What do you use your garage for? Is it where you store your car? Is it where you’ve stashed the massive chest freezer? Or has it turned into a small gym? Woodworking or hobby bench? Maybe even a bar? Oftentimes the garage is used an eclectic mix of all these, being rearranged to suit but always returning to a state of organised chaos, a hoarder’s heaven. However, if it’s being used for more than just somewhere to park it becomes something else. Your garage becomes a blank canvas to transform into whatever is needed. Let’s look at ‘garage use’!

With the rise of garage conversions to gyms/playrooms/studies etc. this is a very attractive option. You always park on the drive or on the street anyway and most modern cars don’t fit into older garages. You’ve been saying you want to shave a few pounds off in your own gym.

We’ve certainly covered the pros and cons of garage conversions before, however, something that we didn’t answer is what happens to everything that was in there before work started? Well here are our suggestions for what to do with everything left in your garage when you clear it ready for the big build.

Round 1: The Fight for Storage

Very often it can feel like things thrown in the garage are used so rarely that they can be comfortably thrown aside, but this just isn’t true for everything. There are genuinely useful pieces or sometimes mementos and keepsakes that once unearthed bring back memories that just can’t be parted with.

The first step you need to take is to declutter your garage and your home. Look at the existing storage spaces you have and especially the garden shed (another neglected part of the home).

We’re not advising a full Marie Kondo-ing of your home but definitely get rid of the broken and damaged items. If your garage is used as a tool shed locate the equipment and tools you never use and throw them, or if they’re in good condition put them up for sale or donate them. Reducing your clutter will increase the space you have to work with.

With this, you can start to see how easily you can start storing what’s left and where they would best fit.

Round 2: Operation Plastic Box

Once you have decluttered and got what you want to keep, what now? Where does it go? Using big clear storage boxes is a godsend for organisation afficionados everywhere.

These versatile containers allow for easy stackable storage and due to their clear nature, items are quickly retrievable as you can see what’s inside without rifling through it all. Whether it’s in the home or in the shed, you can use these nifty things to start making space and clearing the garage quickly. You’re definitely going to want to make sure that the boxes nest on top of each other or at the very least stack properly and sturdily upon each other.

Another useful tool against the garage clear-out is the label maker. Otherwise, how will you know at a quick glance what’s in that box, or if you’re looking in the right area? You may have seen people go gung-ho with these labelling literally everything they possess, however, don’t be averse to the benefits of this tool.

Round 3: Horizontal and Vertical

Often your storage works in horizontal lines. Think of your shelves and the arrangement of your cupboards, and while this is useful people often forget to think in vertical lines. This is particularly handy with garden tools left in the garage. If you have some spare wall space try then think of where best to place something vertically as this can help not only solve your storage issue but also keep the house or shed looking neat tidy and efficient (as you can easily see and grab it off the wall when needed). Some easily placed hooks or even nails can help you utilise the walls by hanging objects up. You can even get bike storage that is fixed to a ceiling or wall to save more space.

Will You Take on The Challenge?

If you have plenty of space off-road to park your car and the job is well done, converting your garage will pay dividends. In fact, a well-done garage conversion can add you an average of £45,000 to the value of your home without needing planning permission (providing you’re not changing the footprint). Remember this is your blank canvas to choose and create a new room. When all is said and done, the question you need to answer is: What’s going to benefit your home more?!

If you are looking at converting your garage and would like some advice, please consult an expert opinion and speak with us today. Click for contact >