Re-organize project - suggestions welcome

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Hello everyone. I've been lurking and reading threads on here for quite some time, but just now getting around to posting.

I am in the process of cleaning out my Grandparents house and that includes my Grandfathers shop. He was a wood worker and a gardener mostly so as we sort through things, alot of tools and odds and ends have been added to my collection. Now Ive got to figure out where to put all of this stuff! My garage was pretty full as it was, now I have this influx to sort, organize and find a spot for.

I am working with a double car garage, I think its about 24x30 overall but its been along time since I measured that so I could be off. One Double overhead door at the front. I use the shop mainly to work on / store my 72 C10. Also have the standard yard equipment and accessories to store.

I have already moved several larger pieces around for better utilization, but still trying to work out a flow and trying to group "like" tools together when possible. Main idea is to go as verticle as possible nad hang as much as I can on the wall.

Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Workbench

other end

North Wall and small workbench

North Wall

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

South Wall

Catch All Corner

From Outside

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Stuff

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

I also have this wall I can use in the main garage. But its pretty tight with both cars in, so anything that goes here cant stick out very far.

I'm thinking the beach chairs on the wall in the other garage at least will be re-located to here.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Lastly, the main things not shown are a 46" deck riding mower, push mower and trimmer.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

This was my accomplishment tonight - going to add pegboard to the inside of the rest of the cabinet doors as well.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Have you considered a 10x10 garden shed to move some stuff outside of the garage ?

 

[bczygan]

In many jurisdictions a 120SF shed does NOT require a permit. 10x12 will hold a lot of stuff. Even more with a gambrel (Barn style) roof and attic. Check height and setback requirements. Put on a slab for heavy or wheeled equipment or on wood floor for lightweight use (I prefer a slab). Put all the yard stuff, kids stuff and even trash and recycling out there. I would even put sports and camping gear out there to save the garage for just shop and automotive. Even supplies of every kind, cleaning, shop, laundry and automotive. Wood, metal, everything.

If I was building a shed like that today, I would put access doors on 2 or 3 sides and wrap it with paving. That way I could pack it full and still access everything. Space for riding and push mowers, edger, show blower, weed whips, leaf blower, rakes, shovels, hoes,etc. I would have doors into the attic from outside on both ends for use of that space and maybe even a beam and winch outside to get stuff into there. Would add a shed roof on one side for outside covered storage too (Tarp stuff on a skid).

Another idea.
I would use the space over that pickup bed for storage. Either something hung from the ceiling, something on legs that straddles the bed, or even something that uses the bed itself for storage, like a cap with side access panels or a rack and side mount toolboxes and a slide out boxfor the bed in between them.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Eventually I'd like to do a shed or a lean to on the side to give me a place for my trailer and some of the other stuff but for now I need to work with what I have.

 

[Olliecampbell]

Looking forward to seeing this!

 

[Responder]

In many jurisdictions a 120SF shed does NOT require a permit. 10x12 will hold a lot of stuff. Even more with a gambrel (Barn style) roof and attic. Check height and setback requirements. Put on a slab for heavy or wheeled equipment or on wood floor for lightweight use (I prefer a slab). Put all the yard stuff, kids stuff and even trash and recycling out there. I would even put sports and camping gear out there to save the garage for just shop and automotive. Even supplies of every kind, cleaning, shop, laundry and automotive. Wood, metal, everything.

X2. That is relatively inexpensive storage and get the "seldom used" stuff out from underfoot.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

I've been trying to go through all of the odds and ends i've piled up, especially in the catch all corner. Alot of truck parts that I dont plant ot use, but dont want to get rid of until the truck is completely done. I think I'm going to move the tote shown with the old air cleaner and valve covers, etc to the attic. But first I need to go though and see what all is in there.

That would clear space for the engine hoist in that corner. My floor jack is already over there and should still fit, but I need a better option on removing the handle, installed it takes up much more space (bolts on at the base) then I can hang the creeper on the wall in the same corner and have most of the truck stuff in one spot. The jack stands, small floor jack and wheel dollies are already over there underneath the shelves.

I need to figure out something to do with the half sheets of plywood I have. Cant lay all of them flat on the floor, but dotn want ot cover up outlets and such by leaning them on the wall. I might move the small work bench out a few inches and slide them between it and the wall.

 

[jlckmj]

I would be willing to come and get that C10, that would free up a lot of room in that garage!

Jim

 

[BirdRacer]

Decatur I assume? I'm in Huntsville. Welcome to the site and good luck with your project!

Organization can leave you baffled. At least it does for me. I need to do some major reorganization too.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

jlckmj - appreciate the offer, but then I wouldnt need the garage

BirdRacer - correct. Priceville actually.

 

[78Bird]

Look into some wall cabinets you can put up near or against the ceiling.

Can get a lot of stuff off the floor and up there, organized.

Leave them off the ceiling some and you can stash long/thin/small things on top too.

Longer term I agree with a yard shed somewhere for the outdoor stuff.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

78Bird - I was just reading threads on ceiling mount cabinets. The South wall would be a good place for that at the top. Ideally, I could size them to fit some storage totes. That would make it easy to access smaller items so they wouldnt get lost in the back. Great suggestion and one I'm adding to the list - may be part of phase 2.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

I added some more pegboard to make extra space. I like where the small workbench is. I moved the file cabinet off of the wall and put the wood scrap barrel behind it. The handtruck and work cart fit on the other side.

 

[Jay Sco]

I see a lot of wall space where cabinets/shelves can go. You may have to relocate some of your decorations, but at least everything will have a place and be in order.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

I'm thinking the Nautique banner is going to have to cone down. I'm pretty sure I want that space for the lawn equipment. I am adding a shelf or two over the toolbox. And I have 4 3ft shelves I can hang. Just need to find t e best spot.

 

[mdbeck1]

The space above the garage door looks pretty small. You might think about a shelf above it for plywood.

South Wall

Catch All Corner

...or you could build a vertical rack with the plywood pointed toward the open garage door.

 

[Fredartic]

Good luck with your project. I know that it's a lot of work but in the end we will get our dream garage!

One tip that I read from an organizer is keep in mind to organize your stuff like a kidner garden classroom. So, everything has to be clearly identified for each task.

 

[Nowater]

I found I was sentimentally attached to some of my tools. If a tool means nothing to you AND you don't use, pass it on.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

mdbeck - there is only a few inches above the garage door. I dont think I have enough room for supports to hold the plywood - but I will investigate that idea more. Would definately be a good use of wasted space if it will work.

Unless I come up with a better idea, I am planning right now to stack the ply behind the small work bench. If i move it off of the wall a few inches, it should work plus the frame of the bench will help hold the wood up.

Nowater - thats kind of what started this project. I was trying to make room for my granddads old hand tools and it snow balled into this. I brough t home many of his tools, even though I already had the same of my own for many of them. I couldnt leave "his" tools sitting around to be sold at a yard sale. Once i get all of this mess straightened up I'll sort all of the wrenches and things and put together a tool box I can put in the truck or something instead of taking things from my rolling box.

My biggest gains - wich I didnt get pictures of, came by removing several large truck parts out. I had the doors leaning against a wall - they ar ein the truck bed now until I install them. The old gas tank is outside now - I wont be re-using it. ANd the bench seat is back in the cab. I still have work to do in there but it can come back out when i get around to actually doing it. I had some repalcement sheetmetal parts in a large carboard box with packing paper - I got rid of the box and found a home for the patch panels on the shelves. Getting rid of those items fro mthe floor cleared up a ton of space.

I sorted the box of engine parts and added any other part I dont plan to reuse that wasnt heavy (didnt throw the intake manifold in there) That box will be stored in the attic now until the truck is finished. I still need to find a place to store the trim pieces I pulled off of it and some of the old fuel and brake lines. I really need to get rid of them, but I dont want to need them for a measurement or reference and not have them.

Also, when I get around to tackling the wall of shelves, I think I can free up alot of space there by trashing un needed stuff and organizing better. I need to get some more see through totes, especially for the higher shelf. If I can find a spot to make a storage rack for oil, spray paint and aerosol cans I will get back alot of shelf space.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Just looking back at the pictures - man I have alot of stuff I'll never use that needs a new home!

Both of those weedeaters shown need work, and I have a new one so I have no desire to mess with them. But I cant find anyone that wants them. I have posted them as free a cpouple of times on CL and local forums. On top of the big shelf unit are a couple speaker boxes (one with speaker) that I cant give away, plus a leaf blower attachment for gutters in an unopened box I'll never use. I had a set of vent visors for a truck I dotn have anymore..... They went in the trash yesterday. I'm sure there is more.

I guess i need to slip all of this type stuff into my granddads old shop and let it go with the estate sale....Hmm that sounds like a plan!

 

[bczygan]

Something else a lot of us guys don't think of is storing things in the rest of the house. Have a basement? Even rakes and shovels and yard stuff can go down there. Put kids toys down there too, or in their rooms. Build or buy a big box or bin for their stuff and put one in each bedroom. Under stairs and unused closets. Attic space in the garage, even attic space above first or second story living space can be utilized.
Temporary storage for kids outside toys? Some places you can get away with those big plastic storage lockers. For temporary, create a wood pile and cover it with a tarp, but extend it in back and store some things on skids under the back part of the tarp. Sell the wood pile concept by leaving a chopping stump out, and a few pieces of wood on top of the tarp. Rent a pod and put it in the unused part of the yard. Or buy a large van and fill it up. Get a flat bed trailer and build a box on it or stack stuff on it and cover with a tarp. Or buy an enclosed trailer.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

bczygan - Thats kind of been my thinking on some things I have moved several things into the attic. As of right now - my (disassembled) engine stand, spare / leftover shutters for the house, random home stuff the wife had somehow put in my garage, Truck parts I want to hang onto put dont plan to use, some christmas decorations (should have been up there with the rest anyway).

I am already eyeballing ym top shelf to see what else can be moved into the attic or just gotten rid of completely.

Last night I slid the plywood behind the small workbench. I fit 3 sheets back there without moving the bench and its not noticeable thanks to the cork board hanging above the bench.

I cleaned out the catch all corner some more, still have to find a place for a few things that were in there.

Then I spent the rest of the evening sorting through 5 of the totes and tool boxes I brought home from my Granddad's shop. I pulled out all of the tools, sorted them by type and then sorted all fo the various hardware that had collected over the years. Threw away the bent or badly rusted stuff. I feel like I'm making progress now.

Now I am trying to decide what to do with these new tool boxes I have. I have one older craftsman box with top tray in perfect shape. I'll use it as a TO-GO box most likely and outfit it with the wrenches I got from granddads. There is a smaller old style toolbox I am going to see if my brother wants, if he does I'll split the wrenches and stuff with him as well.

I have an old hand made wooden box that he used for his wood files, I cleaned it out and will use it for the same - plus keep his wood chisels and old spade bits in it as well.

A newer palstic tote I grabbed will be used as a detail tote for washing the cars.

Then there is an old metal box, the side has a label that says something about electrical test equipment. Its empty inside (had random hardware) and is fairly thin metal so it wont do for a tool box, but I saved it because it had my Granddads name and address scribed into the top. I'll definately find some use for it, but I dont knwo what just yet.

Last one is another hand made wooden box. Its made to fit on a shelf or the floor and isnt a cube, rather the front is slanted to alow easier access / visbility. It will go on a shelf for some task.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Wow Chris, you got a lot of wasted space in there. (I should talk). On the house clean up shows they used to put several tarps in the yard. One was trash, one was give away, one was sell and one was keep. They would haul everything out into the light of day so they could fix the storage in the garage. Goodwill and other charities will gladly take working weed eaters and other stuff too good to throw in the trash. You get a receipt and tax deduction for next year and you are finally free of the curse of items with potential. Before beginning this project make a drawing and define what goes where. I find it handy to have all the garden tools on a wall close to the garage door. My project cars also take up too much room and plastic bins seem to work well for this task. Fill them with "like parts" say all trim etc. I also like to put all plumbing tools and supplies in one tool box, cupboard wherever. Then all tile tools together, sanding, grinding etc. I also like to use the ceiling for lightweight but big stuff like ladders, pole saw etc. Doing it on paper first allows you to move things around and will keep you from putting seldom used stuff out in the prime real estate spots.

Here is my garden tool rack close by the door.

 

[bczygan]

bczygan - Thats kind of been my thinking on some things I have moved several things into the attic. As of right now - my (disassembled) engine stand, spare / leftover shutters for the house, random home stuff the wife had somehow put in my garage, Truck parts I want to hang onto put dont plan to use, some christmas decorations (should have been up there with the rest anyway).

I am already eyeballing ym top shelf to see what else can be moved into the attic or just gotten rid of completely.

Last night I slid the plywood behind the small workbench. I fit 3 sheets back there without moving the bench and its not noticeable thanks to the cork board hanging above the bench.

I cleaned out the catch all corner some more, still have to find a place for a few things that were in there.

Then I spent the rest of the evening sorting through 5 of the totes and tool boxes I brought home from my Granddad's shop. I pulled out all of the tools, sorted them by type and then sorted all fo the various hardware that had collected over the years. Threw away the bent or badly rusted stuff. I feel like I'm making progress now.

Now I am trying to decide what to do with these new tool boxes I have. I have one older craftsman box with top tray in perfect shape. I'll use it as a TO-GO box most likely and outfit it with the wrenches I got from granddads. There is a smaller old style toolbox I am going to see if my brother wants, if he does I'll split the wrenches and stuff with him as well.

I have an old hand made wooden box that he used for his wood files, I cleaned it out and will use it for the same - plus keep his wood chisels and old spade bits in it as well.

A newer palstic tote I grabbed will be used as a detail tote for washing the cars.

Then there is an old metal box, the side has a label that says something about electrical test equipment. Its empty inside (had random hardware) and is fairly thin metal so it wont do for a tool box, but I saved it because it had my Granddads name and address scribed into the top. I'll definately find some use for it, but I dont knwo what just yet.

Last one is another hand made wooden box. Its made to fit on a shelf or the floor and isnt a cube, rather the front is slanted to alow easier access / visbility. It will go on a shelf for some task.

Chris,
I'm right there with you. On sorting tools. I am finding out that I don't have too many tools, just haven't distributed them properly. I am making up tool bags for each car or truck. Filling hand carry tool boxes for different uses. Moved a small roller cabinet to the hangar. Making electrical and plumbing and carpentry totes. Everything needs a storage place and method. Racks, hooks, cabinets, bins, buckets, parts organizers etc. The more organized I get, the less stuff I seem to have. It seems to disappear as I put it away.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

gahraj - by wasted space do you mean unused? or not used properly?

I might not have mentioned or made clear that the first pics are not the "start" condition but after clearing everything away from the walls and moving several large items out. I forgot to get a true "before" picture.

I couldnt get to the North wall for stuff taking up all of the floor space in front of it.

I've been sorting as you suggested, but since i'm mainly doing it in the evenings, I dont want ot haul everything outside. Trash goes straight to the trash can outside, donate / sell is going in a pile. The keep I am compiling an inventory so I can make a game plan. When I know what I have, it should be easier to find a place for it all.

Very good suggestion on keeping like items together. I have been doing that for the most part but I need to get better at it and keep refining. I have a plumbing box, an electrical box, etc. Just need to keep organizing the odds and ends. Thats the job of tackling the shelves and will be started after the large items have found a home.

 

[porschedude996TT]

Wall Cabinets, Uniform bins for existing stuff on storage rack, painted floor, Kids Toys to backyard, wood to storage shed, yard tools to storage shed, gas cans to flam cabinet, white walls, real floor mats (cushion type). Maybe a bigger tool box and put tools away after use. That is a personal preference. Sometimes peg-board is handy, and sometimes they collect alot of stuff when you have no other place to put it (them).

 

[mdbeck1]

I've got a 2 car garage so space is pretty much at a premium. A while back I decided to clean it up. I went to the big box store and bought some of the clear plastic boxes (about the size of a xerox box). I started with 10 and ended up with over 20. I started with "automotive", "electrical", "plumbing", ... When I filled a box I just put another box on top of it and kept going on the same label. Later I broke those boxes of stuff up into other categories like.... "plumbing-copper", "plumbing-plastic", "plumbing-metal", ....

Put a label on it and label it with a sharpie.

I finally built some racks and grouped them in categories... All automotive stuff is in the same area, shooting and reloading is together, camping is together, house maintenance is together, ....

I think I spent about three or four full days going through it the first time. I'm still refining but at least I have a chance of finding stuff now.

 

[Jomo]

My #1 organizational tool.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

jomo - That seems to be what is getting me the most free space for sure.

 

[Jomo]

I was also gonna say to ditch the blond and keep the brunette.

I spent most of yesterday throwing away stuff that could be useful ... at some point. Now I may have to actually visit the hardware store the next time I need a bolt, washer, screw, a 6" piece of galvanized baling wire, old batteries, a broken flashlight, ...well you get the idea.

 

[Jomo]

It took me awhile to realize that I didn't really need 3 weed trimmers. Even though 2 of those were broken. Fortunately I had the help of a friend who was a bit less attached to my stuff.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Thats exactly one of my problems..... two weedeaters that would run with a little bit of carb work, but I'm tired fo foolin g with them so I bought a 3rd

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

I spent most of the weekend at my Gradparents house, helping to move things out and organize the remaining things to sell. This means that I also brought home more stuff that now needs to fit in my garage. I have a small router table now (ive never used a router before) plus some more odd and end hardware and chains, even found the training wheels for my old bicyle - brought them and the bike home to redo for my little boy.

I did make some progress over the weekend, but forgot to get any more pictures. The catch all corner is cleaned out - now it will hold my large automotive tools. The engine hoist is there now, along with my large floor jack, oil change ramps and creeper. My jack stands, dollies and small jack all fit under the bottom shelf right next to it.

The corner of the North wall closest to the door holds my riding mower. Their are shelves above it that I'll get to later. But all of my yard equipment is going in this area. The push moer will go beside the rider, and the trimmer, blower and wheel hoe are on the wall above the push mower. The spreader cart is on the front wall beside the garage door, over the riding mower.

I still need to fab or find a holder for the long tube on the blower.

Still trying to decide how to store the exstension cords.