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Organizing the Garage – Part 1

Garage organization tops my list of chores I hate. Yardwork, laundry, scrubbing toilets, picking up dog poop… I’d take those jobs any day. Garage organization just hangs over my head. I know I need to get out there. I know what I need to do and how I need to do it, but I just hate it! Going to the dentist is more fun!

I really had to think about things when I bought the cake holder at the Goodwill and my husband said, “Where are you going to put that? Do you realize how much crap you have out in the garage? Seriously, do you think you might be a hoarder?”

The adorable, vintage, cake holder from Goodwill – $2.50!!!

Ok, I must defend myself here. I am SOOOOOO not a hoarder! Every time the big blue donation truck comes to the neighborhood I try to send a few bags. I love to get rid of things. Decrapification is one of my favorite hobbies. My problem is that I hate the garage.

So last Sunday, the day after the cake holder incident, I decided it was time to face my fear head on. I took everything off my shelves, two gorilla storage shelves and one small wooden shelf from IKEA. There really wasn’t that much on my shelves. I had just never really spent time organizing my things and the bins were a mish mash of containers. It didn’t look neat and tidy. I couldn’t even bring myself to take a “before” shot. It was just too horrible.

I made piles for Goodwill, new shed, garbage, and stuff to go back on the shelves.
Before long, I had organized bins.

With labels of course. All kindergarten teachers love to label things. It’s what we do.

I even have empty bins, ready for seasonal items.

Ahhh! As much as I dreaded it, I’m glad it’s done. Well, at least THAT part is done. I still have canning supplies, sports equipment, painting supplies, paint cans, and the whole bike/scooter/skateboard area to get to.

Here’s a sneak peak at Organizing the Garage-Part 2.

The thought of gingham in the garage ALMOST makes me want to start spending time out there. I said ALMOST.

Here are a few linky parties I’m joining!

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The Comments

  • Sarita
    April 29, 2010

    I'm impressed! I could use a little organization of my garage, mudroom, and closet!

  • Petie
    April 29, 2010

    I feel your pain! The garage is always my nemesis, but like you, I do enjoy getting rid of stuff (almost monthly) AND I totally plan to steal that word, "decrapification"….love it. Good luck with the rest of the job!

  • Billy
    April 29, 2010

    Great word … decrapification is my new motto!

  • Mary
    April 29, 2010

    You know what I love the most about your labels? You printed them out on the computer! I get made fun of by coworkers because I label things using the computer!
    The garage? That's my husband's job to organize! I take care of the upstairs!
    Have a great day!

  • Danielle
    April 29, 2010

    Tell me about it! My husband and I just bought those very same shelves a few weeks ago and organized everything into bins. We saved the bottom 2 shelves for larger things, like camping gear and buckets.

  • thedomesticceo
    April 29, 2010

    What a great job! The garage is my nemisis too.

  • Leanne
    April 30, 2010

    The garage is always the hardest area to organize. Good for you! I love the labels too. The size is great and you were able to add some color. Thanks for linking up to the party. I'm just getting to visit everyone now. This has been a crazy week.

  • jayayceeblog
    May 4, 2010

    Hey, I love that word … decrapification! My downfall is baskets. I have so many beautiful baskets and I do use them. But I go to a garage sale and see a few more and I have to have them. It's an illness! I am so impressed with your organization skills!!!