Need More Storage Space in Your House - How About 400 Square Feet More?

In a recent consumer survey only 5% of respondents were actually able to fit the number of cars in their garage that it was designed to accommodate. Stated differently, 95% of the respondents had so much clutter in their garage that they could only get one car into their 2-car garage or 2 cars into their 3-car garage. Imagine if this was the case with their kitchens or master closets - imagine not being able to use half of the cabinets in your kitchen or not being able to hang clothes in half of your bedroom closet. We would never let that happen. So, with so many new "garage storage solutions" on the market, why are we still willing to accept so much wasted space in our garages?

Susan Hudock, General Manager of Garage Facelifters, Inc. in Indianapolis knows the answer. As a matter of fact, she built a business to satisfy the unmet need. "People know their garages are a mess", said Susan. "Our research revealed that 90% of homeowners are embarrassed by the messy condition of their garage. Awareness is not the problem." So what is the problem? The answer is pretty simple - it's a classic case of procrastinating on a project that will be dirty and time consuming. "We found that the main thing that prevents homeowners from having a well organized garage is simply the fact that they hate the idea of devoting a whole day to sorting everything out, cleaning years worth of dust and hauling away unwanted junk", said Susan. "That's where Garage Facelifters comes in."

From my own experience, it's clear she's on to something. Last summer while shopping at several home center's I noticed each had an aisle devoted to garage storage and flooring. However, when driving through several neighborhoods on the way home I passed 15-20 houses with their garage doors open. In almost every case the garages were crammed with stuff. These people needed more than just a few storage shelves - they needed a complete do over .... a garage mulligan.

Imagine if someone came to you and offered to take EVERYTHING out of your garage. Then they will organize everything into common groupings (lawn & garden, sporting goods, power tools, toys, pet supplies, etc.). Anything you don't want they will haul away. While your garage is empty they will completely clean every surface, including walls, windows, doors, floors and garage doors. And, with your garage empty and clean, they will space plan to determine the ideal storage systems for your contents. Lastly, they will then put everything back in your garage in organized groupings. Wouldn't that be great - like having a garage fairy "Yeah, I guess we're kind of like a garage fairy", stated Susan. "Our patent pending process is what enables homeowners be part of the process without having to lift a finger."

At a time when most of us are working to find more storage space in our homes, take a good hard look at your garage. And before you run out to your local home center looking for a silver bullet solution, take time to develop a simple plan of attack. First, take everything out of your garage. Second, figure out what items you DON'T want and set them aside. Third, divide the remaining items into common groupings. Fourth, take advantage of the empty garage and scrub clean the walls, floors, etc,. Lastly, after you determine what storage shelving you need, place everything back in the garage. Be smart when it comes to storage - use totes and hanging storage solutions where ever possible. This will help maximize your space and keep contents off the floor.

Or, you can call Susan at Garage Facelifters. "Sure, we sell and install shelving, storage units and garage flooring. However, our real value to the homeowner is what we do before all that stuff is put in. Our tag line says it all, Garage Facelifters - Take Charge of Your Garage."

Spring cleaning is just around the corner. As we all search for more space in our homes, the garage offers the best opportunity for untapped storage space. This doesn't mean you need a perfectly manicured garage showplace - you need a smart and functional garage. Invest the time to give yourself a garage mulligan. It will be a one day investment that pays itself back many time over.