Closet Corner: The Organized Garage
Sunshine, turquoise waters, glistening white sand, perfect weather year-round—these are the things you imagine as you envision your life in Southwest Florida. But what you aren’t envisioning are storage areas in your home. Most homes in Florida have inadequate attic space and there are no basements in Southwest Florida which means you’ll experience a drastic decrease in usable storage space if you are from a region where basements are commonplace. But we do have garages and with a little organizational help, they can become the perfect storage area for your Florida lifestyle.
The floor is the foundation of your garage and benefits from a durable, slip-resistant surface. While there are bargain options, they will chip and delaminate over time and cost more in the long run with second applications and patching. Quality is important throughout the home, but the amount of wear and tear your garage floors go through means you should invest in this area. Also, make sure the company you choose for the installation offers a warranty for their product.
People coming from other states might find the small attics and basement-free homes in Florida a storage challenge but with a few creative ideas and options the garage can become a great alternative. Stylish cabinets, overhead racks, and work zones can create a fully functional space.
The process of installing the floor is easiest for new construction projects as it will be done before you move in, but any garage is a great candidate for a new floor. For many people, the thought of taking everything out of their garage and hauling it to guest bedrooms or a storage unit deters them from ever working on their garage. Companies like Inspired Closets can help you through the entire process by providing everything from on-site storage options brought to your home (and a team to load and unload that storage), to a professional organizer who will help you decide what to keep and what to let go.
When it comes to storage, there are multiple options. From overhead bins to wall-mounted racks to cabinets that look as design-forward as anything you’d put in your home, there is an organization system for all garages and all budgets.
If you are moving, we suggest living in your new home for three weeks before making any storage decisions in your garage. This will give you time to unpack and see what you and your family are actually using in the new space. If this is a home you’ve lived in for a while, we still suggest taking a few weeks to figure out what’s worth keeping. For people who’ve lived in a home for years, this process can be difficult. This is where a professional organizer can be beneficial—they have no sentimental attachment to items and can help you make the tough calls.
Once you’ve deiced on what you will be storing, it’s time to create “zones” in your garage. There are three main areas we think about as we design the best garage possible—a project zone, a bulk storage zone, and a transition/drop zone.
A project zone is a place for hobbies and passions from gardening to car maintenance. You will want accessible storage and an adequately-sized workbench at a comfortable height.
Bulk storage is for items you don’t need access to on a daily basis like holiday decorations, coolers, kayaks, and beach toys. Overhead racks are a great option for these items.
The transition/drop zone is an area where you can drop items as you make your way in and out of the house like groceries and sandy, wet towels. This drop zone can be in the garage or we can create a space inside your home—Florida’s version of the Northern mudroom.
Organizing your garage doesn’t have to be a daunting task! Working with a professional design and installation company means you have an expert to guide you through the process and help you choose the right storage options. We are your guides and cheerleaders as you free up physical, mental, and emotional space through organization.
A transition/drop zone is a great catch-all space that keeps your home clutter-free. Up north, the mudroom is a space where jackets and snow-covered boots pile up but here in Southwest Florida this area is perfect to drop sandy beach chairs and wet towels.
At Inspired Closets we value a personal relationship with all of our clients. As a client, you have a dedicated designer who listens to your needs and delivers a custom-designed solution in response. Whether you are looking to update your pantry, maximize your laundry room or get the closet of your dreams, our experienced designers are ready to meet you.
Naples Showroom
4535 Domestic Ave. Naples, FL 34104 | 239.948.0022
Bonita Showroom
28400 Old 41 Rd, Suite 7 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 | 239.948.0022