{WEEK 11} Garage/Storage

This a designated area used for storing "needed" items until it is time to use them. It is not "someplace else" for procrastinators. It can be the attic, basement, section of garage, closet, shed or even a rental unit.

 

An efficient storage area is the backbone to your home. Overload it & the whole house suffers. There are basically two types of items that should be stored: seasonal/occasional (Christmas, camping, Baby stuff only if anticipated need, suitcases, etc.) & home management (backup supplies used in managing a home), (extra paper goods, soaps, kitchen supplies, light bulbs).

 

Remove everything from storage area. Sort everything into related piles, boxes, or bags. Streamline these piles until only keepers are left. (Other items go to the place they belong, i.e. trash, Goodwill, garage sale)

 

Designate centers in your storage area according to available space and keeper categories. Your categories of keeper piles automatically determine your centers.

 

Maximize your space & increase your storing efficiency by using the following techniques:

1. Hang as much as possible in drawstring bags.
2. Consolidate by placing related items inside each other (bag of baby bedding inside bassinet, suitcases inside each other, etc.).
3. Use shelving around area & make aisles like they do in warehouses. You can use metal shelves or boards on blocks, buckets, pipe, etc.
4. Always consider how any given item is used, where it is used, & how often it's used -- then put things where they belong.
5. Keep things that are used together stored together. It's simple but it works!
6. If no room for it, you don't need it!!
7.  Group and store like things together, just as the grocery store does, don't scatter. Consolidate as much as possible.