Take Inventory
Group and Categorize
Save Time - Money

Once you Take Inventory Group and Categorize garage storage items and you will be on the way to transforming your garage into productive storage space. A good way to get a handle on organizing and storing items efficiently is to think in terms of groups and categories.

Take Inventory Group and Categorize - Groups

Groups of items are determined by:

* Their Use With Other Items, Seasons Or Activities. (E.G. Baseball And Bat Are Used Together, A Sleigh Is Used In Winter Season)
 
* The Frequency Of Use. Frequently Used Items Should Be Stored Together, Seasonal Items Should Be Stored Together
(E.G. Shoes Or Coats Left In Garage Should Be Together, Seasonal Items Like Christmas Decorations Should Be Stored Together

* The Safety Of Items. Firearms Should Grouped Together And Stored In A Locking Gun Cabinet. Flammable Materials Should Be Grouped Together And Stored Away From Furnaces Or Hot Water Tanks In Air Tight Containers. Hazardous Items And Power Tools Should Be Out Of Children's Reach And In Secure Containers Or Storage Systems

* The Value Of Items. Valuable Items Should Be Grouped Together And Stored In A Secure Storage Container Or Secure Storage Place. Larger Items Can Be Chained Or Fastened To Non Movable Objects.

* Never Used - Can't Part With. Sometimes These Items Have Sentimental Value. Other Times They Are Items That Increase In Value Over Time. (E.G. Antiques, Collectible) There Is No Reason To Dispose Of These Items. Just Make Sure They Are Stored Using The Best Storage Methods And Are Out Of The Way, In Less Accessible Locations.

Start by marking group names on floor with masking tape or in area where you are going to group and sort everything. Place all items in each group together on the floor. Again, they should be items most likely to be used together. (e.g. winter sports gear together in one group, camping gear and supplies in another group, car supplies in another group).

Take Inventory Group and Categorize - Categories

Categories are subsets of groups. Using them makes it easier to identify and create a place for each item. It also simplifies the process of keeping everything in it's place.

Lawn & Garden, Tools & Equipment, Seasonal Sports, Workbench, Pets, Holidays, Household Cleaning, Outdoor Activities, Indoor Activities, Boating, Car Care, Tool & Equipment Maintenance, Home Maintenance, Flammable Materials, Hazardous Materials. A more detail list of groups and categories is included with the Take Inventory Worksheet.

Taking Inventory takes commitment and time, but will deliver results that will save you time, money and stress by having

A Place For Everything * Everything in It's Place