How to Finally Conquer
Winter Garage
Organization
Real talk. Last winter was a bit of a challenge. Not necessarily because of the weather but because the things you needed most weren’t easily accessible. From holiday decorations to ski boots and skates, finding what you needed when you needed it was a chore, and cleaning a garage in the winter was not high on your want-to-do list. But here we are again, heading into the busiest time of year with a winter garage that’s less than organized. If you find yourself Googling “garage snowblower storage ideas “or “lawn mower storage ideas” or even “winter bike storage” ideas, you’re in luck. At Inspired Closets, we’re experts at solving winter garage organization frustration, and the solutions are easier than you think. From organizing a bolt to a snow blower, below are our tried-and-true tips for creating a logical system that supports your lifestyle and needs from one season to the next.
Look Up
When standing in your garage, look up. What do you see? Most people rarely use the vertical (or overhead) space in their garage, leaving plenty of room for storage above eye level. Vertical and overhead storage is key to garage organization in any season because it gives you a logical place to put things you might otherwise set or stack on the garage floor. Think of the overhead space as optimal for storing items you won’t use again until next season or things you don’t need to frequently access. Ceiling-mounted racks or wall-mounted shelves above cabinets or slatwall are your go-to solutions for maximizing the overhead space that exists in your garage.
Overhead Storage
Isolate items that are rectangular in shape and put them on overhead racks or shelves.
Examples
- Totes
- Suitcases
- Pet Kennels
- Holiday Decor
- Coolers
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Look Down
Scan the floor of your garage from one corner to the next and take note of what you see. If your visual path is interrupted by an array of toys, totes, sports equipment, lawn care items, and bikes, or if you’re thinking about garage snowblower storage ideas, you’re not alone
Floor Organization
If it has wheels, it belongs on the floor.
Examples
- Golf Cart
- Cars
- Bikes
- Snowblower
- Lawn Mower
- Trash Bin
- Shop Vacuum
- Wagon
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Bike Storage
Winter bike storage solutions help meet your unique needs.
Examples
Stop and consider the size of your garage, the amount of space you have, how many bikes you own, who needs access to them, and how often you’re using them.
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Ideal for ease of use if you have the space, and you need frequent access.
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An ideal solution if adults are the primary user and if you’re using your bike less frequently.
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Allow for easy access, fit conveniently in a corner and don’t take slatwall space or other floor space needed for winter garage organization.
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With items stored overhead and wheeled items along the perimeter, you’ll be better able to assess the condition of your garage floor. Much like your home, keeping the floor clean is an essential part of feeling like the space is organized. This is also a good time to think about what type of garage flooring will serve your family best. For example, easy-to-clean flooring tiles might help keep the space tidy—especially when you’re cleaning a garage in winter—since you can spray them down with the hose or quickly sweep away leaves and debris at the end of the day. It could also prevent the amount of snow or dirt family members tend to track into the home. Because garage floor tiles come in a variety of colors and finishes, they tend to make the space look finished.
Look Around
The last and final tip is to look around. The garage walls are the perfect place for both open and closed storage giving you easy access to things you use most frequently or need to access quickly. There are a few different solutions you could use depending on your storage needs.
Slatwall
If you can hang it, it’s ideal for slatwall.
Example
- Shovels
- Skis
- Ladders
- Leaf Blower
- Sports Gear
- Cords
- Bag Chairs
- Kayaks
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Hooks make storing gardening tools easy for use in the fall and storage through the winter.
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A wide variety of baskets and platforms make it easy to organize sports equipment.
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Summer seasonal items like kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets can be stored on utility racks that attach to slatwall.
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Storage Feature No. 1
Winter Hose Storage
Proper winter hose storage is key if you want to use the same hose year after year. Water hoses should be drained and stored in your garage during colder months to prevent them from freezing. An easy way to prep your hose for winter hose storage is to use a hose reel that attaches to slatwall. Doing so will prevent the hose from kinking, tangling, or other damage that can occur when it’s left lying on the ground.
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Storage Feature No. 2
Winter Leaf Blower Storage
A leaf blower is a handy tool to have around in the fall to help clear leaves off your property but come winter, you may be asking yourself how to hang a leaf blower in the garage. Hanging it up on a utility hook or placing it on a top shelf will keep it off the floor, out of the way, and protect it from damage by snow or ice.
Cabinet & Drawer Storage
For a more finished look, organize items behind closed door cabinets or in a drawer.
Example
- Cans of Paint
- Outdoor Lights
- Flower Pots
- Grass Seed
- Patio Cushions
- Fishing Gear
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Lighting
Don’t fumble around in the dark.
Overhead lighting from the garage door opener isn’t sufficient for even small garages. Consider adding additional overhead lighting and task lighting over any workbenches.
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We know that winter garage organization can be challenging. By following these simple tips, you can make the most of every square foot and get your winter garage ready in no time, all while making sure your items are stored out of the way but within easy reach. At Inspired Closets, we’re expert organizers adept at solving everyday organization challenges, so if you need any additional advice, our experts are here to help find solutions for your unique needs. Give us a call today or schedule a free consultation to get started.
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