Item Use Priority

A Key Part of Creating
A Place for Everything

Item Use priority is a key part of Garage Organization.

Prioritize garage storage space. Seldom used items should not receive prime storage space. Keep frequently used items in most accessible locations.

Use overhead and harder to reach space for seasonal or never used items.

The construction and condition of your garage floor, walls and ceilings determines what can be stored on or from them.

In order to safely squeeze more in your garage, the floor, walls and ceiling must be able to accommodate and support the items and Garage Storage Systems you plan to use.

Requesting and Completing the Garage Condition Checklist is the fastest way to determine Garage Condition.

Your garage needs to be free of Rodents, insects, temperature extremes, humidity, and water that can damage or destroy your stored valuables.

Item Use Priority - Zones

Now it is time to categorize items and setup “zones” in the garage. A zone is simply an established location to store one group of items.

Create a Garage Storage Plan and determine the best location for each of your zones, keeping convenience and priority in mind.

For instance, the garden zone should be near the garage door closest to the outdoors. The zone by the door leading into the house should have items you need to use in the house regularly such as the cleaning supply zone.

Frequently used items may not require as much attention in terms of packaging and protection, but organization for quick access is essential. Place frequently used items in the most accessible locations. This placement saves time accessing items and helps ensure they will be returned to their place.

A storage container rack next to the garage door is an ideal location. Show this on your Garage Storage Plan. A storage cabinet next to the garage door can be an ideal location. Show it on your Garage Storage Plan.

Item Use Priority - Length of Storage

How Long to Store Each Item by determining if the item is going to be used daily, occasionally, seasonally or never. Out-of-season items like seasonal decorations can be stored in a less accessible location.

Buy enough Storage Containers to hold everything on your Take Inventory Worksheet. Mark each storage container with a big letter and number, like A-1, A-2, etc., on all four sides and top. Write down the container number and everything in it on your Take Inventory Worksheet.

Put things where you need them, (i.e. recycling bin right outside the garage door leading into the house) for easy disposal. This makes it easier to get everyone into habit of placing everything in it's place.

Kid's sports equipment could go close to the front of the garage. Make it easy for them to grab and put away (baseball equipment, skate boards, bikes, etc).

Place groups of items in Storage Containers and label for identification.

Sort by frequency of use and place most frequently used in the most accessible location.

Item Use Priority - Flammable

Create an area for Flammable Storage on your Garage Storage Plan.

Use extreme caution when planning a place to store flammable materials. Never store flammable materials near a heat source. If possible, avoid storing flammable liquids in the garage.

The best place is an Outdoor Storage Containers or Outdoor Storage Buildings.

Item Use Priority - Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Materials Storage includes things like Pesticides, fertilizers and Paints, Solvents and some household cleaners. Keep them in proper containers, preferably in an outside storage container or outside storage building.

The best place is an Outdoor Storage Containers or Outdoor Storage Buildings.

Taking Inventory helps you to prioritize storage items and space.

Items that you rarely use should not receive prime storage space. Keep everyday items within arm's reach.

Use overhead and harder-to-reach spaces for those items you use once a year or less.

Workbench Tool Storage is a good way to have all the tools and parts you need in one place. Your Workbench Tool Storage System should save you time by providing fast easy access to all tools.

When it comes to long-term storage, out of sight should not mean out of mind. Regular inventory checks are a critical part of ensuring that stored items are safe and secure.

Keeping Everything in It's Place will require commitment from you and all family members to return everything to it's place.

Before long, it will become a habit. You will be able to enjoy the benefits of utilizing your garage storage space.

A safe, clutter free garage environment!

A Place for Everything! * Everything in Place