by Shannon Shimizu

Garage Organizing   It’s Spring. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the piles of Christmas decorations that you have yet to put away and future garage sale items that are sitting on the garage floor are getting harder and harder to ignore. It is easy to turn the other cheek on the whole idea of cleaning out and organizing your garage when it is raining outside. After all, when it is cold and wet outside it is much easier to curl up in front of a fire and watch a movie. However, there is something about spring that inspires us to want to organize and clean.   The garage is typically the largest room in the home. In most cases it also represents the most unorganized one. It is the most overlooked and underutilized space in homes. In fact, for some, the idea of tackling the garage can be so overwhelming that it is easier to just shut the door and park in the driveway instead. With home improvement being high on everyone’s list these days why not take some time and some of that drive to organize the garage.   The garage should be more than a place to park your car. It should be well organized, functional and an addition to your living space. It is important to work with someone. There are many different organizing services available or just call a good friend who owes you a favor. Whichever way is decided, having someone else with you will help you to accomplish more than you would have on your own. Staying focused is difficult but necessary. Inevitably, there will be many distractions along the way. However, do not allow yourself to fall victim to these. This is where the person who is helping you comes in handy. While you may be fixated on your great, great grandmothers dishes the person helping you will probably not be. As you are sorting through your treasures create categories. Things to get rid of, things to keep, and things that need to be done. If you are uncertain whether or not you are ready to actually let an item go, create a new “maybe” category. Once a decision has been made to get rid of an item do it right away. If you haven’t opened a box since the last time you moved, you probably don’t need whatever is inside it anyway. Once you have begun on the garage cleaning journey it will be hard to stop. Just think of all the wonderful things that can be done with all that magnificent space. Flooring, cabinetry and specialty organizers are all waiting to be installed to make your garage more organized and functional.   The flooring in the garage is no longer regulated to dull cement. Today there are numerous choices available to the homeowner. One of the most popular is Epoxy coatings. An epoxy finish usually looks like granite and comes in different variations of colors. The finish protects against oil, chemicals and bleach and any spills can be wiped right up. Another option is an acid stain that goes over the cement. The stain comes out looking like marble and the color choices are unlimited. This finish protects against spills in the garage and can be wiped up as well. There are many companies that offer the above services. As always, make sure that the company’s products and labor are backed by a warranty.   When researching cabinetry for your garage keep in mind what you need now and what you may need in the future. It is important that the cabinetry you choose can stand heavy loads and extreme temperatures without sagging, warping or peeling of the lamination. The cabinets should be easy to clean and the shelves adjustable. When designing the cabinetry in your dream garage, keep in mind the idiosyncrasies of your garage. When it rains does your garage flood? If so it may be necessary to raise the cabinetry six to eight inches off of the floor, avoiding the possibility of water damage. Many companies have modular cabinetry systems that can be designed to specifically fit your needs.   Another great addition to your garage is hanging wall organizers. Many times, homeowners want to place often used items where they are readily available but out of the way. Organizers are a great solution. From steel grids that attach directly to the garage wall and come with hooks to hang gardening tools, ski equipment etc., to specialty designed accessories for golf equipment, sports equipment and anything else you can think of.    Updating your garage to become a functional, well organized part of your living space will not only make your life easier but it will also increase the value of your home. Whether you decide to use a professional service, or handle your home improvement projects yourself there are many options available to homeowners. If you do decide to go with a professional service it is important to get multiple bids from licensed and insured professionals. Five Star Consumer Referrals, Inc,. is a free referral service to homeowners. While homeowners are ultimately responsible for who they choose to work on their home, Five Star Consumer Referrals does the best job it can to pre-screen its contractors through the California Contractors State License Board. They also check references and insurance. If you are interested in speaking with a qualified professional regarding your home improvement needs please contact Five Star Consumer Referrals, Inc., at (949) 305-5900

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