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SALT LAKE CITY -- If you've been putting off cleaning and organizing your garage, the beginning of summer may be the time to change that and get it done.
Elana Johnson from The Home Depot joined us with details on what you have to get done before you organize. She suggested throwing away or donating stuff you don't need anymore. Then, she says it's time to clean.
She suggested using a blower/sweeper to get rid of all the dirt and dust that has settled. Using a lithium ion powered blower will make this simple and easy, as these blowers are lightweight and easy to handle.
Power wash/ pressure wash the garage, even the ceiling. This works well for removing spider webs and any dust that is in the corner of the ceiling and walls. Patch up any cracked paint spots on the floor.
Finally, if there are oil stains on the floor, apply a laundry pre-spotter to the stain and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with laundry detergent and scrub with a stiff broom or brush.
Then, it's time to organize. If you find yourself running out of storage space, think about the upper walls and ceiling of the garage.
Bins and Baskets: Used to store a variety of items including toys, seasonal decorations, camping gear and more. Typically made from plastic materials. Lids help protect items from dust and moisture. May be able to be hung on hooks or wall panels. Look for stackable units to maximize space.
Hooks: Smaller hooks can be used to hang tools, cords, keys and more. Larger hooks can be used to hang bikes and other equipment. Typically constructed from metal or plastic-coated metal. Used to hang objects from the wall. Types include cradle, scoop, tool, twin, utility and more.
Racks: May be configured to hold specific items or for more general purpose use. Bike racks lift bikes up off the floor to get them out of the way. Racks designed to hold sports equipment can keep skis, bats, balls, cleats and more all in one spot. Corner racks help save space.
Shelves: May be constructed from wood, plastics, metal, wire and other materials. Available in freestanding and wall-mounted configurations. Ensure shelving is rated to withstand the maximum load it will bear. Allows for storage of a wide range of items. Adjustable shelves accommodate larger objects. Freestanding shelves can be easily moved if you need to reconfigure your garage.
Wall Panels: Designed for installation on your garage walls. Provide grooves or holes for a wide range of accessories. May be used in conjunction with hooks, shelves, baskets, bins and more. Can easily be reconfigured as storage needs change.
