Garage Makeover Tips

Having a cramped garage can feel like the walls are coming in on you. Getting it organized may seem like an insurmountable task, but you can do it yourself using these simple tips and tricks.

1) Clear out the dust. Choose a nice day and drag everything out into the driveway. Clean out dirt, webs, trash and sawdust. This may be one of the only times that your garage is completely empty. This can also be a great time to paint if you haven’t in a while. Get everything that is trash and get rid of it.

2) Organize your stuff. Consider getting rid of things that you don’t use. Sometimes neighbors and friends will trade with you, or you can sell things off in a garage sale. Anything that is left can be used as a charitable donation. Separate items into logical piles. This way, you can see what you have and what kind of storage you will need.

3) If you think you have too much, don’t worry. Your garage is not the living room, so utilize space that you don’t normally consider. We’re talking about the ceiling here. Large brackets can hold heavy items like boats, bikes, Christmas decorations and more. The ceiling is often overlooked as a storage option, so open your mind to creative ideas.

4) Purchase or build the shelves, cabinets, tool walls and lockers that you will need. It is a good idea to draw a picture of what you imagine the garage will look like and take measurements before you shop. Pile sports equipment, suitcases, garden equipment and tools into the measured space to be sure they will fit. Leave empty space for unanticipated storage if possible.

5) Install cabinets and shelves. The next step is to protect your items from dust and dirt if possible. Certain items can be stored in clear plastic containers instead of just sitting on a shelf. Make sure that you clearly label containers or shelves where things go. This will help you stay organized once you get organized.

6) A general rule of thumb is to try to keep the floor empty. This may not be totally possible, especially if you have to store your lawnmower, table saw or other large items in the garage. But, trying hard to have everything hung, stored away or placed on a shelf will help your garage stay clutter free.

7) Last, you should treat yourself to new gadgets and tools that get you excited about keeping the garage clean. Planning the new items that you want to buy can motivate you to have a garage sale and trade in old tools and garden equipment for new toys. An automatic cord reel for your extension cord, new air compressor, monster power shop vac and diamond plate counter tops are probably in order here. 

About the Author: Stacy Pessoney is an award winning author and writer of web content for many different web sites. She is well versed in many different areas, including gardening, hose reel, lawn care and landscaping.

Create a Man Cave

Are you one of those men that hungers for a cool garage that defines who you are and still performs all of the functions that you need it to? You are not alone. The garage has gone from a place to store your junk, to a place that distinctively sets you apart from all others. This is the place where you can revel in your individuality, capability and flaunt your manliness, free from the oppressive throw pillows and decorative vases of the house’s interior. Yes, the garage is your domain and you want to make it look better than your friends’ by showing off the manly tools and gadgets that you’ve collected.

The first thing you have to do to make your garage look great is coat the floor. There are vinyl coatings, peel and stick tiles, polyurethatne coatings, epoxy finishes, acrylic latex paints, the list goes on and on. You can even stain patterns on the concrete to make it look like hardwood floors. With any garage floor finish, preparation is key. If you read about peeling, bubbling, tires sticking, things like that, they are most likely because of a lack of floor prep. Treat your garage floor like it is priceless. Don’t rush or skip any steps that will prepare it for the type of coating that you choose.

Next comes storage. You definitely don’t want any attention taken away from your tools or anything that brings you pride. Having adequate and proper storage for the rest of the family’s stuff is a priority. Cabinets are handy for hiding away unsightly Christmas decorations, out of season clothing and other eye-sores that will only detract from your garage’s swagger. Installing a long countertop workbench with big, deep cabinets underneath should give your family enough room to store their stuff. With a little special lighting, all of the attention will be on your adequate work space, not your family’s inability to keep their things out of your garage.

You may need additional cabinets to house the tools that you don’t want to show off. Here you can also store paint supplies, putty, glues, nails, and other things that don’t go with your décor. Keep things in individual bins that are categorized so that you can find something when you need it.

Additions like bike and boat racks, sports equipment organization stations, stereo with surround sound, ceiling fans, TV’s, a man fridge and lounging areas can make your garage the best your friends have ever seen. Make sure that you display your manliest possessions for all to see and envy. A mitre saw, chain saw, nail gun, air compressor, automatic extension cord reel, and other manly objects of envy should get the job done.

About the Author: Stacy Pessoney is an award winning author and writer of web content for many different web sites. She is well versed in many different areas, including gardening, hose reel, lawn care and landscaping.