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Many people today have more items or belongings than they know what to do with. Are you a pack rat? Most people are to some degree a pack rat. If you have the room and storage capabilities to keep all your belongings, there is nothing wrong with holding on to any and everything you want. However, if you are like the average person, you have more stuff than you know what to do with.

Most people’s junk ends up in their garage. Usually cluttering the floor, walls, and even attic space. With the correct storage system you can have a clean and neatly arranged garage that will allow you to find anything you need at any given time.

If you wish to store all of your belongings in cardboard boxes, you can plan on something if not all items being damaged over time. Cardboard boxes do not keep bugs or moisture at bay. Cardboard boxes also lose their strength over time due to the humidity in the air. For this reason if you try to stack cardboard boxes, you can count on the fact that they will eventually droop and eventually fall.

Rubbermaid has made some great storage systems that can be used to neatly stack and organize all of your belongings from floor to ceiling. You can find plastic containers in all shapes and sizes to accommodate almost any size item you have. There are even plastic closet systems which allow you to hang jumpsuits, or store large bulky items like tools, guns, or fishing equipment.

Many plastic containers will seal almost airtight in order to help keep moisture and humidity from ruining your belongings inside. Color coding your boxes with like items will help you to find specific items in the future when you are looking for them. Take a large black permanent marker and write in detail what is inside each container. These are just a couple of ways that you can help yourself stay organized. When you know that you have way too many possessions for the amount of room you have to store it in, invest in good quality storage containers and take the time to get organized.

Dan has been helping people stay organized for years. He has many tips and tricks for keeping your home and garage organized with rubbermaid garage storage systems. Feel free to check out more of his tips on utilizing your garage space, which also includes garage lighting ideas.

Author: Daniel Middour
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Programmable pressure cooker

When it comes to garage storage ideas, there are many things that you can do. Listed below are standard items that you will need to make your storage needs a breeze. After you have read through this list, you will have a better understanding of what types of storage options are available to you.

Wire Racks:

These are basically shelving made out of wiring. They are light weight, and come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them can even be hanged from the ceiling, or walls.

Pulleys:

If you have something heavy you need to hang, such as a kayak, or maybe a small boat, lawn mower, then using a pulley system will get it up and down with ease, and keep it sturdy, so that it doesn’t fall down.

Platforms:

If you have rafters in your garage, and I am sure you do, then you can build small platforms all over the place up there. They look like shelves, but are designed for larger objects, and increase floor space. You can use just a standard ladder to get up and down from these platforms. These are great if you have a detached garage.

Wall Boards:

Usually made from peg board, and are used to hang tools on. Usually power tools of some sort. They are light weight, and very inexpensive, so you won’t break the pocket book when buying them.

They will keep all sorts of things that you can hang up out of the way, and easy to find. It is a good idea to hang small things that you will use on a regular basis here.

Storage Bins:

These are bins, that are usually heavy duty, to store things in. Rubbermaid is a famous brand that makes them. Most of the times they either have a lid, or are a draw system for easy access. It all depends on how often you might need the things you put in them. If you think you might need to get at them quickly, then get the ones with drawers. They are still stackable, and make for easy storage.

Bike Hooks:

These are hooks designed to hang from either the rafters, or ceiling to hang your bike on. They are very easy to put up, and there are some out there that make it beyond easy, and just clip your bike in, and it holds it there in place.

Screw Storage Cabinet:

This is pretty self explanatory, you store nails, and lose screws in here. They have a ton of draws, and you can store other small objects in them as well. Most of the time it is see through draws, so that you can see what is inside, without having to open up all the draws to find what you are looking for.

Now that you have read through this list, you now know all the garage storage ideas that are available to you. All you have to do is plan out which ones are going to work best for you, and how you are going to go about implementing them. Remember through, always have a plan, and check it twice before you start.

If these ideas have wetted your appetite, to get to grips with your garage. Then garage storage shelves could be a great option plus using garage overhead storage could get your garage looking organized once more.

Author: Mat Claybourne
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Make PCB Assembly

Garage organizers come in many shapes and sizes. There are specialty racks, shelves, and cabinets. There are hoist systems, overhead platforms, and other ingenious ideas that people have come up with to help organize stuff. Sometimes “garage organizers” even refers to a type of person, as in people who organize garages. Usually it just refers to ways and means of making sense of life’s various things that tend to clutter up our garages and homes. Lets take a closer look at this last area. A good place to start is to break down the things that you and your family members use on both a regular and an occasional basis.

You and your kid’s bikes are probably things you use often. These things can be stored with specialty racks that make it possible for you to access your bikes easily and quickly. without having them lying all over the floor. Picture how nice it would be to not have to deal with bikes flopping all over the place, or tripping on them when you try to navigate your way past them to try to get to something else. All in all, garage organizers for bikes is a wonderful idea.

Other things you use frequently that really benefits from garage organizers is sports equipment. Soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, golf clubs, roller blades, and all sorts of other things can be safely and neatly stored in bins and on hooks designed just for such things. This sure beats the normal dump-it-on-the-floor-and-run routine that most kids use. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times you ask them to put their things away, they somehow just end up all over the garage floor. If the kids know that there is a specific rack or bin for their stuff, it makes it more likely that they will use it.

Things that you use infrequently would be things like fishing gear. Garage organizers help make sense of this stuff too. Chances are you have fishing poles, reels, nets, and other fishing stuff that only gets used every once in awhile, but mostly just sits in a jumbled mess. Instead of piling all that stuff up willy-nilly in a corner of the garage somewhere, why not organize it neatly. Next time you get ready to go fishing, loading up will be a snap. Plus, you’ll save yourself the frustration of dealing with rods and reels that are a mess.

Probably my most favorite garage organizers are garage storage cabinets. These can be left on the floor on rollers, or mounted on the wall, or even situated on a table top. Many are lockable, and most have adjustable shelves. Paints, stains, sandpapers, miscellaneous hand tools, and other items that can really turn your tool boxes into jumbled messes go great in these sorts of cabinets. Like all garage organizers, these cabinets make our lives easier because the frustration of dealing with things out of place goes away. Instead, we create an environment where we can think clearly, access things we need easily, and just create a more relaxing vibe in our day to day lives.

Garage organizers come in all shapes and sizes, and I recommend them highly if you are interested in simplifying both the frequently, and infrequently, used items in your life. Do an inventory and decide to take action. Get the organizers you need and smile.

I am not sure when it all started, maybe in 1986 with Lionel Richie’s hit song, “Dancing on the Ceiling”. Perhaps a young child looked up and dreamt about dancing or walking on the ceiling, and though they may never have actually done that, they did realize that the ceiling had potential for other uses, like storage. Maybe someone discovered the use of ceiling space before then, I really don’t know. But I do know that there are a multitude of garage overhead storage options available today.

These options come in a couple of different forms. From shelves that hang, bolted from the ceiling, to pulley systems that you can use to lower and raise a shelf, to special tracks which allow you to hang everyday storage bins. But regardless of what type of garage overhead storage system works best for you, they all have some of the same basic advantages. Here are five reasons why you may want to use your ceiling space for storage.

Whether you own or rent a home, if you have a garage, you have space that you already “own”, so we should utilize all out space in the most efficient way possible. All garages have ceilings or rafters, so it makes sense to use them. Sure, if you have rafter, you can balance some items above them, such as skis or sleds, but a hanging shelf will hold a lot more stuff in a wider variety of shapes and sizes. Many people have so much stuff that they don’t know what to do with, that they go and rent a storage unit. If you already have a garage, this does not make sense. As mentioned above, you are already paying for your living space, why pay more to store your stuff elsewhere? If you can store items in garage overhead storage instead of paying for self storage, you will save money. After all, most garage overhead storage systems can be paid for with the cost of only a few months worth of self storage. Another great advantage of garage overhead storage compared to a storage unit, is that you can access your things at any time without leaving home. Sure, it is not as quick to access as a regular shelf, but it doesn’t take that much effort – definitely quicker and easier than traveling to a storage unit. > If you are like I have been, your indoor closet space is filled to capacity and beyond! Get things like keep sakes and seasonal items out of your closets and into garage overhead storage. They are the perfect storage solution for items that only have to be accessed occasionally. Finally, the best reason to use garage overhead storage is to free up your garage so that your car can fit inside! So many garages become a catch all, that only 32% of people with a two car garage can fit one car inside, and 25% of two car garage owners can’t fit any car into their garage! Winter is coming quick, and you know that you don’t want to have to scrape the frost and snow from your car. Reclaim your garage now, and overhead garage storage is the perfect solution for part of this problem.

So, regardless of the type of garage overhead storage system that you use, it is easy to see that there are reasons why almost anybody would benefit.

Are you running out of storage space in your home or office? Do you have more “stuff” than you know what to do with? If you are like most people in this country, you probably have a ton of junk lying around because you simply have no more room for it. The solution, is staring you in the face right now and that solution is called self storage. Read on to find out more about the ins and outs of self storage.

Self storage is available to residential and business customers. It is generally very cost effective also because it allows a person or business to store all kinds of items in a secure location while being permitted constant and unfettered access to such belongings twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

Facilities that provide storage space rentals are known in the industry as self storage providers. These facilities rent out varying shapes and sizes of self storage space that folks then use to store thins such as personal belongings, furniture, business equipment, etc. The list of items that can be stored in a self storage unit is pretty much endless as long as the items are legal and not considered dangerous by the self storage facility management. The single most important advantage of using self storage facilities is the freedom of choice you, as a client, are offered. For example, you can rent a small five foot by five foot area if that is all you need. In contrast, you can also rent a self storage unit that is large enough to hold one or more vehicles! As I stated earlier, the flexibility offered by these types of self storage companies is just amazing.

One of the more important features of any self storage provider is the security that is provided for your prized possessions. The explosion of self storage companies that has occurred over the last few years has brought many good self storage providers into the marketplace and many poor storage providers as well. It is your job as a consumer to properly vet any self storage provider you intend to use. Be sure to ask for a full list of services that are provided and the associated costs. Compare this information with other local self storage facilities in your area and choose the company that provides the best security even if it does cost a bit more.

If you do not have the time to go back and forth from your location to the storage facilities in your area, there is another alternative that many of them now offer. This alternative type of self storage is known as mobile self storage and it is a very effective and cost effective self storage solution for those who simply do not have the time to travel to and from a local self storage facility.

Mobile self storage is certainly a flexible and effective storage solution for both residential and commercial clients. The way mobile self storage works is pretty straightforward. Basically, the self storage company will send staff to your location along with self storage containers. Such storage containers are strong and weatherproof and can vary in size. You are then free to fill these storage containers with your belongings at your leisure. Once you’ve added all of your belongings to your self storage containers, you can either leave the containers at your property or you can have the self storage facility remove the containers from your property and transport them to their own storage facility where you will be give exclusive access to them via a gate code and keys.

Utilizing mobile self storage, in effect, cuts your work in half and ultimately reduces your costs. Instead of spending money on gas and wasting time traveling back and forth from a local self storage provider, you can simply step outside your door and store everything right in your driveway. The option to have your local self storage staff come and pick it up and move it to your self storage unit is a huge perk and incredibly time saving. If you require any type of self storage, I strongly recommend that you check out the mobile self storage options available from your local providers.

As you can see, self storage in general can be an amazingly convenient and cost effective service if you choose the right company. Mobile self storage, in my own experience, is just a fantastic invention. Activities such a moving between houses and cleaning garages have become substantially less complicated with the advent of mobile self storage offerings.

Self storage rental comes in many different shapes and sizes. Mini storage can be a small storage unit the size of a tiny closet, or large enough to store everything in your house. It can even be large enough for RV storage, boat storage and vehicle storage. You can choose short term or long term storage, and you even have a choice between three basic types of self storage like outdoor storage, indoor units and the kind of storage you can drive right up to.

Each type of storage is ideal for a certain item, but usually able to hold other items as well – with the exception of outdoor storage, which is most suitable for vehicles, boats, RVs, motorcycles and other large equipment like lawn or farm equipment, and not suitable for most general items. But with indoor storage, you can store some large equipment, as well as things like valuables and paperwork, and drive-up storage is suitable for just about anything you need to store, including boats, RVs and other vehicles.

Drive-up storage units are probably the most common self storage available. These units are about the size of a small garage, with the standard size typically coming in at about 10 x 10. They can be smaller or larger, with varying ceiling heights. These units are usually not climate control storage, so anything stored in them will need to be able to stand up to possible extreme temperatures, based on the climate in your area. A drive-up storage unit is convenient because you can back a truck right up to the unit and unload it there. You don’t have to carry items through a building to get to an indoor storage unit. And because the door is like a garage door that rolls up and out of the way, the opening is large enough to easily accommodate things like appliances and furniture, and even allows some vehicles to drive right in, if the facility allows vehicles in their drive-up storage units (and most do).

You may even be able to find climate control drive-up self storage, but don’t assume that the facility offers them. Ask so you can be sure to get the right storage for you needs. There are some possible drawbacks to this type of self storage, whether you’re using it for boat storage, vehicle storage, or general storage.

Because the door is accessible from the outside, there’s a higher risk of theft or a break-in than you’ll find with indoor self storage. It’s important with drive-up storage facilities for you be aware of their security measures before you commit to storage rental. You’ll want to make sure someone can’t just walk up to the building, cut off your lock and gain access to your belongings. Check their security carefully. Also, be sure not to put anything in the unit for long term storage that could suffer under hot and cold conditions, if the unit isn’t climate control storage. Anything that could be ruined by the slightest moisture, warp, or mildew isn’t a great candidate for long term storage in this type of unit. You should never store food or anything perishable in any storage unit, but be sure you’re aware of everything you put inside and that nothing that could possibly draw insects or vermin might be in any of your boxes. Since the door is easily accessible from the outside, items like this could present a real problem.

Indoor self storage offers you a storage unit inside a building that might contain several floors of storage. These are the most likely to be climate control storage, but be sure to ask because not all indoor storage is heated and cooled. Most mini storage units are found in indoor storage facilities, too. The doors can be roll-up doors like a garage or ordinary doors. These have better security than drive-up and outdoor storage, and are good for people who need climate control storage or just prefer to house their items in an indoor setting, rather than a warehouse or garage-type storage unit.

Outdoor storage usually costs less than both indoor storage (which is the most expensive in almost all cases) and drive-up storage. You can rent storage units big enough for huge RV storage or small enough for a one-person recreational vehicle, like a motorcycle or four-wheeler. The might be covered with a carport, featuring cement or gravel floors. Security of the entire storage area is of utmost importance when you choose outdoor self storage.

There are many different types of boat storage available depending on your needs. Boats come in a variety of shapes and sizes with different needs depending on how accessible you want your boat. Other factors to consider are how far away from the water do you want your boat to be and if your boat requires any maintenance while you have it stored there.

An option that is good for some individuals, especially if you want your boat accessible year round, is to store it at marina storage. In most cases, this allows your boat to be either in water or readily accessible to water in only a few minutes. For the individual who lives near the water but not on it, this maters sense. However, this is not a cheap option and while not be as expensive as keeping your boat at a dock, it is still relatively expensive. If the cost is not an issue and you would like it accessible whenever you wish, the marine storage option is for you.

If you have a small boat that you would like kept near a dock but not in the water, you can choose rack storage. This form of storage will lift your boat out of the water and hang it from a rack, which can then be removed and lowed back into the water when you wish. This option is great if you have a small powerboat or regular rowboat. This is also a great option for rafts and zodiacs.

If you are not worried about having your boat regularly accessible to water, or if you will be away from your boat for a moderate amount of time, you might wish to select dry storage. Dry storage allows you to store your boat, usually on a trailer, at a storage center when you can pick up your boat whenever you wish and transport it yourself down to the water. This can be a good option for people especially if they want it accessible to other family members.

Another option is the simple backyard storage. In this option, you store your boat in your backyard where you get pick it up whenever you wish. You do not have a monthly or annual fee, and you are responsible for maintaining your boat and the surrounding area year round. Many people do not like this option as it leaves your boat open to the elements and is an eyesore for some. Still for others, it means you are able to keep an eye on your boat and not have it stolen or damaged by others.

Shed storage allows you to store your boat in a shed or similar compartment. Although these storage options are not very large, it is protection against the elements. Shed storage allows you to rent a spot on a neighbor’s land, or house your boat on your own land in a shed where no one can see it. Depending on how much room you have on your land, this might be a good option for you, especially if you do not want your boat to be visible to others.

Another great option is garage storage. If you have a large enough garage to house your boat, some individuals like to house their boat right on their own land inside the garage, which is safe from nature and people. Some individuals also like this option as if you do have a large garage it will allow you to work on your boat in the peace and quiet of your own home. For those who are talented with engines or boats this appears to be the best option for him or her.

Regardless of which option you choose, you want to select a storage option for your boat that is safe from the elements year round. If you live in an area where there are harsh winters, you may wish to enter your boat in a winter storage option that will keep it safe from snow and ice. Although this is only a short-term solution, for many this is a great idea as they will not be using their boats during the winter anyway.

If you want your boat continually accessible for long term storage, but also want maintenance done as you are not machine savvy, you may wish to choose a maintenance storage option that will keep your boat in top condition. These cost more but are well worth it especially if you do not want to trouble yourself on the maintenance.