New home buyers looking for a new homes to buy, often want to include a garage. However, once purchase, the homes garage could tend to be a messy place. Over time, the mess can become difficult to manage. If you don't take the time to get organized, your garage may even become unusable. If you're a homeowner with a messy garage, these tips can help you make your garage space a user-friendly, serviceable part of your home.

Make Goals

The first step to getting organized is to make goals. Homeowners use their garages for different purposes. Whether the garage will be used as storage space, vehicle space, or a wood shop, this must determined before anything else can be done. Once it's known what the garage will be used for, then all other efforts can stay focused on this one goal.

Purge

After making goals, the first step to getting organized is to get rid of unnecessary items. Most homeowners do this by going through boxes and shelves one by one until they've found everything that is no longer needed. A good rule of thumb is that if something hasn't been used in two years or more, it can probably be sold or given away. If enough items are identified for purging, a garage sale may be a practical way to get rid of these unneeded items.

Utilize Ceiling Space

Once items have been purged, an excellent way to free up floor space is to install ceiling storage. Some homeowners do this by installing loft areas or shelves in the upper parts of their garage, others do this by hanging their bicycles from hooks on the ceiling. Once items are secured in their ceiling storage area, they may be difficult to get down. The best items to put into ceiling storage are those things that are not needed frequently.

Put Chemicals Somewhere Safe

Chemicals that are left lying around the garage floor can be a hazard. Installing cabinets around the perimeter of the garage and then placing the chemicals in the cabinets helps make the garage a safer place for pets and children. Homeowners who have small children should lock these cabinets to keep their loved ones safe.

Work with a Professional

If you're a Franklin new homeowner who would like to convert your garage into a useable living space like a workout area or a family room, work with a professional contractor. Your contractor should get permits if needed, and can help ensure that the changes you make will be good quality.