A garage is a catch-all for anything that has no other place to go but it's a good idea to keep a garage organised to make full use of it.
Organisation is the name of the game if you want to make full use of garage space
If you have a garage that is part and parcel of your property you will either be using this to park your car, use it for a DIY workshop, or make use of it for storage that has no place in the house. Whatever you use your garage for, keeping it organised will let you make more use of the space whether it's for motor vehicles or bicycles, a laundry room, tools, or gardening supplies.
Make full use of garage space
No matter if you have a single garage, double garage or parking for more, it's always a good idea to draw up a plan of the space if you want to incorporate storage or a place to set up a woodworking, or DIY workshop. Measuring up and drawing a floor plan of a garage lets you work out how much space you need for vehicles or bikes and how much space is left for anything else you want to do in the garage.
READ: Add value to your home with these practical garage storage tips
Invest in enough plastic storage bins to corral everything into easily accessible containers and be sure to label these so that you know what's in them.
With limited choices in our local market, having a welding company make up your wall shelves or purchasing new or secondhand industrial shelving provides the perfect solution.
Storage on the walls and ceiling
Whatever purpose you use for the garage, you are going to need some sort of storage for gardening tools or supplies if you don't have a garden shed, DIY and woodworking tools if you like to spend time repairing, restoring or making, or even have a place to keep painting or home improvement tools and equipment. With such a limited space to work with making use of the walls for storage is a great idea.
With storage mounted on the walls, you still have space to park your cars and set up a small workspace while still having easy access to stored items. Plus, making use of the walls doesn't impinge on the floor space, freeing it up for other things.
Hang from the rafters or ceiling
One area of a garage that is under-utilised is the space above the garage. If the garage is open to the roof it is easy to have industrial shelving converted into a hanging storage space that can be mounted out of the way. Should the garage have a roof, you can still look at the rafters or ceiling beams to check if they can accommodate heavy storage shelving.
READ: Tips for decluttering your garage
Use space down the side of a garage
If there is enough space down the side of a garage make use of this as much as possible. If you need a woodwork or DIY workshop in the same but not as a permanent feature, a fold-down workbench is the best solution. You can set it up and park the car outside and then fold it down when you're done. Have your tools and supplies stored on wall shelves or set up a pegboard storage solution for easy access to your tools.
How to stay on top of garage organisation
Ensuring a garage stays organised can be done if you regularly clean out what shouldn't be in there or throw away/donate items you no longer have a use for. There are plenty of online and retail outlets that will gladly post details for you to sell items and get some cash back - cash you can then put to good use.
Whether you are updating a single room or tackling a whole-house renovation, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares a few strategies that can help you maximize your budget and get the most value for your investment.
READ: Avoid these kitchen renovation mistakes
Prioritise and stagger your projects
Instead of tackling everything at once, break the project into manageable stages to help spread out the costs. Identify which areas of your home need the most attention and focus on those first. Tackle repairs and areas that could cause damage first. For example, replacing leaky windows or repairing the roof can get the home weather-tight and prevent further damages to the property.
Set a contingency budget
Before you begin any renovation project, determine how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Within this amount, set aside a portion as the contingency fund for unexpected expenses. As a rule of thumb, this is typically about 10-15% of your total budget.
DIY where possible
While certain tasks, such as electrical or plumbing work, should be left to professionals, there are plenty of other jobs you can tackle on your own. Painting, landscaping, fitting new cabinet hardware, and installing new light fixtures are all easy tasks that can cut down labour costs.
Hire the Right Professionals
Sometimes the most affordable contractors can end up being the most expensive contractors. Spending a bit more on a skilled professional can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes. Look for contractors with a solid reputation, fair pricing, and a history of delivering quality work. Get multiple quotes, check references, and make sure your contractor is licensed and insured.
“Renovating on a budget does not have to mean sacrificing quality or style. Careful planning, smart shopping, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves can help you achieve a beautiful and functional space without overspending. Involving a real estate agent can also help you gauge the possible returns on your investments and to avoid overcapitalising on your renovations,” Goslett says.
READ: Ways to ensure your home holds its value over time
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