Need a little boost to organize those crafts and toys? Look no further.

By Heather Kilduff of Sterilite Corporation

A dear friend of mine sent me this photo asking for a storage solution for her garage, which appears to have been overtaken by toys, activities and everything else imaginable. My first question to her is “what is all this stuff and do you really need it?” I was not surprised to hear her say, “of course I need all of it.” These are games, activities and craft supplies that she needs to keep her children entertained on those rainy April days when they are unable to play outside.

Okay then, first things first. Storing small items out in the open does not work unless you have a system in place. Start by using taller shelving units, and then opt for see-through ShelfTotes, that are designed to fit the shelves properly maximizing space. This system will allow you to store multiple items in one spot thereby avoiding dozens of smaller storage boxes that don’t properly stack atop one another. This is what makes the space appear messy and disorganized.

The next step is to organize each tote by its contents. For example, crafts are all stored together in the craft tote – feel free to label them as such but when using see-through totes, you’ll be able to see the contents easily enough. Try to keep the heavy totes and totes that need to be accessed by the kids regularly on the bottom shelves for safety and convenience.
Lastly, make it a rule of thumb for the whole family that everything has a home within this space. If it doesn’t have a tote to live in, it doesn’t belong in the garage. I think my friend’s husband might like this rule – let’s see if he follows it too!

Thinking of organizing your garage too? Go for it! De-clutter, reclaim your garage and think spring!

Comments

[Sue Patton]

Took 3 years since we moved to our home, but I finally organized all the stuff in the basement with 7 of the 4 shelf units and many of the latching shelf totes in both sizes, made to fit! Clear totes are great for stuff you want to access semi-often, while opaque is good for the seasonal things, items you seldom use, or can keep out of sight. Got everything up off the floor - it's so attractive and neat! A great organizing solution!

[JLa]

That looks amazing- job well done! I love being organized too and will be getting some of these see through totes for my spring organizing!

[Sarah Beth]

I have seen these in stores and never fully understood the concept. Now that I see then all set up, I HAVE to have them.

[Genavieve]

What a great blog! I'm all motivated to reorg my garage this weekend.
Thanks Heather.

[Connie]

I love this product and set up! I have them in my garage and basement. The best part is everytime I go to the store it's easy to find more of these conatiners and I can just add them in to the system because they stack and fit perfectly together. Plus, mine are all labeled so there are no excuses not to put things back where it came from keeping everything organized for longer - hopefully FOREVER!

[Amanda]

I love this. The after looks so nice. I hope it is stay like that.