KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – SPRING TIME GARAGE GREENING AND ORGANIZING
Now is a great
time to organize the garage before it gets too hot. If you're like me, you have so much junk in your garage that you can't even fit the car in anymore!
You can tackle garage clutter much in the same way as closet cleaning. Take on the job in small bites. It took many years to accumulate everything so don't expect to get rid of it in one afternoon.
First, get rid of any item you haven't used in a year. Consider having a garage sale, not only will the extra money come in handy but you are also doing the environment a favor. Add items from all the closet and basement cleaning you have done.
Organize the items in the garage for ease of use. Store all the garden implements near the side door for easy reach from the yard. Use inexpensive hooks or tracks that hold the rakes and shovels and other tools off the floor.
Store fertilizers and other chemicals on high shelves out of reach of children or better yet in a locked cabinet. Be aware that many organic fertilizers and grass seeds are tasty treats for chipmunks and mice. Store these in metal containers off the floor.
Sports equipment does well up high. Large hooks can hold bikes safely. Store long equipment like skis in the garage rafters. Teach children to return their sports equipment to the proper place. You can string a large net bag across a corner to hold all sorts of balls.
Automotive supplies can be stored on shelves. You can find inexpensive ones at your home improvement store. Hang a large peg board over the shelves and use hooks to hang many tools.
If you have any hazardous materials to dispose of, do so carefully! Household and garage chemicals cannot be thrown in the garbage. Many municipalities have places to dispose of harmful chemicals.
In Chicago call the 311 information line to find out where and when you can dispose of these items safely. In other areas call your own city hall.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
