on equipment for your storage space is to check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or garage sales in your area.
Q: How often should I clean my garage?
A: The frequency of your cleaning will depend on how often you use your garage and how much storage space you have. If you have a lot of storage bins, you may need to clean more often. A good rule of thumb is to set a regular cleaning schedule and stick to it. This may be once a week, once a month, or as needed.
Q: I’m on a tight budget and can’t afford storage containers. What are some other options?
A: If storage bins are not in your budget, there are a few other storage options that you can use. One option is to use old boxes, jars, or bags. Consider what you already have access to, such as old shoe boxes, cardboard boxes from Amazon, or glass jars from your kitchen. Another low-cost option is to use plastic storage containers that you can find at the dollar store.
Q: What are some good materials for making DIY shelving or storage for my garage?
A: Wood pallets and wire shelves are great materials for making DIY shelving or storage. One great option is to cut the pallets in half and arrange them along a wall. You can use these as makeshift shelving to keep heavy items off the ground.
Q: What are the main benefits of organizing my garage?
A: The main benefits of organizing your garage are that it will be easier to find things, your garage will be tidier, and it will be easier to keep it clean. A well-organized garage can also make working on DIY projects or doing repairs easier and more efficient. Finally, an organized garage helps ensure that you have easy access to your garage space and creates more usable space.