Organize Your Bikes
June 6, 2012
With another beautiful week ahead, many people are hitting the trails with their bikes. This begs the question, what is the best way to organize bicycles in your garage? Given the size and frequency of use, bikes are not the easiest items in the garage to organize. Depending on your space, there are several different options:
• For Narrow Spaces – consider horizontal wall-mounted racks that can hold bikes flush against the wall. They often have shelves built in for helmets and/or other gear.
• Need Flexibility? – try a free-standing rack that stores two or four bicycles vertically. If you don’t like where it is located, you can just pick it up and move it.
• Kids – free-standing bike stands work well for kids on the go! These are similar to bike racks that you see at schools or parks, but smaller. While these might not be the most efficient use of space, they give kids a place to store their bikes. They can get their bikes out without your help, and they are more likely to put it away if they have a designated “parking space” for their bike…priceless!
• For Off-Season Storage – give a ceiling-mounted hoist bike rack a try. These are a great solution for seasonal storage when you are short on space.
• Keep it Simple – you can also use screw hooks to hang your bicycle upside down. These steel hooks covered in vinyl are an inexpensive solution to store you bike when it is not in use.
Depending on your space, choose the best bike storage option for you. You are now one step closer to an organized garage!
Donna Lindley, Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Rochester Hills, MI-based Organize Your World, Inc.
Choosing the Right Tie Rack
June 4, 2012
Maybe you are just entering the business force, or maybe you are just in need of a new solution for tie storage. If you fall into either of these categories, read on. Here is my guide on all different types of tie racks and how you know which one is right for you! But first, some questions that you will want to have sorted out.
How to Organize Your Cleaning Supplies
May 29, 2012
Along with the sounds and smells of spring comes the urge to open up the house and do a thorough spring cleaning. By taking inventory of your cleaning supplies and organizing them, you will save time and be more motivated. Follow these tips to make this year’s spring cleaning easier than ever:
• Take Inventory – Begin by taking inventory of your current cleaning supplies. Gather them from your closets, garage, under the sink, etc. and group them together. Determine what products you use and get rid of the rest. If there is anything you are missing, create a shopping list. Are your mops and brooms in good condition? How about your rags, buckets, and rubber gloves? If any of these need to be replaced, add them to your shopping list.
• Use a Caddy – If you don’t already have a caddy with a handle, I highly recommend purchasing one. You can store all of your “everyday” cleaning supplies in here and carry it from room to room.
• Dedicate Space – Now that you have collected your supplies and know how much storage space you need, it is time to choose a space to store them. It is best to keep all of your cleaning supplies together in one area so you know what you have and where to find it. This space could be a closet, pantry, or space in the garage or under the stairs.
• Hang Mops and Brooms – Install a wall-mounted mop and broom holder to make the best use of your long-handled cleaning tools, such as mops, brooms, dustpans, and dusters. Not only does this free up your floor space, but it helps to dry and air them out.
Now that your cleaning supplies are gathered and organized, you will save time on your cleaning. So go ahead, open your windows, and jump right into your spring cleaning.
Donna Lindley, Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Rochester Hills, MI-based Organize Your World, Inc.