Hi, everyone!
When you think of spring cleaning, does the garage come to mind? Or maybe your backyard shed? I tend to forget about my garage until it’s impossible to find anything, the piles start tumbling, and there really isn’t an inch of space to fit that one last basketball. Then, I have to organize—and more importantly, weed out the stuff. Out of all the storage places at my house, I think the garage is one of the toughest things to tidy, considering how many things we really do need—not to mention it’s typically a “man space.” Over the years, however, I’ve learned a few tricks on how to get the garage in order. Are you ready?
- Donate, donate, donate. I read an article once that specifically spoke to garage and shed cleanup. If you haven’t used something in at least five years, donate it. Yes, you may start skiing again in a few years, but will you want to use the skis you bought in the late 80s? Probably not. Yes, the kids may play with that sandbox next summer, but how often did they really use it? Would another child enjoy it more? Once you have a pile of donate items, compile those objects in a specific area of the garage if you can’t get donate them today. In fact, why not create a permanent “donate area” in your garage. That way, you’ll be more likely to remove items from the house, your closet, and kids rooms instead of leaving them put for another day.
- You know all those balls the kids have laying around? If the framework of your garage is exposed, you can stretch three or four bungee cords along the beams and create a “net” which houses the balls, but still allows the kids to access them easily. You can also do the same thing with a metal utility shelf, hooking the cords in the holes on shelf frame. Store smaller balls—like baseballs, golf balls, tennis balls, and more—in some of those sturdy metal basins or baskets. They’ll look great lined up on a shelf—so rustic and stylish!
- If your garage or shed doesn’t have windows or seems dark, paint it white or another light color. Even if there’s no drywall, you can paint the studs and whatever you’ve got behind them make your storage area feel clean, bright, and happy. You could also paint storage shelves and furniture in bright colors to make things look finished. If it makes sense for your family, give everyone a shelf (or shelves). You can even color coordinate those shelves so everyone knows where to put their toys, sporting equipment, etc.
- Finally, if you’re a gardener, I saw a great idea on Pinterest. Take an old dresser drawer and paint it with chalkboard paint. Then, label what’s inside right on the front. You could have seeds in one drawer, flower pots in another, and gloves and gardening tools in a third. Watering cans and odds and ends can be stored on top. And, if you happen to have too many flower pots, don’t forget about my DIY wind chime or picnic pots!
I’ll see you again soon—we’re very busy here planning a brand-new season for You’re Home with Jill here at QVC. I'm so excited about our ideas! Stay tuned.
From my home to yours,
—Jill