Spring Cleaning Tips
Toss the Junk and File the Treasure
What better time to hunker down and get through the dirty deed of de-cluttering than Spring. Spring is a time for new beginnings, birth and growth, and you can translate fresh life into your storage areas with some helpful “How To’s” from us.
Most garden sheds take a lot of abuse during the Winter. They tend to become the hold all for anything that does not fit in the garage, and as a result become cluttered and disorderly.
There will not be a lot of floor space, as large items like the lawn mower or snow blower will take it up. Make use of the wall space and attic as best you can:
- Dangerous goods: items that should be kept out of the reach of children need to be stored at a safe height. Hang shelves and hooks to hold potentially dangerous outdoor items. ** Always confirm weight restrictions on shelves.
- Kids stuff: while dangerous items should be stored high, kids toys, balls, picks etc. should be stored on mounted tool hangers and shelves at waist height.
- Light-weight seasonal gear: off-season gear such as ski equipment, pool accessories and outdoor kids toys can be stored in the rafters (attic) of the shed.
- Heavier seasonal items: heavier items that pose a risk of injury if lifted above your head should be stored by hanging on wall mounted tool hangers. These items may include hedge trimmers, rakes, forks, hoes, etc.
- Corner storage: a unit built to fit into corners will maximize storage space that might otherwise be lost. A corner storage cupboard provides a safe place for fertilizers, oilcans and gas canisters etc.
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The primary function of the garage is to house the family vehicles, thus leaving floor storage space short. However, with the use of crafty space saving shelves and hooks you can transform your garage into a working space that you will enjoy using.
- Seasonal gear: store off-season items in the rafters of the roof. Generally speaking and depending on the size of your garage, there is a ton of useable space to store items such as seasonal decorations, patio furniture, lawn chairs, and outdoor games.
- Sporting gear: hooks and baskets hung near the door in an easily accessible position are ideal for storing sports equipment. Again, depending on the size of your garage, you may choose to switch equipment out on a seasonal basis and store unused equipment in boxes in the rafters.
- Bikes: hang from hooks on the walls or suspended from the rafters to conserve floor space.
- Dangerous goods: it is essential to have a lockable cabinet to keep dangerous products out of the reach of children. Today’s technology provides compact space saving options in lockable cabinets.
- Workshop table: Some may have enough room in the garage for a workshop table. If so it should be positioned in an easily accessible spot. Toolboxes, hanging baskets, boxes, paint cans etc. can all be stored under the workbench in an orderly fashion. The wall space above the table can be fitted with mounted tool hangers, hooks, baskets etc. to hold anything from hammers to nails.
- Tools: unless your garage is heated, tools should be brought in during the winter to prevent rusting from the humidity that they may be exposed to.
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Most homes today have a storage room, albeit usually quite small. The builder will normally plan for storage space in the same space as the water heater and electrical panel, etc. You can separate this storage space into three distinct groups: things you never use anymore, seasonal items, and bulk household items. Always label tubs and boxes for easy identification:
- Just in case: these are items you may keep “just in case” you ever need them again. They should be stored in the furthest corners, and on the highest shelves. Plastic tubs are ideal for these items as they are waterproof and come in various different styles (transparent, with wheels, stackable, with drawers etc.). Stack the heavier tubs on the bottom to avoid injury. Never place cardboard directly on the floor in case of leaks or floods.
- Seasonal items: should be placed within easy reach, as you will be accessing them every six months. Use transparent plastic tubs for off-season shoes, clothing etc. Use wall hooks for sporting items like skates and roller blades.
- Bulk household items: preserves or other pantry items may be stored if this room is cool and dark. Use a shelving unit made up of wire shelves, hanging hooks and baskets. Wine can be stored in this unit or in a wine rack. Bulk goods like large cleaning supplies, canned goods and toilet paper etc. should be stacked neatly on wall units. Bulk household items will be accessed the most often and therefore must be placed neatly closest to the door.
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