garage organization Archives

Five Tips for Storing Hockey Gear and Winter Sports Equipment in Your Garage

November 8, 2016 by Rick Scully

If you have a family that’s active year-round, by this time of year your garage is likely overflowing with a clash of seasonal sports equipment. Tennis gear, swim noodles, bicycles, softball equipment, snow sleds and hockey equipment may all be vying for space in your garage—leaving very little room to safely park your vehicle(s). However, with a little planning and preparation, you can create order and eliminate chaos.

Let’s examine five quick tips for storing hockey and other winter sports equipment while still making room to park your car inside the garage.

Tip #1: Assess Your Family’s Storage Needs

Carefully determine your family’s unique storage needs. Take inventory of the sporting goods stored in your garage and plan for any items you’d like to store in your garage. Then consider the following questions:

What activities do we participate in?
What kind of equipment do we need to store?
How much equipment must be stored in the garage?
Who needs to access the equipment?
Does storage space need to be sectioned off by sport or individual?
Does open storage or hidden storage best suit our aesthetic preference?

Once you’ve answered the questions above, you’ll be in a better position to choose the organization system that will form the foundation of your organized storage space.

Tip #2: Purge

As part of the previous step, you likely encountered forgotten items. Equipment for sports you or your child have lost interest in, sporting goods your children have outgrown, duplicate equipment and broken items hijack valuable real estate in your garage. Reduce clutter by eliminating these items.

Items that are still usable and in good condition can be gifted to another family or donated to a local charity. Items that are damaged or in poor condition should be tossed. Once you’ve condensed your sporting goods down to what you plan to keep, it’s time for the next step.

Tip #3: Establish a Storage Organization System

Organization doesn’t just happen. Without a storage organization system in place, disorder will ensue. Garage storage systems range from basic, do-it-yourself options and store-bought storage racks to specialized, professionally-installed garage storage systems.

Simple hooks or nails can provide a basic system for hanging hockey sticks, jerseys and pads. However, nails can damage the walls and/or sports gear. Stationary hooks provide a more stable way to hang equipment, but don’t offer flexibility.

Repurposed bookshelves or purchased shelving provide off-the-ground storage for skates and other gear. However, these items can quickly crowd your garage, making parking tricky, if not impossible.

On the other hand, a garage wall organization system provides sturdy, attractive storage space that is highly flexible—allowing you to rearrange the configuration as often as needed. The storage system is comprised of durable PVC wall panels that come in a variety of appealing, neutral colours. Corresponding shelves, hooks and baskets allow for countless storage configurations which can easily support any sport or activity.

A wall organization system provides an attractive way to organize hockey equipment and other sporting goods. However, not everyone wants the items stored in their garage to be readily seen. Garage storage cabinetry comes in a variety of price points and configurations, including locker-style cabinets ideal for storing hockey sticks, pads and other equipment.

Tip #4: Group Similar Sports Equipment

Whether you choose the open storage of a wall organization system or locker-style cabinetry, a storage organization system serves as a framework for an organized, clutter-free garage. Maximize garage organization by grouping similar sports equipment. For instance, create one section for hockey equipment and another for sleds, skis and other winter sports gear.

Another way to group items is by individual. Create a storage section for each member of the family. Within that section, equipment for various sports may be grouped separately. This will create an aesthetically pleasing space in which it is easy to find hockey equipment and other sporting goods.

Tip #5: Keep Hockey Gear Clean and Dry

It may be tempting to toss hockey gear in a bag and store the bag in the garage until the next game or practice. However, keeping damp, sweaty hockey gear in a closed bag—even in a cold garage—encourages odor and promotes the growth of dangerous germs and bacteria. If bacteria get into cuts or abrasions, it could result in a nasty staph infection. Reduce the risk of infection by at least thoroughly drying hockey equipment between uses. Whenever possible, thoroughly clean hockey gear and allow it to completely dry.

Even with limited space in your garage, you can maximize available storage for hockey equipment and other winter sports equipment. First, assess your family’s storage needs for sporting gear. Purge unwanted, unused and broken items. Establish an organized storage system. Group similar items by sport, individual or both. Lastly, reduce the risk of staph infection and foul odors by cleaning and thoroughly drying hockey equipment.

Need help creating a system and layout which maximizes storage in your garage while still allowing you to park your vehicles inside during the brutal Canadian winter? Request a complimentary consultation with a local garage renovation expert.

Organize Sports Equipment in Your Garage in Three Easy Steps

August 9, 2016 by Rick Scully

Healthy living requires an active lifestyle. For many, competitive sports are the key to staying fit. Sports and other recreational pastimes provide much-needed exercise, boost mental acuity, foster a healthy sense of competition and bring busy families together. Whether your family enjoys bicycling, hockey, golf, softball or soccer, you likely have a large collection of sporting equipment which poses a storage dilemma.

For many families, the garage becomes the dumping ground for the family’s sports equipment. Basketballs, soccer balls and softballs roll around the garage. Bikes are dropped in the driveway or in the middle of the garage, getting run over or blocking access to the garage. Car doors get scratched or dented as little ones attempt to retrieve riding toys or as older children try to maneuver scooters and bikes through the garage. Bats, hockey sticks, skateboards and bicycles create a tripping hazard.

A garage cluttered with sporting goods is more than just an eyesore or an inconvenience. It can cause expensive damage to vehicles or dangerous injuries due to a fall. However, you can organize sports equipment in your garage in just three easy steps.

Clean Up Your Act

The first step is the hardest. Begin by cleaning out your garage. To create organization from chaos, start with a clean slate. As you remove items from your garage, use this time to purge. Donate or give away outdated or unused items. This includes items your children have outgrown or no longer use. Junk broken furniture, toys and sports equipment. Get rid of unnecessary duplicates. This leaves less to store.

Cleaning the garage may seem like an overwhelming task. However, it’s an ideal weekend project that goes quicker with a few helping hands. If the children help, they’ll have more of a stake in keeping the newly organized space clean.

Map Out the Space

Before returning everything to your garage, create a layout for storage. Establish task-specific storage zones. Create zones for sports equipment, automotive products, gardening supplies, garbage and recycling tools, etc.

Consider the space required to store items from each zone. Leave enough clearance for bicycles and the lawn mower when vehicles are parked inside the garage. Place each zone in the area most convenient for performing related tasks. For instance, in winter, shovels and salt should be placed near the garage door. Now that you have a clear idea of where everything should go, it’s time to create an organized system for storing sports equipment and other items.

If You Build It, They Will Organize

It may seem impossible to get kids to cooperate when it comes to organizing the sports equipment and putting it away neatly. However, once a simple, consistent organization system is in place, it’s easier for everyone—including kids—to put their things away. The key is creating a designated spot for everything.

There are a variety of organization systems available from peg board to storage bins and other DIY options. In an unfinished garage, the studs can provide a place to store hockey sticks, baseball bats and other sports equipment. These options may be ideal for storing some things, but abysmal for storing others. For unlimited flexibility and a more polished look while keeping items easily accessible, a garage wall organization system can’t be beat.

Slatwall consists of 1’X8’ PVC panels that are waterproof and mold resistant. The panels are slotted, for use with complementary hooks, baskets and shelves. Each panel is secured to the wall studs. The system is scalable, so start with one or two panels or opt for floor to ceiling installation. It’s up to you.

The real magic of this system is its flexibility. The slots accommodate countless storage configurations. Hang baskets for storing softballs or soccer balls. Install hooks for hanging sports bags or uniforms. Mount a shelf to hold cleats or helmets. If you’re a multisport family, and space allows, create sections for each sport or family member. When the season changes, it’s easy to rearrange the configuration to accommodate a different sport. Specialty hooks or shelves can be used to store bicycles, skateboards, skis and more.

A wall organization system is ideal for storing sports equipment. However, the corresponding baskets, hooks and shelves make it ideal for storing everything from gardening tools and lawn chemicals to automotive fluids and household chemicals. Once your wall organization system is installed, simply store each item you’ve elected to keep in a designated spot within its respective zone.

Sports equipment is essential for active families. Finding a way to keep it all organized can be an ongoing challenge. A wall organization system, with its sturdy, slotted wall panels and wide array of corresponding storage accessories, creates an organizational foundation on which you can build to meet the needs of your family’s busy lifestyle. This flexible organization system makes it easy to keep the family’s sports equipment organized in the garage.

Ready to organize your sports equipment in three easy steps? Request a consultation today.

Creating the Perfect Garage for a Car Enthusiast

July 13, 2016 by Rick Scully

Car and racing enthusiasts anxiously await the 30^th running of the Honda Indy Toronto on July 15-17^th. This exciting annual event is a summertime fan favorite. The roar of high performance vehicles on the track, combined with the rising temperatures of summer, spur automotive enthusiasts to turn their attention to the repair and maintenance of their own vehicles.

Whether you own an imported, high-end, performance vehicle, are restoring a classic automobile or simply want to maintain your family vehicle, garage organization is essential.

Why Garage Organization Matters

Performing your own vehicle maintenance can either be quick and easy or slow and painful. Think about the pit crews at the Honda Indy Toronto. They perform their tasks quickly because they are organized and have all of the necessary tools on hand. Likewise, the level of organization in your garage will impact your car maintenance experience.

One of the most time-consuming parts of vehicle repair and maintenance is often finding the right tool for each job. Perhaps you have every tool you need, but without a well-planned organization system, it’s difficult to locate them.

That means that the next time you need a specific wrench or screwdriver, you might spend more time looking for the tool than it will take to actually complete the job. When a simple oil change turns into an all-day, search-and-rescue affair, we’re likely to procrastinate, neglecting critical vehicle maintenance. This can cause a malfunction that could lead to a serious accident.

Now that we understand why garage organization is crucial, let’s examine the question that will guide the transformation of your garage into a car enthusiast’s dream.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Garage?

The first step to creating a garage suited for a car aficionado is to determine exactly how you will use the space. Will the garage serve as a haven for winter vehicle repairs and maintenance? Then the renovation plan must provide adequate storage space, but allow room to park your vehicles inside the garage.

Will you need a workbench? If so, how much work space is required? What kind of tasks will you be doing? The type of work performed dictates which work surface is best. For instance, a stainless steel countertop may be more aesthetically pleasing, but a solid butcher block top will stand up better to heavy tool use. Also, task lighting must be incorporated into the design of a workspace. If the garage will be used for vehicle repairs and maintenance during winter, a heating source should also be integrated into the garage renovation.

If a workstation is needed, but there is limited space, a garage renovation specialist can create a custom workbench that folds flat against the wall when not in use.

Do you own a vintage or sports vehicle that is seldom driven, but requires space in the garage? If your garage has adequate height—a hydraulic car lift will provide a secure parking space for your cherished vehicle.

No matter how you plan to use your garage, organization must be a key component of the renovation in order to maximize the available space.

Organize Your Garage to Make Vehicle Maintenance a Breeze

Just as automobiles come with a variety of options and price points—so does garage organization. Organizing your garage can be as simple as creating task-related zones, installing pegboard for tool storage and repurposing or upcycling an old table for a workspace. For a more flexible option and a sophisticated look, a wall organization system is ideal.

A wall organization system stores items neatly along the garage perimeter, clearing space for parking. The system consists of durable, slotted wall panels that are secured to the studs. Corresponding baskets, hooks and shelves are strong enough to secure heavy items. The wall panels are water, mold and mildew-resistant and are available in several attractive colors.

A wall organization system provides functional, attractive, easy-to-access storage. However, some prefer concealed storage. Garage cabinets provide elegant, hidden storage. Quality garage cabinetry ranges from basic, budget-friendly cabinets to sleek, Canadian-made cabinets with an elegant European design.

Available in a variety of colors and configurations, garage cabinetry provides a clean look and customizable storage solutions. Lockable garage cabinets are the ideal place to store automotive fluids—like oil, antifreeze and windshield fluid—out of the reach of small children and pets. They also provide secure storage for valuable tools, specialty items and high-end accessories.

There are a variety of off-season tire storage options for the garage. One or two sets of seasonal tires can be suspended from the ceiling on a strong steel rack. A made-to-measure platform can store multiple sets of tires. If you prefer not to store your tires overhead, a wall-mounted tire rack is a good alternative.

Whether you’re an car connoisseur, a gung-ho gearhead or a daring do-it-yourselfer, a well-designed garage renovation can deliver maximum storage and suitable workspace for your automotive passion. Talk with a garage renovation specialist to discover how your garage can be transformed into a dream space any car enthusiast would envy.

Do These Seven Things to Get the Best Results from Your Garage Renovation

March 22, 2016 by Rick Scully

Your garage should play an important role in the function of your home. A well-designed and organized garage provides storage space for your vehicles and items that are important to your lifestyle, like sporting goods and gardening tools.

In a previous article, we discussed five things to look for when hiring a garage renovation specialist. Now let’s look at seven things you can do to get the best results from your garage renovation.

Before You Hire a Garage Renovation Expert

The foundation for a successful renovation experience begins long before the workers show up on Day One of the project. Start your garage renovation off on the right foot by doing the following three things before you hire a garage renovation expert:

Honestly assess your needs and expectations. Look at how you currently use your garage. Now consider how you’d like to use it. Do you need space for specific sports equipment? Do you require a workbench? Are there items causing specific storage challenges, like a kayak or winter tires? Will an additional vehicle be parked in the garage in the near future? Discuss your needs with the garage organization or garage renovation expert. Any plan proposed should address your unique lifestyle needs.
Know your budget range. Before you meet with potential garage renovation specialists, decide how much you are willing to invest in your renovation. Come to the meeting with a low number (what you’d prefer to spend) and a high number (what you’re willing to spend to get your dream garage) in mind.
Purge. Your renovation should maximize the storage capabilities of your garage. However, even an organized garage will become cluttered again if you store too many items in it. Get rid of broken, outdated or useless items. Gift or donate duplicates, items the kids have outgrown or things you no longer use. The remaining items are those which merit space in your garage.

During the Renovation

Once you’ve engaged the services of an experienced, trusted garage renovation expert, here are three strategies to make the renovation go off without a hitch:

Find a new home for your stuff. During the renovation process, the garage must be cleared of all of your belongings. Items might need to be temporarily relocated to the basement or a storage container. Discuss the issue with your contractor beforehand. Be clear on who will move the items and when they must be moved.
Find alternate parking for vehicles. The garage and driveway will be off limits while the renovation is in progress. If street parking isn’t an option, a neighbor might allow you to park your car in their driveway during the renovation process.
Keep children and pets away from work areas. Kids are wonderfully curious about the world. The beehive of activity and the whirr of power tools are enough to draw the attention of any curious child. However, tools and other materials used during a renovation can pose a danger to children and animals. For the safety of everyone, be sure to keep children and small pets away from the work area, even if the crew is off-site.

After the Renovation

At the end of the project, the renovation crew walks away, leaving you to enjoy your clean, organized, renovated space with adequate storage for the things important to you and your family. Ideally, the credits roll, we fade to black and everyone lives happily ever after. On rare occasions there may be hiccups—small changes that need to be made. Don’t let this ruin your experience.

Continue honest communication with garage renovation expert. If something isn’t as expected, talk to your contractor about it. A good, reliable contractor will ensure that the job meets the expectations created from the outset. They use quality products, backed by a manufacturer’s warranty and they follow through on the project with outstanding service.

A well-organized garage serves as an extension to your home. Lay a solid foundation for the success of your garage renovation by honestly assessing your needs, knowing your budget and purging before you hire your renovation expert. During the renovation, relocate your belongings, keep the driveway clear of your vehicles and keep children and small pets away from the workspace. After the renovation, continue honest communication with your contractor about anything that doesn’t meet outlined expectations.

5 Things to Look for in a Garage Renovation Expert

March 8, 2016 by Rick Scully

During warmer months, we don’t mind parking the cars outside. It’s easy to overlook a cramped or cluttered garage. When temperatures drop, we’re prompted to squeeze our vehicles inside the garage to protect them from the harsh winter weather. This subjects them to scratches and dents as we try to maneuver in a crowded, overstuffed garage. Even worse, many find it impossible to make room for their vehicles amidst the tools, toys, old furniture and sporting goods that have taken over their garage.

It’s no wonder homeowners begin making plans for home and garage renovations this time of year. If garage organization and renovation has risen to the top of your spring to-do list, here are five things to look for when searching for a garage interior renovation expert.

Experience

The profusion of renovation shows have empowered us to take on our own décor and renovation projects, with varying results. However, when it comes to hiring a garage renovation specialist, don’t be fooled by the flashy DIY websites of newbies and weekend hobbyists who have limited knowledge and experience.

Anyone with a knack for organizing can throw up a website and declare themselves a garage renovation or garage organization expert. Even if the finished product looks beautiful, the work may not be sound or endure the test of time. Additionally, if the project doesn’t meet local building codes, it could cause problems down the road, if you ever decide to sell your home.

If you can’t get a referral from a friend or neighbor that has had a similar project done, search a reputable contractor database, like HomeStars, for a garage renovation expert.

Check to see how long the contractor has been in business. Review photos of completed projects, either on the database or on the contractor’s website. Have they completed a wide variety of projects or just a handful? Is the quality of their work and their design aesthetic compatible with your needs?

When meeting with a potential garage renovation contractor, don’t hesitate to ask direct questions about his or her past experience. Ask for photos of other projects, then ask about customer reviews and testimonials.

Customer Reviews

It’s easy for potential contractors to overstate their level of talent and experience. However, hearing from current and former customers provides a stronger gauge of how happy you will be with the contractor’s work.

A reputable company with a wide range of experience should gladly supply customer testimonials. Better yet, a well-regarded garage renovation expert with a long list of happy clients is likely inclined to provide the names of a few customers who are willing to speak with you about their experience with the company.

When talking to past customers, ask not only about the quality of the contractor’s work, but his or her reliability and work style. Did the project come in on deadline and on budget? What is their work ethic? Were workers on the project when they said they would be?

Highly-rated garage organization and renovation experts have dozens of reviews from satisfied customers. Such details are often included in those reviews and testimonials.

Customized Solutions

Every garage is different. Primarily because each homeowner has specific lifestyle needs which impact how the garage is used.

Active sports enthusiasts require extensive sports equipment storage. Green thumbs and gearheads require adequate storage and workspace for their pursuits. A family with young children needs storage for toys and sporting goods that is easily accessible to little ones. They also need a way to store dangerous household chemicals out of their reach.

Off-the-shelf organization solutions aren’t designed to fit specific storage needs. To ensure you’ll be happy with your garage renovation now and down the road, find a garage renovation specialist who will tailor a solution to your specific needs.

An innovative garage renovation expert will tailor a solution to your specific storage needs, not coerce you to accept a one-size-fits-all solution that doesn’t suit your lifestyle.

No Surprises

Nothing is more frustrating to homeowners than a renovation project that doesn’t meet their expectation or far exceeds their budget. Prevent unpleasant surprises by ensuring that any potential garage renovation contractor provide you with a complete proposal of the work to be done.

The proposal should spell out all of the plans for the renovation in clear detail. The types of materials that will be used and the projected cost and timeline of the project should be clearly enumerated. Don’t leave important details to chance.

Quality Assurance

Good contractors do excellent work. They provide great service and stand behind the products they install. Before hiring a contractor, talk to him or her about what assurances they provide in the event something goes wrong. Will they stand behind their work?

Quality products usually come with a standard manufacturer’s warranty. Find out what products the garage renovation expert proposes installing and what kind of warranty is offered on each product. Ask specific questions about how the contractor will handle any problems that arise during the project or after it’s completed. Make sure the contractor is willing to put such assurances in writing.

Whether you’re planning a major interior garage renovation or a smaller garage organization project, you want to work with a solid, reputable expert. Search for a garage organization and renovation expert with experience and dozens of customer reviews and testimonials to back it up. Look for an expert who offers customized solutions with no unpleasant surprises. Then make sure he or she is willing to stand behind their work and the products they use.

Envision Your Garage Renovation at Avenue Décor Centre

February 9, 2016 by Rick Scully

A cramped, overflowing garage is easy to ignore during warm weather, when vehicles are often parked outside. During cold winter months, a disorganized garage with limited storage space is more than just a minor inconvenience.

It may impossible to fit one or both vehicles inside the garage. If you manage to squeeze the car in, it must compete with the snow blower, shovels and winter sports equipment, making it more likely to get scratched or dented.

Perhaps you’re determined to organize your garage this spring, to avoid the same headaches next winter. You want an organized space that reflects your lifestyle, works seamlessly with the rest of your home and provides adequate space to store the things you own. Yet, you’re not quite sure where to begin.

Whether you plan to make small changes or a do complete garage renovation, it can be difficult to visualize how new components will look in your space. However, a brand new showroom in Newmarket makes it easy to envision your dream garage and select elements that suit your unique needs.

Discover Avenue Décor Centre in Newmarket

The brainchild of builder Tony Torelli, Avenue Décor Centre is a 6,000 square foot showroom of renovated spaces ranging from stunning kitchens and baths to innovative garage organization solutions. Open to consumers, designers and contractors, Avenue Décor Centre works with top local contractors and designers to bring your home renovation ideas to life.

You’ll discover an endless array of fixtures and finishes for your home and garage that fit your needs and reflect your individual style. Walk through renovated spaces that integrate the latest, most innovative products for the home and garage. The fully-staffed space is open 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday; 9 AM to 5PM on Saturday; and Sunday by appointment.

The licensed, experienced experts who designed and renovated these elegant spaces are available for help with every stage of renovation, from planning and product selection to home consultation and renovation. Not sure what to expect from a garage renovation? Visit the Garage Tailors Garage display at Avenue Décor Centre.

Garage Renovation in Action

Our single-car garage display boasts plenty of organized storage space. Striking Contur cabinets in Carbon immediately demand your attention. This highly-flexible system provides a high-end look at an affordable price. Manufactured in Montreal, Canada, these durable cabinets are the perfect marriage of quality, form and function, wrapped in a sleek, European design.

These handsome cabinets are loaded with innovative engineering features. Expanded foam core in the door panels minimizes inadvertent dents. EZ-open finger pulls and spring-assisted door stays in upper cabinet doors and push-to-open/close feature on lower doors make the cabinets easily accessible. Most doors and drawers are lockable for added safety and security. Heavy-duty shelves and drawers provide ample storage for heavier items.

Overhead is a sturdy, U-shaped, custom-built platform. Overhead platforms provide the perfect place to store seasonal items, like holiday decorations or off-season sporting goods. The overhead shelf on display was made-to-measure. We also offer a range of prefabricated, steel platforms for overhead or back wall storage.

Need a place to store garden tools, bicycles, automotive goods and sporting equipment? A wall organization system, like SlatWall, is ideal. Displayed in gray, black and white, these prefabricated panels can be configured to any size. The slots in the panels accommodate corresponding accessories, including baskets, bins, shelves and hooks. Together they create a highly-configurable storage solution to fit your family’s unique lifestyle.

Even the floor gets an eye-catching finish. Our one-day polyspartic flooring system was applied, giving the garage floor a tough-as-nails coating similar in appearance to granite. Black, green and gray paint chips combine with silver sparkle to create this colour while also providing ample grip that makes the floor skid-free.

Polyaspartic flooring is available in a range of attractive colours and comes with the peace of mind of a ten-year warranty. For a finished look and to protect the walls around the perimeter of the floor, we installed a six-inch punched aluminum base.

Each Garage Tailors Garage renovation is specifically tailored to the space and the customer’s individual needs. Still, seeing cabinets, shelving, wall storage systems and garage flooring installed in a physical space makes it easier to visualize your dream garage renovation.

Visit the Avenue Décor Centre Garage Tailors Garage display at 17035 Yonge Street in Newmarket today and start planning your spring garage renovation project.

Freedom From Clutter: The Fall Clean Up

September 15, 2015 by Rick Scully

There is something almost instinctual about autumn, compelling us to clear clutter, repair damaged items, and discard what we no longer need. In short, we seem to share the desire to organize before the winter arrives.

Perhaps you are welcoming a parent or in-law to live with you, or moving your student out to the dorm. Maybe there is a home office in your dreams. Regardless of the impetus, fall is the time for storing our things to make room for growth. Our garage is the receptacle of things we want to save but without some organization, it becomes unbearable. De-cluttering first to make room for a new garage interior design can be the answer. If you’re aiming to make room for the cars and get everything off the garage floor, these tips should help you on your way.

Where to Start

This is usually the hardest part for most people. You look around and think it is too overwhelming. We have all been there. The car has been relegated to the driveway, while all the stuff that you moved out to make room for that in-law unit or the desk abandoned by your college bound student, has found a new perch in the middle of your garage.

Now it is time to allow the car to reclaim a spot where the overflow has been. Take a deep breath and clear out everything you do not want or need any longer. “Clear to where?” you ask. You might be surprised at how simple it is to put your old stuff to good use. Remember, someone else really needs what you no longer need.

Depending upon what you find, there are several outlets to consider. The Canadian Diabetes Association will pick-up clothes, including footwear, bedding, toys, and any small household items, including computers. The phone number is 1-800-505-5525.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore will accept windows, doors, working large appliances, toilets, vanity units, lighting fixtures, and more materials left over from home renovation projects. In fact, did you know they will sometimes arrange to have someone to dismantle / remove units that are to be donated? They offer that free service. ReStores also accept non-upholstered furniture, such as dining tables, desks, or dressers. You can even get a tax break, as the proceeds go directly to helping needy families secure homes.

Many charitable organizations will be happy to accept your lightly used items, as long as they are in good, usable condition. There are agencies that help so many worthwhile causes. The top three in the Greater Toronto Area are Value Village, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army, all of which work toward the betterment of our local communities. Most will not accept stained mattresses, broken items, or worn out clothing. Donations should be usable. If you would not use it, do not donate it.

Now what?

You probably are beginning to find a bit more breathing room by now. Look at the items that are left. If they are broken or dilapidated throw them in the trash. By now most of us understand the basics of recycling, but if you have questions about whether it’s possible to recycle certain products and where you can drop them off, you can check with the City of Toronto.

Eventually we all come to the corner or cabinet that has been housing left over paint, thinner, pesticides, motor oil, or other hazardous substances that cannot be thrown away in the conventional fashion. Thanks to Project Orange Drop, you can locate places to safely dispose of these substances, and still protect the environment. This agency accepts used batteries, pressurized cylinders, oil filters and the items listed before.

Now that you have not only decluttered your garage but supported the community and helped others to help themselves, it’s time to organize what’s left.

Assembling Your Garage Storage System

As you consider your options, you might want to consult a garage renovation specialist, who can help you determine long term needs, as well the immediate ones.

Your in-law may become your nanny or aging and in need of more care so moving in with your family may become one of the options. Realistically, you will probably re-arrange furniture and other items. Your empty nest may be revisited by your college grads in search of entering the full-time work force. You will want to be certain that your treasures are as safe as the day you stored them. You may want to reconfigure the storage on the walls from season to season.

Keep these things in mind as you work towards your renovating your garage space and storage. With the clutter gone, it’s time to store your things safely and securely while still get your car(s) into the garage.

Plan Now for a Better Garage Experience Next Winter

February 3, 2015 by Rick Scully

How many times did you awake this winter to discover that your car was covered in ice and snow because there’s no room for it in the garage? Trudging out in the harsh elements to brush away snow, chip off ice and warm up your car is the last thing you want to do on a busy weekday morning. Worse, it can leave you rushing to get to work or to get the kids to school on time, making winter travel even more dangerous.

Last year, perhaps you promised yourself that you wouldn’t spend another winter forced to park your car outside of the garage. The months seemed to fly by, and your plan to organize or renovate the garage never quite happened. Before you knew it, you were in the midst of another harsh winter. After our last blast of wintry weather, perhaps you’ve made the same promise to yourself again this year.

Next winter might feel as though it’s a lifetime away. But then again, remember how quickly last year seemed to pass? The first month of the year is already in the books, and Groundhog Day is almost here. Ontarians are eagerly awaiting Wiarton Willie’s prediction of whether spring is on the horizon. Wiarton Willie’s forecast of what’s to come is out of your hands, but the fate of your garage isn’t. Now is the time to start making plans.

Think it’s too early to start planning for a garage renovation? It isn’t. Garage organization and renovation services are in high demand and have been growing in popularity in recent years. Schedule your garage renovation consultation in February to ensure your project will be started as soon as spring arrives. Starting early allows plenty of time for consultation, design and the ordering of products.

The primary purpose of your garage renovation might be to rescue your vehicle from the harsh winter weather. However there are many benefits to getting your garage renovation completed during spring. Are you tired of tripping over bikes, bats, balls and gardening tools in your garage? Do you avoid tackling small projects around the house because finding a screwdriver or wrench is a small project in itself? Depending on the options you choose, you’ll be able to:

Safely store your winter tires.
Neatly store winter sports equipment like sleds, ice skates and skis.
Store family bicycles off the ground and out of the way of vehicles.
Organize and store tools.
Neatly house gardening tools and equipment.

Just as unprotected sun exposure can damage your skin, it can also damage the paint on your car. Over time, the sun can cause oxidation and premature fading. Prolonged exposure to the oppressive summer sun weakens leather seats and rubberized trim. The headlights of your vehicle are also impacted by exposure to the sun. Parking your car in the garage during summer keeps your vehicle looking newer longer. It also makes it more comfortable to get into the car on hot summer days.

Renovating your garage during spring means you’ll have a safe place to park your car next winter, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the benefits of an organized garage during spring, summer and fall. Each garage renovation is tailored to meet the unique needs of the client. So whether you need a simple wall organization system, overhead storage, garage cabinet installation or customized storage solutions, your garage renovation specialist can help your dream garage become a reality.

Complete the garage survey form to tell us a little about your garage and schedule your no-cost, in-home consultation.

Onex Cabinets

November 6, 2012 by Rick Scully

Any home renovation, no matter how big or small, requires a myriad of decisions. A great way to ease your mind is to hire a professional with specialized expertise. At Garage Tailors Garage, we’re experts in garage renovations that provide efficient organization, innovative storage and also look terrific. One of the main components of a successful garage transformation is the cabinetry so to that end, we only use products and suppliers with a great track record.

Last month, I talked about the family-owned Hercke cabinets and garage organization systems and next month, I’ll be discussing Ctech, a very sleek, high-tech system popular with high-performance car aficionados. The focus this time is Onex™, a sturdy, mid-range system constructed from steel that’s completely customizable and the ideal garage storage system for design conscious homeowners.

One of the most appealing features of Onex High Performance Steel cabinets is the expansive range of colours. The company offers 21 different colours that are easily coordinated with your car, mudroom or to complement the wall paint and floor. The Onex catalogue boasts 50 different cabinet options that can be configured in a wide range of ways to maximize the space and storage capacity in any garage. This includes base and wall cabinets, tall floor cabinets, tables and suspended cabinets.

Constructed from cold-rolled steel, the components have a barrier coating against moisture and corrosion, an ideal feature given the swings in the Canadian climate and our extremely cold winters and humid summers. Additionally, the customized colour coatings are produced on a thermosetting powder-coating system, a high temperature process, which irreversible cures polymers ensuring a high-quality finish with excellent scratch and chemical resistance. This finish is an important feature given the sometimes rough and tumble uses of your garage and means that the cabinets will look great for a very long time.

Another notable feature of Onex components is their consistency. The company is registered under the Switzerland-based ISO standard (International Organization for Standardization). ISO is a quality management system that measures the ongoing performance of products.

When we take on a garage transformation, we like to work from the outside in and blend the look so that it’s an extension of the house. Some clients like a serene, unified look and choose paint colours that blend and disappear. Other clients want something that really stands out and are more drawn to bold, vibrant colours. With the wide selection of colour options and configurations offered for Onex High Performance Steel Cabinets, it’s easy to create the customized garage storage system that suits your specific needs, tastes and style. Fully adaptable and flexible for any surface, the steel cabinets also have optional locks so you can safely secure dangerous chemicals or valuable tools and equipment.

Onex can produce a customized storage cabinet solution in about six weeks and Garage Tailors Garage renovations can be completed in as few as two days to ensure minimal disruption. I’d be happy to come over and give you an estimate.

A Brief History of Garages

February 21, 2012 by Rick Scully

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to discuss the evolution of garages: from sheds to what have been called ‘Garage Mahals‘, home extensions that contain everything from work stations to interlocking floor tiles to hydraulic lifts.

The word garage comes from the French garer – to shelter or protect. It’s an apt name because that’s effectively what garages do. They protect our cars from the elements.

During the early part of the 20th century, cars weren’t that common because they were expensive. The first garages were just converted carriage houses that were remodeled to fit cars rather than horses. Garages that were designed for cars didn’t become common until the early 1920s when car sales increase. However, demand grew quickly.

By 1925, in fact, garages were on people’s must have lists. According to the June 1925 issue of Atlantic Monthly, ” the first question asked by the prospective buyer is about the garage. The house without a garage is a slow seller.”

These garages were mostly stand-alone structures, built away from the main house. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that builders started to incorporate garages as part of the house design. Before this, drivers had to brave the elements when getting from their garage to their home.

Carports became popular in the 60s as a low-cost alternative to a garage – often just roof and four posts, they were popular in warmer parts of North America.

The next major change happened in the 80s. Garages were built to be conspicuous and large, to make room for families with multiple cars. Thankfully today they’re now being built to be less obtrusive.

The first patent for an automatic garage door opener was issued in 1937, but oddly enough, it didn’t really become popular until the late 1960s.

Fun fact: many businesses have been started in garages, including Hewlett Packard, Walt Disney, Apple Computers and Motown Records.

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