The Importance of Zoning and Seasonal Shifts with Garage Organization

It’s that time of year where many people are spending a little bit more time outdoors. We are all thinking about places we can go—whether that is a quick day trip, weekend getaway, or a full fledged vacation. Here in Colorado, that means copious amounts of outdoor activities: camping, kayaking, biking, etc. 

So, it may be time to reevaluate that garage space and how it can be an asset during all the seasons of your life and what it means to plan for zones and shifting those zones to match the time of year. Today, we are chatting about all things garage organization so you can get organized and stay organized! You can also listen to the convo here if you prefer.

Zoning: Understanding the Importance of Your Garage Space

Zoning is important in almost every area of your home—not just in the garage. However, for the purpose of getting your garage organized, you need to understand what are the most important items because those are going to be your Zone 1 items. And not everything can be Zone 1—so you need to get present and honest with yourself about the most important items in your garage. 

As you begin to zone, consider these three zones when creating a useful organizing system:

• Zone 1 = The things you need at your fingertips

• Zone 2 = The things that are accessible, but not right there

• Zone 3 = Things that are used infrequently, so they are kept out of easy access

When you have your items accessible for the right time of year, it makes utilizing your garage much more enjoyable and easier. This is where seasonal shifts of items may come into play. 

Be Flexible with Your Garage Organization Zones

Life and seasons are constantly shifting, which is why a big part of being organized and efficient is remaining present. Our lives are not static, so we need to be able to change our systems quickly. That means having control over your zones is important.

When it comes to garage organization, figuring the biggest and most important pieces and then moving through your least important pieces until you find a spot for everything is going to be important. Remember—identifying those key three things and then making them a priority is going to help you sort your way through the remaining items. 

When “the most important” items change, that is when you’ll have to be flexible and shift your zones to accommodate your new more important thing(s).

Seasonal Shifts: Accommodating Them in Your Garage Space

Let’s go back to summer in Colorado! We mentioned camping, biking and kayaking. Those are just the tip of the iceberg because you also have gardening and routine yard work and all the outdoor activities. So, for summer, your Zone 1 items are going to fall into those categories where your family is spending the most time. 

If your family frequently goes camping, you are going to want those items easily accessible and ready to go at a moment’s notice. You’ll want storage hooks on walls or on the ceiling for bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, etc. that can be easily taken down or put back up. 

Once the season shifts to wintertime and it may be time to hit the slopes or take up other winter activities, you can seasonally shift those summer activities into Zone 3 areas and shift your winter gear down into Zone 1 so it is ready to go at the drop of a hat. Your garage organization will never remain static, because it will constantly shift as your seasonal activities and outdoor needs shift. 

Once-a-Year Items

Garages can be a huge catch-all for some people, especially those that have no other extra storage in their home or no shed where they can store additional items. Keeping those once-a-year items in your Zone 3 spots is a great option. How often are you taking down holiday decorations? I would have to guess once a year to bring them down and once a year to put them back up. 

These holiday items or other miscellaneous “just in case” items can go on tall vertical shelving or even in an attic space. They do not need to occupy the prime real estate in your garage--leave those shelves for the tools and items you’ll need on a regular basis. 

Some Final Garage Organization Tips & Tricks

Garages are a whole package and really getting in there and understanding the intended use of the space is critical to making the most of it. Over the years of organizing and tweaking both garage and shed systems, we’ve come up with quite a few ideas that may help you make the most of your garage space to ensure it remains organized and inviting. We are dishing out our professional organizing secrets so you can tackle some of this organization on your own! 

Create a Mudroom Space

Not everyone has the luxury of having a built-in mudroom, but having a designated space that serves as one can be so beneficial. Set up a space in your garage with a bench and a place to dump sporting equipment for the kids--this will make coming and going so much easier on your family during this season of your life. 

Upgrade Your Garage

Lighting and floor coating can make a big difference on your space, especially if you spend time in your garage at a workbench or your DIY station is in the garage. Lighting can make the visibility of your workspace better and give you what you need to power through projects efficiently. 

As for garage floor covering, sometimes it's just nice to have an upgraded floor, especially if you do spend a lot of time there. Consider a floor that is neutral and textured for slip resistance. Epoxy floors are an excellent option and really elevate your space. Remember—organization creates flow, but so does an environment that motivates and inspires you.

Before You Clean Out Your Garage…

So you are ready to tackle that garage! We’ve shared all the garage organization tips and tricks we love using when making sure they are functional spaces. If you feel like your garage is becoming a catch all, consider investing in a shed for those yard tools that are taking up too much space. Remember that vertical storage and getting items onto the walls helps keep the floor free. 

And before you decide, today is the day to tackle that garage—please check your weather! At Organized by Keli & Co. we advise you to tackle your garage during mild weather with no hot days or stormy days in sight. And if you need help creating or maintaining organization in your garage, you can always reach out to our team of Denver professional organizers!