Fortunate enough to have your own garage, shed or an outbuilding and envisage an improvement? Whether it’s developing room for tools, garden equipment or machinery, a space can sometimes be neglected in the order of priorities. Retrieving the right tool for the right job is always a bonus!
A shed or an outside building can have multiple uses inside one space. It’s often a zone for grubby jobs, which would otherwise encroach your home space – a ‘motorbike in the kitchen’ springs to mind!
Purpose of space – what’s your target?
Reasons behind reorganising or converting an area, could be spurred on by a desire to embrace a new hobby, business or lifestyle. The size of space will be important in relation to its intended purpose. Some factors for consideration could be electrical or heat supply and ensuring there is good access to them. Additional aspects, could be the room being weatherproofed – planning these key elements helps you to head in the right direction.
Perhaps it’s necessary for a relative to reside with you, meaning a conversion of your garage is imminent. In recent times, some of us have contemplated opening up the garden shed to use as a study or home office. For a workshop, do you need a work bench on hand and a place to store it away?
To come up with a new design, sketch out a preferred layout including dimensions and make a shopping list for your materials. You may intend to incorporate a study corner in your garage in addition to storage – most modern garages are comfortable enough to spend time in.
With a garage conversion, doors and windows usually need to be integrated to introduce natural daylight. Taking note of existing insulation properties, how you will light and furnish the new room will also be part of your preparations.
Temporary shortfall
Perhaps you’re moving home and the shed is full to capacity! Whilst preparing for the house to go on the market, the garage is sometimes forgotten. It helps to be mindful of when you will tackle this task, reducing stress closer to your moving date! Some contents may be able to go into a loft space in the new place. If this is implausible, you’re downsizing so will have limited space, then consider renting a self storage unit.
Filtering the content
Choose what will be retained and then contemplate recycling or selling unwanted items. Sorting out an area will involve disposing of any surplus items. Use large garden bags or crates for ease of transporting contents, destined for your local recycling centre.
During this process, a great treasure may occasionally turn up – an antique or mislaid item which holds more value to you than before. Sometimes it’s worth replacing old equipment with new technology or assessing the longevity of the part. Take care of tools, to take care of the task!
Bikes and scooters which kids have grown out of, have a tendency to accumulate. Bicycles or outdoor toys that are in good working condition can be offered to a neighbouring family, local preschool or charity shop.
Storage options
Once it’s simplified, you can appreciate the true size and shape of a clear room. During this process, categorise items and label up storage boxes, ready for their new locations.
How will you store different sizes and weights of tools or machinery? After you have determined some order, you can acquire racking or shelving systems. A wall mounted system could be an option to help maximise floor space. With a variety of tool tidy and space saving products available on the market, there are ample ways to display your contents.
Take care to implement easy access to everything, particularly when arranging a new system for a working area or living quarters.
Bringing around order!
If your garage or shed is in need of some harmony, examine the possibilities of transforming this space into a systemised and practical zone that works for you. Whether it’s for tools or to accommodate a new plan – achieving an organised working or living solution, could be your mission!
