Between 705 & 1200 SQ/FT Breaking out of my self-imposed prison

[a57belair2]

In the last five years we have lived at this house, the garage organization and fixing have not been a priority. I've continued to accumulate things for "future projects". I've also spent far more time both looking for things for a project or clearing space than actually working on things. I can't even count how many times I've bought something knowing I have it but can't find it/put it down and lost it for all time (well until I buy the replacement, then it is front and center).

I've done a fair amount of work on the outside, from putting on a new roof (I don't know how people do that every day for a job;; it was a killer) to repointing the outside and inside to try to save the crumbling structure. Now I'm at the point that I would like to redo the floors, electrical, and heck, maybe even insulate the garage.

That garage is right around 24'x34' (inside dimensions). Has 4 garage doors (3 front and 1 in the back). Unfortunately, only one is motorized and has seen better days. Well, the whole garage has seen better days. It is not insulated, and as luck would have it, I live in the Buffalo, NY area, so it gets cold and snowy! Nothing like working on something when it is 10 degrees F outside and a balmy 11 degrees F inside. Without insulation, a heater works only if you are within about 3 feet of it. The center bay has what can only be described as remnants of a floor, long gone to the ravages of time and prior owner neglect. This, along with the doors not sealing, allows for a good bit of moisture to wreak havoc on everything.

I am committed to getting this garage in working order by the end of the summer. I'm doing it myself as time permits, with an under one-year-old child, a full-time job, and far too many social engagements my wife likes to add to our life.

Please join me on my journey and enjoy all of the "treasures" I've bought, lost, and now get to find again. It's like shopping, only this time I've already paid. I'm not sure how long this will all take, but if it's like any project longer than I think it will!

 

[Ezz]

I know that scenario very well, living the nightmare chasing the dream!

The garage became a dumping ground for all the house renovation parts/material/tools/stuff with these getting lost in piles/boxes & eventually turning up late.

My aim at the start of the year was for the garage to be useable again by now to finish of the race truck/lorry repairs & build the next car but that's slipped by 5 months already. I did have a good de-clutter a couple of months back of launching anything we've not used on the last few car builds out for scrap & putting away the stuff that had a home, it made a huge difference but still a way to go.

 

[tyyost]

It looks like a nice space, I think my biggest concern beyond organizing all the contents would be a plan for the floor, even if it’s just plywood for now. Then you can wait for a nice day and start pulling things out and organizing it into groups. Really cool setup with the size and door arrangement for sure.

 

[a57belair2]

I know that scenario very well, living the nightmare chasing the dream!

The garage became a dumping ground for all the house renovation parts/material/tools/stuff with these getting lost in piles/boxes & eventually turning up late.

My aim at the start of the year was for the garage to be useable again by now to finish of the race truck/lorry repairs & build the next car but that's slipped by 5 months already. I did have a good de-clutter a couple of months back of launching anything we've not used on the last few car builds out for scrap & putting away the stuff that had a home, it made a huge difference but still a way to go.

Oh for sure, the time just slips away! It always feels good getting rid of some things and how quickly it can Mae a difference.

 

[a57belair2]

It looks like a nice space, I think my biggest concern beyond organizing all the contents would be a plan for the floor, even if it’s just plywood for now. Then you can wait for a nice day and start pulling things out and organizing it into groups. Really cool setup with the size and door arrangement for sure.

So it's hard to tell in the pictures but the middle bay is the one with a semi dirt floor. The other two bays while not in the best shape (cracks etc) still have poured floors. Right now I'm working in the bay closest to the street that has the best floor. Once that is done the plan is to move things from the middle bay (semi dirt) over. I'm hopping to pour at least a new floor in that bay this summer, time and responsibilities willing. I hope to post some more progress pictures this week. That should show the other floor type I'm dealing with.

But to your point that floor in the middle has taken its toll on things like the snowblower. Here's hopping for a not so rainy summer so I can pull things out to organize!

 

[ProjectBobcat]

Looks like you've got some nice bits and pieces stored in there. I try to get myself in the mindset of 'is the space more useful than the item' which helps me to get rid of some things. I usually toss out cardboard boxes as a first easy step as they are readily available. A bit of organisation will do wonders in there though. Get things up on the walls if you can.

 

[2001ZR2]

Unsolicited advice follows....

I would start with hanging the shop lights so you have better light. Photo 3 as better light helps me stay working.

Also would clear out the card board boxes ASAP unless you have use.

My garage is only slightly better but as I handle tools and parts they get home. Even if not complete this starts the ball rolling. On some jobs only half my time is spent looking for tools and parts now.

Looking forward to how you tackle this

 

[gleman]

I'm glad your taking charge and determined to get it done on a timeline.

For a project this size, write out a goals list -- Long term, regular and short.
Itemize jobs so you can keep track of your progress and not get overwhelmed trying to keep everything straight in your head.

I'll follow along an cheerlead if you update with pics. Even small progress is still progress.

Marie Kondo approves of this project

 

[Sweetcorn]

Wow.

My intent is not to sound like a jerk, but I'd start out by renting a dumpster. Also, that's hoarder territory. You might want to talk to someone if you are having troubles throwing things away or staying organized.

There's no way in the world I'd let a one year old child anywhere near that for their own safety, let alone let them see that as an example on how to live.

I really do wish you the best of luck with it and I hope you can turn it into the nice place it has the potential to be.

 

[gleman]

Wow.

My intent is not to sound like a jerk, but I'd start out by renting a dumpster. Also, that's hoarder territory. You might want to talk to someone if you are having troubles throwing things away or staying organized.

There's no way in the world I'd let a one year old child anywhere near that for their own safety, let alone let them see that as an example on how to live.

I really do wish you the best of luck with it and I hope you can turn it into the nice place it has the potential to be.

I disagree, I don't see any garbage and it looks fairly clean.
@a57belair2 will have to change his habits regarding organizing and putting thing into proper places but he's taking the first steps.

I don't think this requires professional therapy.

I wouldn't get a dumpster until the floor is cleared out and sorted. Looks like a trailer there too. So get that working and he can haul off the recyclables and take stuff to the dump in stages.

 

[micromind]

I would suggest about a dozen sticks of dynamite, some flashcord and a cap..........

Seriously, you'll have to start somewhere, that'll be the hardest part. The second hardest part will be throwing some stuff out........then you'll have room of stuff you want to keep.

As noted, lights are important.

 

[Sweetcorn]

I disagree, I don't see any garbage and it looks fairly clean.

You and I have very different standards, then.

 

[gahrajmahal]

There used to be some “clean up”shows on TV, forget the name, but the gist was set out three tarpaulins on the ground and ALL the stuff gets dragged out and placed on a tarp. Sell, Keep and throw away/donate. Some ready made industrial shelves easy to set up would allow you to put like items in a tote, label it and store it. A weekend with a helper (not the one year old!) would do it.

I noticed a snow blower and lawn mower. Both could go away if you hired those chores out. When I worked the wifey said hiring a plumber/electrician/home remodeler is much more expensive than hiring a lawn service to cut the grass every week. We required it be done during the week when we were at work so the grass was cut, “if by magic”. Hours saved to play with the family or continuing to organize!

Other lawn care items get hung up by the garage door opening, easy access without tracking up the rest of the garage . Here is my (currently messy) hanging setup.



I have shelves on both sides and the middle too. The lower shelf is installed at a height so power tools, Bosch table saw, 5000 watt generator, all on wheels live underneath. The items on the shelves get a yearly clear out and reorganization ( not done yet).



For the kiddo’s we made a storage space under a potting bench with bungee cords across the front. It is easy to stuff balls, frisbee’s, sports stuff in there. Underneath I made a sand box on wheels, now extra garage shoe storage since the grandkids are grown out of that. We used to go in the garage and sit on chairs, tell stories, while the kids sifted the shiny pebbles out of the sand and have a good time. That could be an hour for you to sort some more of the items stuffed into bins during g your weekend cleanup.



Stuff like your lumber, materials with no immediate project in mind and tools unlikely to be used, or easily rented should be sold or taken to Habitat for Humanity. You can take the tax write off.

A short term rental portable storage pod could be used to house all the “keep” items while you repair the floors and insulate the ceiling and walls.

You would be surprised, this task that seems insurmountable can be put into order with some discipline, a plan, some money and a bit of time.

 

[Old tool guy]

I agree, you need to park a dumpster in the driveway. Also add lighting as noted earlier, and find some used but sturdy shelving.

Looking at the wife's dress … is that patterns in the material or has she brushed up against greasy stuff piled in the garage?

 

[a57belair2]

Looks like you've got some nice bits and pieces stored in there. I try to get myself in the mindset of 'is the space more useful than the item' which helps me to get rid of some things. I usually toss out cardboard boxes as a first easy step as they are readily available. A bit of organisation will do wonders in there though. Get things up on the walls if you can.

My goal is every week to fill up our garbage bin and every two weeks ( I hate that they moved to bi-weekly) get out a ton of recycling. The big stack of boxes, that unfortunately toppled over are from a lovesac couch we ordered. Each part showed up in its own box. You have 60 days to return/exchange parts so I have to hold the boxes for another 45 or so days. Then they are gone!

 

[a57belair2]

Unsolicited advice follows....

I would start with hanging the shop lights so you have better light. Photo 3 as better light helps me stay working.

Also would clear out the card board boxes ASAP unless you have use.

My garage is only slightly better but as I handle tools and parts they get home. Even if not complete this starts the ball rolling. On some jobs only half my time is spent looking for tools and parts now.

Looking forward to how you tackle this

No worries I happy for the advice.

I've been having up lights the last two days before work and so far it has been nice. Getting rid of something on the floor and adding light is a win/win. I'll be posting an update on that later this week.

For the boxes I wish I could get rid of my big stack but the are from a lovesac couch we ordered. Each part showed up in its own box. You have 60 days to return/exchange parts so I have to hold the boxes for another 45 or so days. Then they are gone!

 

[a57belair2]

I'm glad your taking charge and determined to get it done on a timeline.

For a project this size, write out a goals list -- Long term, regular and short.
Itemize jobs so you can keep track of your progress and not get overwhelmed trying to keep everything straight in your head.

I'll follow along an cheerlead if you update with pics. Even small progress is still progress.

Marie Kondo approves of this project

I really like that list idea. I'm also trying to work on one area at a time so I don't go down a rabbit hole of "wow, look at this!"

I knew I had a Marie Kondo in the garage, I just couldn't find her!

 

[a57belair2]

Wow.

My intent is not to sound like a jerk, but I'd start out by renting a dumpster. Also, that's hoarder territory. You might want to talk to someone if you are having troubles throwing things away or staying organized.

There's no way in the world I'd let a one year old child anywhere near that for their own safety, let alone let them see that as an example on how to live.

I really do wish you the best of luck with it and I hope you can turn it into the nice place it has the potential to be.

I wouldn't say full hoarder but for sure can see that side. It's just been years treating it like a junk drawer while getting things for future projects. The cold winters for sure don't help.

Oh no my baby is not going in the garage like this. That is another reason for my push. I am looking forward to working on projects with him when he is older but that won't happen as it sits today.

The stack of boxes is a temporary issue (while not the only issue) so in about 45 days I can be safe in getting rid of them and I can't wait, I have a calendar reminder so I can get them gone!

 

[a57belair2]

I disagree, I don't see any garbage and it looks fairly clean.
@a57belair2 will have to change his habits regarding organizing and putting thing into proper places but he's taking the first steps.

I don't think this requires professional therapy.

I wouldn't get a dumpster until the floor is cleared out and sorted. Looks like a trailer there too. So get that working and he can haul off the recyclables and take stuff to the dump in stages.

Working to change my habits of putting things away right when I'm done and organizing/giving things a home will go a long way for sure. Some of the cardboard in the middle bay was a poor attempt at making the floor a little better while it was wet. That din't work so well once everything froze.

Yes the trailer has summer items on it right now so I'll swap those out next month with winter items. That is the last bay I will be working on and as bad as it looks will likely be the quickest to get done.

 

[a57belair2]

There used to be some “clean up”shows on TV, forget the name, but the gist was set out three tarpaulins on the ground and ALL the stuff gets dragged out and placed on a tarp. Sell, Keep and throw away/donate. Some ready made industrial shelves easy to set up would allow you to put like items in a tote, label it and store it. A weekend with a helper (not the one year old!) would do it.

I noticed a snow blower and lawn mower. Both could go away if you hired those chores out. When I worked the wifey said hiring a plumber/electrician/home remodeler is much more expensive than hiring a lawn service to cut the grass every week. We required it be done during the week when we were at work so the grass was cut, “if by magic”. Hours saved to play with the family or continuing to organize!

Other lawn care items get hung up by the garage door opening, easy access without tracking up the rest of the garage . Here is my (currently messy) hanging setup.



I have shelves on both sides and the middle too. The lower shelf is installed at a height so power tools, Bosch table saw, 5000 watt generator, all on wheels live underneath. The items on the shelves get a yearly clear out and reorganization ( not done yet).



For the kiddo’s we made a storage space under a potting bench with bungee cords across the front. It is easy to stuff balls, frisbee’s, sports stuff in there. Underneath I made a sand box on wheels, now extra garage shoe storage since the grandkids are grown out of that. We used to go in the garage and sit on chairs, tell stories, while the kids sifted the shiny pebbles out of the sand and have a good time. That could be an hour for you to sort some more of the items stuffed into bins during g your weekend cleanup.



Stuff like your lumber, materials with no immediate project in mind and tools unlikely to be used, or easily rented should be sold or taken to Habitat for Humanity. You can take the tax write off.

A short term rental portable storage pod could be used to house all the “keep” items while you repair the floors and insulate the ceiling and walls.

You would be surprised, this task that seems insurmountable can be put into order with some discipline, a plan, some money and a bit of time.

Oh I don't think hiring someone to take care of the lawn in the summer or the driveway in the winter is in the cards. We have about five acres so lots of mowing/picking up. I would hate to know what they would charge and I enjoy doing both the driveway and lawn.

I like the bottom shelf with the bungee cord holding in the balls. That is a great idea!

 

[Red Leader]

You’ve got a lot of work ahead of you, but it is going to feel so good to start seeing the fruits of your labor! It will feel slow as molassass at times, and if you are anything like me, it will actually look worse for a moment as things are getting shuffled around. Keep at it!

You’ve got a great space. I resonated a lot with your first post. How would we all feel if we knew the amount of time in hours we had in collecting projects versus working on them, or actually even completing them. The last 15 years have taught me to be far more selective in the project allowed into the space. Our time on earth is finite.

 

[a57belair2]

I agree, you need to park a dumpster in the driveway. Also add lighting as noted earlier, and find some used but sturdy shelving.

Looking at the wife's dress … is that patterns in the material or has she brushed up against greasy stuff piled in the garage?

Not far enough along for a dumpster, lots of the boxes will go in the next 45 days when our return/exchange is up for the couch. As it stands we know we are making some changes to it so I'll be using some of the boxes soon. Can't wait to get rid of them!

Haha, not my wife but another member added in an image of Marie Kondo, my wife got a kick out of that!

 

[boyboi]

My goal is every week to fill up our garbage bin and every two weeks ( I hate that they moved to bi-weekly) get out a ton of recycling. The big stack of boxes, that unfortunately toppled over are from a lovesac couch we ordered. Each part showed up in its own box. You have 60 days to return/exchange parts so I have to hold the boxes for another 45 or so days. Then they are gone!

Check with your hauler to see if they take extra boxes. Mine will take any flattened boxes next to the bin, so i was able to get rid of our sactional boxes all in one go.

 

[STClurker]

OP, consider a waste management bagster, it would be a happy medium between renting a dumpster and waiting a week at a time for trash to be gone. You can get them at home Depot, fill them up at your leisure, then arrange for it to be taken whenever you are ready. I've used 3 over the years and it works great.

I second or third the idea of putting a 20' container next to it to store "keep" items

 

[OccupantRJ]

blivet - Wiktionary, the free dictionary

en.wiktionary.org

 

[Old Man Roger]

I’ll just leave this here, it’s a precautionary tale.

The Salvage Garage

I am not sure if I am salvaging the garage, the garage is salvaging me, or I just salvage stuff and the garage stores it. I guess maybe it's all three things? I had another thread, but a freak photobucket accident destroyed all the links, almost all of the pictures too. :sad: Ironically...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Xti04]

We bought a couch/ sectional from costco a few years ago. They delivered and I saved all the boxes in case we didnt like it which we didnt. They came back and got the couch and did not require the boxes for it so I stored a ton of cardboard and ended up taking a massive truckload of it off after the fact. All of this while remodeling our attached garage into my wifes hair salon. Tripping over that cardboard every day was a pain!

 

[gleman]

You and I have very different standards, then.

Nope, I'm quite the neatnik. I just didn't want to bring in all that negativity into a clean-up thread like you did.

 

[quadrcr87]

I have seen much worse; there is still a lot of hope in that garage. From what I can see, you have acquired a lot of nice and expensive tools. It will be extremely rewarding to get organized and have quick access to them. Many people are starting with a pile of unusable junk, that is not your situation, be glad for that.

Best of luck to you and your progress this summer, we are all pulling for you.

 

[Sweetcorn]

I wouldn't say full hoarder but for sure can see that side. It's just been years treating it like a junk drawer while getting things for future projects. The cold winters for sure don't help.

Oh no my baby is not going in the garage like this. That is another reason for my push. I am looking forward to working on projects with him when he is older but that won't happen as it sits today.

The stack of boxes is a temporary issue (while not the only issue) so in about 45 days I can be safe in getting rid of them and I can't wait, I have a calendar reminder so I can get them gone!

Well, you're not defensive about it and you are open to advice, so those are both very good things. I do know a few people who have garages like that who always talk about getting organized, but never do. I hope you keep up with this amd post progress picks as you move along.

As far as your son goes, thats great you want to have him help you as he grows. The time I spend with my son in the garage showing him cool things is time I wouldnt trade to be anywhere else in the world. I will say now is your chance to set a good example for him. The environment you raise him in is very likely the environment he'll live in when he's on his own.

Good luck with your project!

 

[Sweetcorn]

Nope, I'm quite the neatnik. I just didn't want to bring in all that negativity into a clean-up thread like you did.

Well, it's better than lying to the guy.

 

[pima67]

Need motivation? Put up a few post it notes around the house saying "Wouldn't be nice to have cars in the garage during a 4 ft snow storm?" (in bold)

 

[Jagmandave]

I can empathize, my bride is a borderline hoarder, the only thing that keeps our house from getting buried is that she lets me sell or give away stuff from time to time. Even so, for our ages we have too much **** in the house.....time for more of it to go away.

I built a 10X16 shed in the back yard and moved all of the yard stuff out there, that made my garage more workable right away and helped me sort and get rid of unneeded stuff.

Next up is the basement.

I've been getting rid of my unnecessary stuff weekly, some in the bin, some on Craigslist, some free on the curb. It's amazing to me what people will carry off when it's free!

I have a car project I'm building and as it gets done that will open up a lot of space in the near future.

 

[YOM1963]

Best of luck with the clean up.

In the meantime, we have a GJ version of an "I Spy" book. I spy a $75 cart from Amazon

 

[a57belair2]

You’ve got a lot of work ahead of you, but it is going to feel so good to start seeing the fruits of your labor! It will feel slow as molassass at times, and if you are anything like me, it will actually look worse for a moment as things are getting shuffled around. Keep at it!

You’ve got a great space. I resonated a lot with your first post. How would we all feel if we knew the amount of time in hours we had in collecting projects versus working on them, or actually even completing them. The last 15 years have taught me to be far more selective in the project allowed into the space. Our time on earth is finite.

Oh it is already feeling good. I am like you for sure it's and up and down process.

 

[a57belair2]

Check with your hauler to see if they take extra boxes. Mine will take any flattened boxes next to the bin, so i was able to get rid of our sactional boxes all in one go.

Mine have been great taking extra. I found out what beer they like too so that will help!

 

[a57belair2]

I’ll just leave this here, it’s a precautionary tale.

The Salvage Garage

I am not sure if I am salvaging the garage, the garage is salvaging me, or I just salvage stuff and the garage stores it. I guess maybe it's all three things? I had another thread, but a freak photobucket accident destroyed all the links, almost all of the pictures too. :sad: Ironically...

www.garagejournal.com

Oh I am familiar with that one. I've gone through most of the pages.

 

[a57belair2]

I have seen much worse; there is still a lot of hope in that garage. From what I can see, you have acquired a lot of nice and expensive tools. It will be extremely rewarding to get organized and have quick access to them. Many people are starting with a pile of unusable junk, that is not your situation, be glad for that.

Best of luck to you and your progress this summer, we are all pulling for you.

Lots of things, I'd hate to see them get destroyed. Any time I go to use one it is a multi step ordeal just for a quick job. Looking forward to to avoiding that. With a baby now time is not what it used to be.

 

[a57belair2]

Need motivation? Put up a few post it notes around the house saying "Wouldn't be nice to have cars in the garage during a 4 ft snow storm?" (in bold)

Whoa, are you my wife... she called dibs on one of the bays already.

 

[gleman]

I really like that list idea. I'm also trying to work on one area at a time so I don't go down a rabbit hole of "wow, look at this!"

I knew I had a Marie Kondo in the garage, I just couldn't find her!

I too have the attention span of a golden retriever sometimes. It seems silly but if I can't track my progress, even small stuff, I get off track.