Naples Daily News columnist Marla Ottenstein shows you how to “Get Organized!”
Estero professional organizer proves that organizing your garage isn’t that difficult.

As a professional organizer working in Estero, Florida, people often ask for advice on how to organize and declutter their garages.

Garages have become the purgatorial catchall for the stuff that makes it out of the house, but not quite out of our lives; that’s why the most important advice I can offer is to break down the task into smaller, more attainable “mini” projects. If you think about decluttering and organizing one section at a time, the task will seem less daunting.

Of course, the most effective and efficient way to organize and declutter your garage is to hire a professional organizer, but if you’re set on doing it on your own, the easiest way to get started is to create a “home” for everything. In other words, “Everything has a place and a place for everything.”

Be prepared to start tossing before you can even think about getting organized. Once you’ve cleared out the junk you no longer need or use, skip the fancy garage systems and purchase some industrial kitchen shelving. Target has a great selection of chrome and/or coated shelving systems that come in three, four and five-tier models. These are sturdy and attractive; easy to assemble, easy to move and a breeze to clean; and relatively inexpensive to boot.

If you are storing heavy items, it’s best to anchor these or any other shelving, to the wall. It’s easier to patch and paint a hole in the wall than it is to repair your car if the shelves topple over because they’ve been overloaded.

Hint: Keep it simple! Clear plastic containers that are clearly labeled work great as long as they’re stored within reach.