1000SqFt Retirement (Cleaning)

[karoc]

I’m sorry but guys this is more of a conversation with GJ brothers. I’m at point that at my build I can’t find nothing, having to move stuff out way to work in that area. Plus tripping over stuff that shouldn’t be on dang floor. Guys after living in our present place for little over 45 yrs a guy who tinkers has accumulated lot junk. I have stuff in new garage and living space, I have stuff in old garage and up in loft, plus rented storage unit that we have our house items, plus more tools. The stuff in my loft is in storage plastic containers which I been looking for my doweling jig and my Kreg pocket hole jig but which one did I put it in?
To my point of this post, I did a 3 day trip which I only spent time cleaning, and burning stuff and gave stuff to my new neighbor. I purchase wire shelves off marketplace which I installed those and opened up some those plastic containers put on wire shelves in old garage. Some of items in plastic containers I’ll need in new garage which I put up more wire shelves to keep from putting stuff on floor. I be dang, I found my router bits which I have cabinet on wheels for routers and bits. Finally something put away in correct spot. My next trip I’m focusing on doing same thing, trying to organize some more, and I hope to bring up couple of these shelves just to put some of those containers on that has drywall screws in, pocket hole screws both for soft/hardwood etc. But on my last day I spend time installing two bags of Rockwool batts. I have about 20 bags in garage where I live now, which I carry up couple bags each trip. Being a one man show is slow and hard, but I love it. I hope to live to 150 so maybe I’ll get to enjoy this dream. Guys thanks for just letting me talk a little or a lot cause there are members here who been there already, that knows. Tks

 

[finn]

Just a word of advice.

Go through each and every one of those plastic bins that you’re moving and decide whether each item is really worth keeping. It’s likely that if you haven’t used it for a couple of years you won’t need it in the next couple either.

Jettison it. Habitat might take it.

Then sort, put like items in bins of other like things, and label the bins.

 

[karoc]

Just a word of advice.

Go through each and every one of those plastic bins that you’re moving and decide whether each item is really worth keeping. It’s likely that if you haven’t used it for a couple of years you won’t need it in the next couple either.

Jettison it. Habitat might take it.

Then sort, put like items in bins of other like things, and label the bins.

I agree with you 100%, some of it goes in burn pile, some in trash and some to my new neighbor. Another trip is planned to do more thinning.

 

[Kaizen]

I think we are a different breed here. Some guys have some extra tools or materials as they did a plumbing or drywall job at one point. I have tools and materials from every job area; electrical, plumbing, drywall, flooring, hvac, etc etc. I have drawers with the tools for those and one bin only for parts such as extra plumbing pvc fittings or such.
I know if i live another 20 years i'll need those tools so i'll be keeping them. I'm currently doing an auto restoration and that is out of control like you describe. I know i bought that but where in my 1000 foot garage is that 2 inch part. Its a continual struggle and journey to organization.

 

[BurtEggley]

My suggestion is all of the above, however I have found one thing that helps. I label each box and keep a spreadsheet of what I own, and where it is in the garage. The problem we all have is that we spend a couple hours looking up a part "A123" to fix a widget, and the minimum to order is three in a box. We save the other two in case we need them again. Or we need a special wrench for something we own, and over time we forget what that thing in the tool box is. I'd love to be 25 and starting over again, instead of 75 and getting rid of things.