5 DIY Garage Organization Tips for Winter Downtime

Winter is the perfect time for a little DIY garage organization. See it as an opportunity to sort through your tools, supplies and random sporting equipment to get ready for spring. It might seem like a lot to tackle, but spending some time getting everything organized now will make all those projects you have planned for the warmer months go more smoothly.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. One Thing at a Time

Don’t just start pulling everything apart at once. The key to DIY garage organization is finishing one section before moving on to the next. If you have lots of shelving, go through one shelf at a time. Small toolboxes can be tackled on their own, and drawers are the same way. Break the work into smaller parts, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

2. Trash Is Trash

In the middle of a project, lots of things get tossed in a corner or into a drawer just to get them out of the way. This includes used paper towels, broken zip ties, stripped screws and empty containers. Now is the time to throw that stuff away.

While it’s fine to keep things for when you might need them, make sure you don’t have broken parts or trash that clutter your workspace. If it’s broken, toss it out.

3. Group Like Items Together

Go through all the containers in your garage to make sense of the chaos. Group similar items, like sporting equipment, extension cords or motor oils, in one spot. That way, when you need to do your next oil change or prepare for an off-road adventure, you can easily see what you have and won’t end up buying duplicates you don’t need.

4. Check Your Fluids

Check each container to make sure it’s full. If it feels empty, see if there’s anything left in the bottle to save or if it needs to go in the trash. Make a shopping list to stock up on any frequently used items that are running low.

5. Invest in Storage

The easiest way to organize everything in your garage is to use storage. Modular storage bins keep supplies together and easily accessible while you’re in the middle of a job. Whether it’s small stuff like bolts and screws or larger items better suited for a workshop tool cabinet, you can’t effectively organize your garage without the right storage.

Spending some time on DIY garage organization now will make your next project far easier. Take your time and spread it out over a few days so it doesn’t feel like too much work, and your garage will be ready when the snow melts.

Check out all the tool and supply storage solutions available on NAPA online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on your DIY garage, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.