When it comes to your garage, do you know what's in there? If you answered 'everything' or used another word to describe 'everything' you're not alone. In a recent study conducted by UCLA's Center on Everyday Lives of Families. scientists found that three out of four families have so much stuff in the garage, there is no room for the car. Are you among this group?

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    No Room at the Inn

Although garages were specifically built to house cars, it's amazing how many people don't use that space for its intended purpose. We spend tens of thousands of dollars on vehicles we sometimes r efer to by name or lovingly call 'my baby'. Yet, we leave them out in the rain and snow, in soaring temperatures and frigid temperatures, while our 'stuff' - and we're not quite sure what stuff that is - sits comfy and cozy inside the garage. What's wrong with this picture?
Auto Zone
All is not lost, and there are lots of ways to maximize space in the garage so that you can use it for some storage and park your car in there. If you're like most, you can probably spot a number of things that can immediately be tossed out or recycled. Sort all  items to create zones, and remove anything that's not meant to be stored in a garage. This includes temperature-sensitive items like paint and propane tanks, and other things that can be damaged by moisture and humidity such as photos or paperwork. Be sure to also remove any food, the human or pet variety, that invites insects or rodents.

Take advantage of the vertical space for hanging things and use the ceiling to create overhead storage. Garage systems including rails and hooks and wall mounts are good solutions for hanging anything from hand tools to bicycles. Clear plastic bins with covers placed on shelving will keep the contents within each zone neatly together. Bonus points for labeling the bins so that there is no guesswork on where things go after use, making maintenance a breeze. Cardboard, however is not a good choice as it can become a home to unwelcomed pests.  Getting everything off the floor is also a good idea so that all areas can be swept clean and kept safe from any water that may seap in.
Garages can easily become the catch-all area for just about anything. It's a good place for things that we want out-of-sight, that become out-of-mind. Over time, these things may truly be forgotten, neglected and ultimately ruined beyond repair. With the proper storage tools and regular maintenance, you needn't worry. You might even be able to get your car in there.

Happy ORGANiZiNG,

Nancy Patsios
everyday  ORGANiZiNG