April 16, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 31 Make a plan for garage organization this year Once the weather warms up, spring cleaning plans are on the minds of many. Homeowners often feel a sense of renewal in the spring, when the desire to clean house and get organized becomes a priority. Garages are often targets for homeown- ers hoping to target clutter. Once a space reserved for cars, garages are no longer strictly for vehicles. Many garages are used to store items that simply do not fit inside the house or a backyard shed. Organizing the garage is typically a weekend or sev- eral-day project. Here are a few tips for turning a garage from a cluttered mess into a space suited for storing items of all shapes and sizes. Enlist a helper. Organizing a garage is a significant undertaking that is best tackled with two or more people. Enlist a helper to make the project less intimidating. Decide what is important to keep. Start the organization process by clearing out the garage and taking inventory of what you have. Items that have not been used for several years can likely be tossed. Make a pile of what will be kept and then put the rest at the curb or donate useful items to charity. Give thought to where you want to store particular items. Tools and items that are used more often should be stored within reach or where easily visible, while items that are not used as frequently can be stored higher up. Think about how you operate in the garage. Recycling bins can be stored closer to the door into the home, while bicycles and skates can be nearer to the garage door for easy access. Group similar items. Categorize items that will be kept. Garden tools, camping gear, sporting equipment, and automotive supplies should be categorized and stored in their own areas of the garage, determin- ing if certain items can be stored inside the home to free up garage space. Grouping items will make them easier to locate. Move boxed items into clear storage containers. It is much easier to see what you have when it is stored in clear contain- ers. Some containers are interlocking or stackable, making it much more convenient to store items vertically and free up more floor space. Invest in vertical storage systems. Moving items from the floor and putting them on shelves or in cabinets can make the garage more organized. Hooks and bins also can be used. Employ a pegboard full of hooks for often used tools. Leave space for hobby and work areas. Garages are where many improvement projects begin or where hobbies, such as woodworking or crafting, take place. Leave space for these tasks and hobbies. Give the space a fresh coat of paint. Some garages are dingy and dark. Bright paint on the walls and floor can open up the space and, when combined with more lighting, can make it lighter and brighter. Garage organization is a common spring cleaning project, but it should not be reserved for this season alone. Periodic checks of the garage and straightening up can keep a garage clean and organized throughout the entire year and make yearly spring cleaning much more manageable.