M
any homeowners feel “shameful” about their untidy garages says April Miller, the owner of April Miller Professional Organizing in St. John’s, N.L. “They’ll send their kids out to play but they won’t pop open the garage door because they’re so embarrassed about the mess,” says Miller. A newly-organized garage can have a bigger impact on clients than when she helps out with a kitchen, bedroom, or living room, Miller says. If the garage is on your summer to-do list, use these tips to transform it into a functional, attractive part of your home.
CONQUER THE CLUTTER Heather DeVouge is a professional organizer and owns Whole Home Organizing Co. in Stellarton, N.S. She says garages become a catch-all because they’re the last place unwanted items stop on their way out of the house. She suggests finding a warm, dry day to drag everything out of the garage to sort on your driveway or lawn. Create a pile for each type of item, like sports equipment, tools, and gardening gear, to make it simple to see what you can toss or donate. “Think about the option of borrowing or renting a particular item when you need it, instead of keeping it,” says DeVouge. “Sometimes it’s just not worth the space the item takes up to continue to store it if you will rarely be using it.”
16
eastcoastLIVING.ca
···
SUMMER 2019
She suggests the 20/20 rule for items you’re tempted to keep just in case: if it costs less than $20 to buy at a store under 20 minutes away, let it go. Cost: $0 Time: A full day with snack and rest breaks.
DESIGNATE ZONES Miller says a garage isn’t usually treated as a common household space, which can lead to arguments and a lack of ownership. “Often, one spouse will claim the space and then their partner gets