| Do ventures into your garage turn into scavenger | | | | bench and shallow drawers for tools is the best thing |
| hunts, where you find yourself rifling through bins of | | | | - at least in part of the garage . But if you aren't the |
| sports equipment, toys and tools searching for that | | | | handyman type and mainly need to put things away |
| one soccer cleat or a garden tool that has gone | | | | and really want someone to design it for you, a |
| missing? And how many times on those scavenger | | | | closet-style garage system will work best. Check out |
| hunts have you promised yourself that one day | | | | premiergarage.com, , and for information on systems |
| soon, "This place is getting a good cleaning." Well, | | | | that can accommodate all your storage needs. |
| that day is upon us so it's time to make good on | | | | Depending on your handiness, you may be able to |
| that promise. For some home owners, the garage is | | | | install simple shelving and cabinets yourself for a |
| simply a storage space for cars and tools. For others, | | | | fraction of what custom-designed garage systems |
| however, the garage often acts as a storage space, | | | | cost. If you need to get an idea of what is available |
| a workshop, bike shed, toy room, sports center, and | | | | to you, visit This site shows many systems you can |
| general dumping ground. Before you begin your | | | | install yourself, as well as some of the components |
| garage spruce up, make sure you are clear about | | | | professional garage system installers use. And if you |
| exactly how you want to use your space. Doing so | | | | are planning or have recently completed a kitchen |
| will enable you to ensure its design fits its function. | | | | renovation, consider re-using some of your old |
| Regardless of how you use the space, however, | | | | cabinets in the garage for additional cost savings. One |
| every garage can benefit from the following: Empty | | | | word of caution, however: if you have a damp or |
| out: Start by removing everything from the garage | | | | water-prone garage, wood or wood particle board |
| (yes everything!) and don't put anything back without | | | | cabinets are not going to last. Temperature Control: |
| giving it a thorough inspection and asking yourself if it | | | | If you want to use your garage as a year-round |
| will realistically ever be used again. Saving a pair of | | | | craft studio or workshop, you might want to |
| size three children's cleats is foolish if your soccer | | | | consider heating system options. Portable space |
| player is now a high school student with size 16 | | | | heaters or kerosene heaters work fine for occasional |
| shoes. Get things off the floor: Use strong ceiling | | | | uses, but if you plan to use your garage throughout |
| hooks, peg boards and overhead storage to hang | | | | the cold winter months, you may want to invest in a |
| bikes, yard tools, strollers, and other items so they | | | | professionally-installed heating system. Mud Room: |
| are accessible, but not occupying valuable floor space. | | | | Many homes have mudrooms right off the garage. If |
| You will quickly see the amount of useable space in | | | | your home doesn't have a mud room, however, you |
| your garage increase tremendously as a result. Finish | | | | may be able to incorporate one into your garage if |
| and seal the floors: Even if you use your garage for | | | | you use creative space planning. Equip the new space |
| storage only, finishing and sealing the floor will make | | | | with shelves, hooks, cabinets and benches so that |
| the space cleaner, easier to maintain and help | | | | coats, boots, shoes, umbrellas etc., can be organized |
| eliminate the amount of dust and dirt that comes into | | | | and within easy reach. If you can, add a washer and |
| your home. Address water problems: If you have | | | | dryer and a basin for total mud clean-up. Recycling |
| leaking walls or lingering dampness in your garage, it | | | | uses: Take advantage of your garage reorganization |
| may be necessary to invest in some exterior | | | | to make recycling a part of your daily routine. |
| excavating and French drain installation to effectively | | | | Consider installing permanent recycling storage space |
| correct the problem. Depending on how you use your | | | | in the garage so that bins can be kept tidy and easily |
| garage, you may also want to invest in: Cabinetry: | | | | accessible and help make this dreaded chore a bit |
| There are several companies that specialize in garage | | | | easier. |
| organizational systems. Installing a system can be a | | | | Kaja Gam offers interior design in New York. |
| costly affair, but if you do it right it can be worth the | | | | Recently featured on HGTV.com, Kaja is famous for |
| expense. First, decide what type of use your garage | | | | designing rooms that are comfortable, functional and |
| should be able to handle. If your son (or daughter) is | | | | make a distinct statement about your personality. |
| into mechanics, a strong steel system with a work | | | | |