Let's face it, many of us just don't know how to organize properly, especially in large areas like the garage. We may be fine with cleaning and decluttering, but when it comes to a true garage organization plan we just don't have one. That's why there are organization professionals. Today we're going to learn about creating garage storage zones. By doing so, you'll be able to more efficiently use the additional storage space you've created by installing garage storage shelving. If you haven't installed your garage storage shelving yet, that's okay too. The following tips will help you make the best use of the storage space you're about to create.

Creating Storage Zones

First of all, what are storage zones? I'm glad you asked. Storage zones are areas in your garage where certain items should be stored. Sounds pretty simple, but you'd be surprised at how many garages have items scattered about instead of gathered together in certain designated areas.

The key to creating storage zones begins with mapping out your plan. It's best to do this on paper. The first thing you'll want to do is create a list of categories. What's in your garage anyway? Your list should include things like: yard tools, bicycles, gardening supplies, sports and hobby gear, tools and hardware, holiday decorations, automotive items, paint, and whatever else you have in your garage.

Items such as holiday decorations should be stored in clearly labeled bins, while cleaning supplies and automotive items can be neatly arranged into caddies that can be carried to the car or in the house when needed.

Once you've got your list of categories and your items are arranged into the proper storage containers it's time to "get in the zone" and create your storage zones. Using graph paper, draw out the size of your garage. Include doors and windows since those will have to be taken into consideration. Now, measure the areas or wall space you actually have to work with. Once you've done that, you can create your zones.

Zone 1 - Household items. This should be the area located closest to the interior door leading to your garage. You'll want to store dog food bags, extra pantry supplies, brooms, mops, and buckets, the shop vac, and any other items you are likely to use inside your home. Garage storage with drop down shelving can be used to create the ideal storage space just to the right or left of your interior door. Now you've got everything that you use indoors all together and conveniently within reach.

Zone 2 - Yard tools and garden supplies - These should be kept toward the front of the garage since you'll want them to be handy while the front garage door is open and you're working on the lawn. Yard tools can hang from hooks attached to garage shelving while fertilizers, mulch and other products can be placed on garage storage shelves.

Zone 3 - Holiday items and memorabilia - These items are not accessed often, so can be stored on top shelves or by using garage overhead storage solutions. Be sure to clearly label all bins to make locating particular items an easy process.

Depending on the types of items you have and your particular interests and hobbies, you may have several more zones. Zone 4 could consist of fishing gear or ski equipment. Maybe everyone in the family has a bicycle and you need a designated zone for bikes and helmets. Once you get used to creating particular storage zones for your garage, you'll find that clutter is a thing of the past. Your garage will stay neat with all items just where you need them, and since you won't be cleaning your garage every few months you'll have much more free time to actually enjoy those bikes in storage zone 4!

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