Stress in the Shadows: The Science Behind How a Disorganized Garage Affects Your Mental Health
10 Tips to Declutter Your Colorado Garage and Boost Your Mental Health
A cluttered garage is more than just an eyesore; it can be a substantial source of mental stress for Colorado homeowners. The disorganization can lead to feelings of frustration. Every time you open the garage door to a chaotic mess, it can trigger a negative response. This is particularly true in a place like Colorado, where outdoor activities are a significant part of life. A cluttered garage can hinder access to recreational equipment, adding another layer of frustration. Implementing effective garage storage solutions and garage organization ideas can transform the messiest garage, fostering a more positive mental state.
Consider these three facts about clutter and its role in anxiety and stress…
Physical clutter competes for attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress.
A hyper-abundance leads to a world of grief, especially for women, whose stress-hormones spiked when smacked with the family clutter and who often referred to their homes with words like "not fun" and "very chaotic.”
(UCLA)
A growing body of research links clutter at home to increased stress and anxiety — sometimes even linking clutter and depression. “Our culture teaches us that the more you own, the happier you’ll be,” says Joseph Ferrari, professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago, who has long studied the impact of clutter on the psyche. “But it’s actually the opposite: The more you have, the less happy you tend to be.”
A cluttered space creates stress and anxiety which negatively impacts mental health.
Having an overcrowded garage can add to the stress as it’s often the last place you see in your house when you leave and the first you see upon your return. By organizing and decluttering, you can create a more functional and visually pleasing space. This task of course, is much harder than it sounds - and that’s where we can help!
Here are 10 tips to declutter and organize your garage to improve your metal well-being:
1. Set Aside Time and Mentally Prepare
Dedicate a specific time to tackle the garage. Trying to do it all in one day can be overwhelming - and not a realistic expectation. Begin this process with the mindset that it's okay for the task to take a few days and to let go of items you haven't used in years.
Take a "before" photo to document your starting point. The goal is a clutter-free garage, be prepared to discard a significant amount of clutter. Move the cars and any large equipment, such as lawnmowers and bikes, that you plan to keep outside. Then, visualize your new space with fresh eyes, aiming for a clean slate to work from.
2. Sort Items into Keep, Donate, Sell and Discard Categories
Create piles for items to keep, donate, sell, and discard. Be ruthless in your decision-making to avoid keeping unnecessary clutter. Start by disposing of any extra trash or clutter. This includes actual trash or items with no value, such as old materials and broken equipment.
For significant amounts of trash, consider purchasing a Waste Management Bagster Bag, available at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, or Home Depot. These bags can hold up to 3,300 pounds, providing ample space to clear out your garage. When you're ready for pickup, call Waste Management at 1-866-909-4458 for quick service.
If you have items that haven’t been used in a year or more and that could be useful to others, consider donating them. Contact your local ARC to schedule a donation pick-up. Check the list of accepted items and learn how ARC supports your Colorado community at arcthrift.com/donations.
3. Access the Space
Inspect the garage for any damage or issues and clean the space thoroughly - including the floor. Cleaning traditional concrete floors can be challenging, requiring a pressure washer, bucket, and squeegee. This is one of the toughest steps. One of the best benefits of a CGS Polyaspartic Flooring System is its ease of cleaning, ensuring that the shine and durability of your new flooring last for years. With the garage clean, it's a good time to check for needed repairs or paint touch-ups. Take extra steps to wipe down all surfaces and door handles, replace any lightbulbs, and complete any other small tasks to make your garage feel refreshed and clean.
4. Organize as You Go
As you declutter, start organizing items into their new storage solutions. Tools, sports gear, lawn equipment, storage, and leisure items should each have designated spaces. Plan your storage solutions based on the needs of each category to maintain an organized garage. See all Custom Garage Solutions organization options.
5. Use Clear Bins with Labels
Transparent bins allow you to see what's inside without rummaging through each one, saving time and reducing frustration. Labeling the bins allows access to the right one, every time. See a 4 star clear bin for all your garage storage needs.
SlatWall storage provides versatility and simplicity - not to mention a place for all your hard to store items. See all the benefits of modernizing your garage with SlatWall
6. Install Slatwall
Each group of items in a garage presents unique storage challenges, often requiring specialized solutions like SlatWall. CGS SlatWall is designed to display, store, and organize items on your wall, effectively extending the functionality of shelves and cabinets. The panels feature slots or grooves for hanging shelves, hooks, wire baskets, and various accessories, accommodating items that are too long, large, bulky, or awkward for other systems. This can also enhance safety by keeping items like shovels, rakes, and power tools off the floor and out of reach of children. Consider whether balls and sports equipment could be better stored elsewhere, and think about dedicated storage for fishing gear or skis. Prioritize items that need daily or weekly access, and find separate storage for those used infrequently.
7. Install Garage Shelving and Cabinetry
Shelving systems are excellent tools for maximizing vertical space and keeping items off the floor. This not only makes the garage look neater but also makes it easier to find and access items. See our full line of custom cabinets and shelving. View Custom Garage Solutions full line of custom cabinets and build your dream garage one cabinet at a time.
8. Utilize Ceiling Space
Overhead garage storage maximizes space utilization, freeing up valuable floor space for other activities. By utilizing the vertical space in your garage, you can store seasonal items, bulky equipment, and belongings you don't need frequent access to, keeping them organized and out of the way.
A foldable workbench is a great solution for smaller garage spaces.
9. Contemplate a Standard or Foldable Workbench
A good workbench in the garage provides a dedicated space for DIY projects, repairs, and hobbies, enhancing productivity and organization. With a sturdy surface and built-in storage, a workbench offers convenience and efficiency, allowing you to keep tools and materials within reach while working. Having a designated area for tasks fosters a sense of focus and creativity, making it easier to tackle projects with confidence. Don’t feel the need or have the space for a standard work bench? Consider a foldable workbench that can be stored away when not in use, saving valuable floor space.
10. Consider Updated Lighting
Now that you have completed the above, make sure you can see your work! Opt for energy-efficient LED lights to illuminate the area, ensuring optimal visibility for all tasks.
Addressing garage clutter is not just about physical organization; it's about improving mental well-being.
By implementing garage storage solutions, exploring garage organization ideas, and effective declutter strategies, Colorado homeowners can transform their garages from chaotic spaces into organized havens. We understand that the garage is an extension of your home, and keeping it organized, accessible, and versatile contributes to a safer, stress-free, and more complete living space - which in turn promotes good mental health.
At Custom Garage Solutions, we provide solutions that modernize and optimize garages, enhancing the experience of arriving home and making departures smoother than ever.
If you are curious about upgrading the garage space in your Colorado home, you can learn more about our Custom Garage Solutions Floor Systems, garage doors, cabinets and shelving or other custom upgrades that we can provide.
You can also request a free estimate here. We’d love to work with you anywhere in the Denver area!
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We offer custom garage services throughout the Denver area including flooring, door repair and replacement, cabinets and shelving and custom upgrades.
