garage storage systems Archives - Page 3 of 4

Taming the Garden Hose

June 21, 2011 by Rick Scully

garden hose - garage storage — Garden Hose Storage

The problematic hose. That snake of a thing always seems to be in the way and just doesn’t look pretty in the garden.

How many hose reels have you tried, only to find they work for a little while and then either break or the hose gets stuck inside? It’s nice to have the hose handy for using in the garden, but personally I think most hose caddies out there are more trouble than time-saving.

Universal Hook - Great for Garden Hoses — Universal Slatwall Hooks for Garage Storage

The best way I’ve found to store a garden hose is in the garage on a Universal Hook. It’s large enough to accommodate a 100-ft hose and when combined with slatwall, it can easily bear the weight. If you use a hose connector, attaching the hose to the outside faucet is a simple task.

Tip: When you’re finished with the hose, take the extra few minutes to coil it up neatly on the hook to avoid tripping on it or running over it with the car, which could puncture the hose or flatten the nozzle or end.

Need to make space to store your hose in the garage? Give us a call.

Easy bicycle storage

June 8, 2011 by Rick Scully

With the rising prices at the gas pumps these days, there’s even more reason to pump up the bicycle tires and get out for a ride. But what’s the best way to store the family bikes in the garage?

You’ll want to make sure even the kids have easy access to their bikes without worrying about them scratching the car or the bike – two wheels don’t come cheap these days either.

Overhead storage makes use of unused space higher up in the garage without using that precious floor space. These systems use pulleys or motors that are easy enough for even a child to operate.

Wall-mounted bike storage racks are another option that also saves some floor space. They are easy to install and some come with shelves to store helmets and other bike-related stuff.

There are also floor stands that make it easy to just roll and lock your bike into place after your ride.

Before you make your decision on bike storage, get advice your local bicycle shop about the best way to store your particular model of bike. Some high performance bikes don’t like being hung by the wheel or at certain points on the frame.

Still competing with the car for space in the garage? Give us a call.

The joys and benefits of a slatwall system

May 19, 2011 by Rick Scully

We’ve talked a lot about garage organizing using the slatwall system. What’s so special about the storeWALL™ brand that we use at Garage Tailors Garage?

Unlike traditional slatwall, storeWALL is made with pvc, which is rugged, waterproof and mildew-proof — Important for garage use.

We install the slatwall over existing framed drywall, using existing studs. It comes in a variety of colours and wood-grain finishes.

And it’s cost-effective as well as attractive. There’s no need to cover all the garage walls. We can install it along just one side wall to give you storage options, but still have ample clearance on the driver’s side of your car. We can also install it along the back wall of the garage with a variety of hooks and baskets to keep you organized.

The best part of having a slatwall in your garage is that you can easily rearrange hooks, shelves and baskets to accommodate tools and equipment for whatever season you’re in.

Ready to transform your garage? Give us a call

Get ready for gardening season

May 5, 2011 by Rick Scully

Spring has been a little slow arriving this year, but it’s still time to think about getting the garden ready for warmer days ahead. And that means making sure all your tools are organized and within easy reach in your garage.

Last month we talked about bringing spring and summer items to the front and storing away winter gear. It’s easy to organize your tools using our slatwall system. And camlocks on our hooks easily release from the wall and then lock back in place. Regular hooks need to be screwed into the wall and can come loose with use. The camlock locks in tight and stays in place even with heavy items.

Here’s how to properly store your gardening tools:

Your lawn mower, weed eater and edger should be in one area with an extension cord nearby

Store gardening gloves, trowels and pruners together in a basket so you’ll always know where they are

Hang tools such as shovels and edgers with the sharp side towards the wall. Make sure rakes and hoes are stored with the tines toward the wall. You don’t want to risk injuring yourself or scratching your car. The hooks we install are all covered in a rubberized coating to prevent scratches.

With some careful arranging, you can even make a space in the garage to put a potting bench or small work area for rainy days. Talk to us about ways to create tiered storage to give you even more space in your garage.

Spring ahead – a place for everything and everything in its place

April 19, 2011 by Rick Scully

In keeping with the spring clean theme, let’s move from floors and talk about wall organizers and shelves. Spring is here, and you need your garage to be functional.

First, purge. Go through the contents of your garage and if you haven’t used it in three years – get rid of it. Have a garage sale, or donate items to a local charity. Make sure you take items such as paints or chemicals to the hazardous waste disposal facility in your area.

Spring forward – Move the winter shovels, toboggans and bags of de-icer to allow everyone in the family easy access to garden tools and supplies, bicycles, golfing equipment and other summer items. Have a look at our specialty storage solutions to make sure even the kids can easily grab their bikes and sports equipment.

Organize items in zones, putting like items together in one easy-to-reach area. That’s the beauty of the slat wall system. It’s easy to add baskets and hooks to keep gardening tools and supplies, sports equipment, etc. in their place. One basket can hold windshield wiper fluid and other car needs, and another can hold potting soil and fertilizer, while yet another can neatly organize golf shoes. Keep visual clutter to a minimum with one of our cabinet storage systems.

Next month, we’ll talk more in depth about these effective storage solutions.

Make Way for Spring in Your Garage

March 22, 2011 by Rick Scully

In our last post we talked about pre-planning for the season ahead. In keeping with that theme, let’s give some thought to your garage. It’s finally time (or almost time) to lay snow shovels and snow blowers to rest for another nine months, along with ice scrapers, bags of salt, skis and snowboards. Where are you going to store them? Your garage, of course, but let’s not close the subject there.

If you thoughtlessly dump winter items onto the floor of your garage, you’ll not only have a harder time manoeuvring your way around your vehicle; you may also risk damaging this valuable possession. (Skis and shovels stacked in the corner aren’t as steady as you may think.) What’s more, you won’t have an easy time accessing garden hoses, planters, lawn mowers and the other items that you’ll wish to have readily available come spring.

The solution: garage organization. With the right garage cabinets and wall organizers in place, you can almost completely eliminate clutter from your floor, freeing up space that will allow you to utilize your garage to the max this spring. If you need a hand getting organized, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to talk to you about a custom garage storage solution.

Get organized before the holiday season hits!

November 9, 2010 by Rick Scully

Our customers are often so pleased with the order we bring to their garages, they’ll ask us if we’re willing to tackle the inside of their homes, too – especially in December, when they find themselves rushing around madly to prepare for holiday guests! Unfortunately, we’re unable to oblige them. There are simply too many garages in need of storage solutions, cabinets and more. Thankfully, though, there are plenty of professional organizers willing to help you transform that make-shift storage room back into a guest room before Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim show up in their Santa hats.

When choosing an organizer, keep in mind that the person you hire will be working very closely with you, your family and your most personal belongings, so it’s important to make sure the fit is a comfortable one. As you shop around, ask these questions:

How long have you been in the business?
What’s your fee structure?
Do you offer any follow-up support?
Are you available for telephone consulting?
Can you provide the contact information for three local references?

Once you’ve found a professional who can answer all of these questions to your satisfaction, I say simplify your life. Let the experts go forth and conquer on your behalf!

Does chaos lurk behind the doors of your garage cabinets?

October 21, 2010 by Rick Scully

In our last post, we pointed you to online stores that sell organizational solutions. Boxes, containers and bins, oh my. The assortment is so extensive, it’s almost hard to excuse a disorganized home or garage!

At Garage Tailors Garage, we specialize in custom floor and wall cabinets, among other things. While our cabinets can certainly bring order to your garage, there’s plenty of opportunity for chaos behind closed doors. Use the solutions you find online to keep awkward items, including the following, neatly arranged on your cabinet shelves:

screws, washers, nuts and bolts
paint brushes and other paint supplies
sandpaper and small tools
string, rope and bungee cords
hose and sprinkler attachments
golf balls and tennis balls – every garage has some!

While labelling will help you quickly find what you’re looking for, you can skip this step by opting for clear containers to begin with. Don’t have any garage cabinets to organize? Check out our products page to find out what you’re missing.

Home organization ideas from your garage organization expert

October 12, 2010 by Rick Scully

Congratulations. You survived September! The academic year is now in full swing and you’re back to shuffling the kids between school and extra-curricular activities. While proper garage storage will certainly help you and the family get in and out of the car more efficiently, organization inside your home is essential at this time of year.

Because we know how busy you are, we thought we’d point you to a few online sources so that you can stock up on handy storage bins and other great things from the comfort of your home! Check them out.

The catalogue for the last site (Solutions) is currently under construction but it’s a great store, so bookmark the site for a future visit.

In our next post, we’ll be offering a few tips on how to put some of the goodies you find to good use in your garage. Until then, stay organized!

Does your garage have a purpose?

August 19, 2010 by Rick Scully

Floor Cabinets - Garage When you ask the right questions, you’re more likely to find the right solutions. So, what can your garage do for you? If you don’t know, don’t read on. If, however, you believe your garage can protect your vehicle from the elements, not to mention vandalism, keep going.

Picking up where we left off last post, for weeks your garage has been a hard-to-navigate maze of bicycles, garden supplies and more. How do you restore order?

Purge! If you no longer need it, let it go. Give it to a neighbour, sell it at a yard sale, take it to a charity store, or, if it’s broken, send it straight to the dump.
Dispose! In the interest of safety and space, get rid of empty or near-empty containers of paint, pesticides, motor oil and other hazardous substances by following municipal guidelines.
Organize! With excess items removed, you’re ready to clear the floor by maximizing the walls and ceiling for storage. For some, a two-by-four and a nail work wonders but if you’re looking for a little more functionality, check out our selection of shelves and cabinets.
Park that car! It’s what your garage was designed for, after all!

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