Bill West, CRS

Garage clutter continues to expand unabated as it has for over a century while squeezing out the intended purpose of being able to park cars in
the garage.

Since the early ‘90s, the trend toward larger garages is well ensconced in the construction of new homes throughout the USA. Many existing neighborhoods with lot sizes large enough to accommodate garage expansion are popping up frequently. Super-sized garages of today nearly rival the size of homes built in the 1950s. Today, behemoth garages are tailored to fit the ubiquitous SUVs, boats, snowmobiles, collector cars, and any number of bicycles a family might possess. Beyond vehicular storage, the amount of possessions tends to increase each year similar to acquiring unwanted pounds after the holidays.

The good news is that there exist methods to combat this landfill mentality plaguing homeowners. The systematic approach benefits anyone with a garage of any size.

The landfill mentality associated with the garage comes with cultural strings firmly attached. Think of the garage clutter problem in the following manner: If one were to build a new home, one would never contemplate not including cabinets, drawers, and counter space in the kitchen. These elements or design features are built into the kitchen to propose a sense of order by organizing a systematic layout that is essential in any functioning kitchen.

Garage space is the largest, most underutilized, and unappreciated room in the home. This architectural appendage is designed to house cars, but with some creativity, the garage can be transformed into usable space by expanding storage areas, creating a more appealing work environment for all family members, and by implementing organizing systems where items can be found with ease.

The Case Study

For Doug and Sue Carter of Greeley, Colorado, the day had arrived to avenge the mountains of clutter in their garage.

Doug is an eye surgeon, and Sue is a gynecologist. Three of their four children reside at home, and all members of the family are heavily engaged in sports and outdoor activities.

Their 1,000 square foot garage is designed to accommodate three cars, but their garage is used exclusively as an over-sized sports locker, yet Doug dreams of the day to possess an organized garage and be able to park cars in the garage too.

The doctor duo and full-time parents do not have time in their schedules nor the inclination to tackle the daunting task of organizing their garage. Doug was aware of my book, Your Garagenous Zone- The Complete Garage Organizer Guide, and he made an appointment to determine what might be accomplished to help them organize the family garage. Professional organizer, Kathy Lanning accompanied me at the initial appointment to evaluate the needs of the Carter family’s garage.

Driving down a long, tree-lined lane, we could see the residence from a distance located on a pastoral setting inclusive of 15 acres with a pond located near their home.

Doug greets us at the door with a cordial invitation into their home. He explains that they were in the process of completing some other renovation projects inside the home, and the garage project is next in line to receive a complete makeover. As we walk through the hallway leading to the garage, the usual admonishment about the current condition and disarray is heard by Kathy and me. After all, that is the reason we are here, but it is common for the homeowner to register dissatisfaction by way of warning us as to what we are about to witness.

Upon entering the garage, we gingerly traverse around goose decoys and step lightly over a variety of outdoor gear to examine the possibilities of breathing new life in what is currently a repository of sporting equipment sufficient to rival the inventory of a small sporting goods store. Plus there are many items waiting to be discarded.

Doug explained the various activities in which each family member is engaged. Doug is a captain of a local hockey team. Sue is the cross-country coach at a local high school. Plus she enjoys scuba diving, and for some extra fun, she is a speed coach for a local track club.

Tori, 17, is a national incline speed skater champion along with being a member of the state championship cross country team, and she is involved in other individual track events.

Cameron, 15, participates in wrestling, track, cross country, and motocross.

Spencer, 13, plays basketball at his middle high school. He ski blades, and he is actively involved in robotics.

All family members participate in snow and water skiing, fly fishing, water fowl hunting, dog training, hunting, hockey and snow boarding. This active family would be the run-away choice to serve as the Colorado Tourism Board’s poster family for sports and outdoor activities in the event such a promotion were created.

Understanding the activities of the Carter family is the first step in formulating a comprehensive plan. The next step pinpoints specific needs, which provide the information to create a mission statement. Then the plans are designed and reviewed with the homeowners leading to the commencement of the garage makeover.