Garage Cleanup!

Imagine having a garage you could actually park a car in.   Garages tend to be a dumping ground for most people.  There generally isn’t much thought to layout or room design.  It’s where we place all the things that we need (and things we don’t) but don’t want to see in our homes. However, the garage is just like any other room in our home.  It has a function...most likely it’s a multipurpose space, so therefore the configuration of the room does matter.

Ideally when you begin to clean out your garage, you would be able to empty it out completely, sort, and then only bring back things that you need.  However, that may not be possible.  Especially if cleaning out your garage is a project that you are spacing out over several weekends.   Don’t worry, it can still be done!  Work shelf by shelf!  Clear off the space, clean it and place back the items you have decided to keep.  The first phase of your garage cleanout is simply to eliminate all the junk.

See my previous blog for tips on where to go to donate unwanted items.  If you come across some paint cans that you no longer need/want, these can be dropped off at your local paint supply store for recycling (all paint cans must still have labels).  Note: paint cannot be thrown away in your regular weekly garbage pick up.  Your city will most likely also designate a day every month in when you can drop off hazardous waste.

Once you have gotten your garage to a point where it has been decluttered.  Create zones.  The goal is to keep like items together.  This is the phase where layout becomes important.  You want to think about the purpose of the space and create zones.  For example:

• Kids toys and games
• Athletic equipment
• Car supplies
• Gardening supplies
• Holiday decorations
• Camping equipment
• Tools

When creating areas for these items, be sure to think about frequency of use.  Make sure that you have easy access to the things you use regularly.  Keep seasonal items higher up. Be creative with where you can store things. Think vertically.  The rafters above the garage door is often wasted space….think of keeping your ski equipment there!

It is best not to buy any shelving, cabinetry, or even storage bins until AFTER you have finished decluttering and sorting your belongings.  This way you will have a truer sense of the space and what it is needed for.  Try not to use cardboard boxes if possible.  They don’t hold up well over time and tend to make things look messy.  It is also a good idea to get the same types of storage bins.  Not only is this visually more orderly, but it will allow to you to stack items more easily and save on space! 

Label all shelves, cabinets and storage bins.  The garage will look great when you are finished, but if things are not labeled, it makes it that much easier to regress back into chaos.  Labeling will help you maintain order.  You wont find yourself trying to designate zones again 6 months from now! 

Guide to Donating

For some of us, de-cluttering isn’t just about parting with what we no longer want or need.  Sometimes it just boils down to not knowing what you are supposed to do with all that stuff!

Large Appliances and Furniture:

Goodwill (www.goodwill.org) and The Salvation Army (www.salvationarmy.com) can come to your home to pick up unwanted large items. The Salvation Army even offers you the option to schedule a pick up online.  They will even pick up unwanted vehicles!  Drop offs should only be made during business hours.  Do not leave donations unattended during non-business hours.

If you're willing to deliver the goods yourself local churches, synagogues, homeless shelters, schools, senior centers, and theater companies (think props!) may want your old artwork, books, CDs, videos, computers, furniture, rugs, and kitchenware.

The National Furniture Bank Association (www.thenfba.org) routes your donated furniture, and sometimes kitchenware, to the Partnership for the Homeless and other nonprofits that help people set up households. Donors pay for removal.

The Donation Center at www.geappliances.com lists national charities willing to cart away old models, free of charge, as long as they're in working order

Computers and Books:

The World Computer Exchange (www.worldcomputerexchange.org), Computers 4 Kids (www.c4k.org), Computers for Schools (www.pcsforschools.org), and The National Cristina Foundation (www.cristina.org) will take your old hardware, refurbish it, and distribute it to economically disadvantaged youths in the United States and around the world.

The Global Literacy Project INC. (www.glpinc.org), Darien Book Aid (www.dba.darien.org), and the International Book Project (www.intlbookproject.org) send books to libraries, schools, prisons, hospitals, and communities to promote literacy. Check each website for guidelines. Donors pay for shipping.

Other Options:

If you still aren’t sure where you would like to donate your unwanted items you can also type your area code at www.inkindex.com, a free Internet matching service, and a list of goods requested by local nonprofits pops up. If you have what they need, you contact them and arrange to drop it off or have them pick it up.

Tax Deductions:

Don’t forget to keep track of your donations for tax purposes!  To better understand the value of your items you can check out the Salvation Army value guide (http://www.satruck.org/donation-value-guide).  You should also check out the following site for further information.  http://charitydeductions.com.  

Now that you have given back to those in need, sit back and enjoy the fresh new space you have created in your home...plus the extra cash you'll see in your refund check this year!

Doing Laundry Doesn't Have to be a Dingy Affair

Laundry rooms can be a tricky space and so they often get neglected.  Make your laundry room an inviting space that you don’t dread entering. 

THE ESSENTIALS:

The biggest challenge is selecting the right appliances for the space.  Many of us don’t have much more that a closet to consider as the laundry “room.”  Not to worry, you can still make small spaces extremely functional.  Stackable washing machines can be a great solution.  If there is any room left on the side you can use that for hanging space or shelving for detergents and soaps.

Another option is to purchase pedestal drawers for your machines.  This will give you the space to store all your cleaning supplies without leaving your space looking cluttered and messy.

*Front loading machines are usually the best option in terms of using space efficiently

*If you are in the process of a remodel.  Choose your appliances and construct the room with connections in mind.  You can recess a lot of the piping at the stage, allowing you to get the most out of your space!

USE YOUR WALL SPACE TO THE MAX

Laundry rooms are not just about the machines.  If space allows, install upper cabinets.  These rooms are also a great area to store extra soaps, paper towels, cleaning supplies, etc.  Consider a long cabinet as well for long hanging space or mops and brooms. 

If cabinets are out of your budget, open shelving can be a great alternative.  You can purchase finished white shelves from home depot and even have them cut them to your exact specifications.  Baskets will allow you to store all your supplies without being visually chaotic.

HELPFUL ACCESSORIES

It’s really useful to have a folding space.   This can easily be accomplished by adding a countertop above your machines.  Not only does it provide a clean look, but it also gives you a great work surface.

Consider mounting drying racks to your walls for delicate items that are not meant for the dryer.

A drop down ironing board can also be very helpful.  They barely take up any space but they add a lot to functionality.

Don’t forget to make room for hampers/laundry bags.  If floor space is not plentiful you can always add hooks to the laundry room door and drop laundry bags from it

It’s also important to keep a wastebasket near by so that you have a place to empty the lint trap and throw away used dryer sheets.