In September the weather starts to cool down a bit. We put away our summer equipment. This is a fantastic opportunity to organize this storage space. It might be your workshop, garage, or basement. It is such a temptation to go in and just dump the stuff “just for now”. Soon you find the area disorganized, cluttered, and difficult to move around in.
Before you begin on this project, take a good look at the way it is now. Look at what is working (don’t mess with that area) and what is not working. How do you plan to use this zone? Do you plan to:
Park your car
Store trash cans/recycling
Store tools and accessories
Pot or repot plants
Work on projects and store tools
Store bikes and other sports equipment/outdoor games/camping gear
Store entertainment supplies
Store extra products
Now bring the things outside. If it is a small area do it all at once but if it is a large area or very filled, do it by sections. Sort like with like. Note what is broken and what you have not used in the past year or two. Get rid of those items. Throw away expired seeds and old chemicals. Give away or sell tools you no longer use.
Next decide where to logically places your zones. You want to place items that you use frequently near entrances. As you group your items in each zone, look for containers to hold small items together. A clear shoebox without a lid can hold gardening gloves. A flat basket can hold small gardening tools. Use shelves, pegboards, hooks, and nails to keep items off the floor. Avoid stacking containers because, for sure, you are going to want something out of that bottom container. Label all containers that are not clear.
Knock down the cobwebs, sweep the floor, and start putting things away. You’ll be amazed at how much room there is now that all items have been bunched together and stored properly.
Reward yourself. A hot shower and a cool drink might be just the thing.
Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer
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