Garages, Storage Buildings, and the Problem of Having Too Much Stuff
As I write this, it’s now May, so it’s possible that you still have some things on your spring cleaning to-do list that you haven’t gotten around to yet. You may have done some deeper cleaning of your living space, but you’ve perhaps been putting off trying to address the condition of your garage and/or other metal buildings.
We get it. If you’re like most Americans, you’ve probably accumulated a lot of stuff. And if you’re like a lot of us, you’ve probably been throwing stuff in your garage or steel storage buildings without a whole lot of rhyme, reason, or forethought. How’s that mountain of stuff shaping up? Are you getting close to reaching the critical avalanche stage? If so, it’s time to quit putting it off, and take some proactive steps to better manage your storage space.
If the amount of free space in your garage has shrunk to the point that you couldn’t fit a car in there if you tried, and if your backyard steel buildings or other outbuildings look like a train wreck, you can’t afford to wait any longer. Don’t just keep tossing stuff in there and slamming the door! There’s a better way to maximize your space.
Take the Time to Organize and Strategize Your Metal Storage Buildings
The good news is that things don’t have to stay the way they are. Ready to get your garage mess and metal building mayhem under control? Here are some practical tips you can follow to get your building cleaner and more organized for better use:
Redefine Your Building’s Purpose
If you chose to install a metal building at some point in the past, go back to why you made that decision in the first place. How were you planning on using your building back then? How are you actually using it now? And how would you like to make better use of your building going forward? If you’ll go ahead and identify these points now, that can help you come up with the best plan of attack. Seeing the real potential for improvement can also motivate you to stick with it and follow through.
Sort and Declutter Your Stuff
This might not be the most fun step, but it’s one of the most important. Pull everything out of your building and move it outside. Sort it all into three main piles – things you want to keep, things you’re ready to donate, and stuff that needs to be trashed. Pro tip: if you haven’t used it in over a year, you’re probably safe to get rid of it. Remember, we’re trying to declutter!
Hose It Off & Hose It Out
One of the nice things about having a steel structure is the fact that it’s generally easy to clean with nothing more than a garden hose or a pressure washer. You might need to add a little soap to deal with floor stains; just be sure to rinse well when you’re done.
Air It Out
You’ll need to give everything plenty of time to air dry. Opening the doors and windows will improve circulation, and setting up a box fan or shop fan can help speed up the drying process.
Clean the Doors, Windows, & Entryways
While you’re waiting for the inside of your building to dry, you’ll have some time to give attention to cleaning the garage doors, walk-in doors, and door frame areas. A shop vac can work wonders in all the nooks and crannies. While you’re at it, go ahead and vacuum the windowsills before you give any window panes a good cleaning.
Implement a Storage Organization System
One of the best ways to maximize your building space is to add a combination of wall-mounted racks, hangers, and shelving. The more you can get things up and off the floor, the more space you’ll have for storing larger, heavier items. An arrangement of shelves and racks will help you keep your tools and accessories better organized and easier to find whenever you need them, too.
Bring Your Stuff Back Inside
Now it’s time to bring all the stuff you’re keeping back inside. But this time, be intentional about keeping like items together. If you were thorough enough with your decluttering, you might even have enough space to park a vehicle in the garage again!
Maximize the Possibilities with a Metal Building
A custom-built steel structure can be a fantastic multipurpose facility for vehicle parking, keeping lawn & garden equipment, workshop space, general storage, and much more. But a metal building is most useful whenever you take the time to keep it clean and well-organized. Following the tips we’ve shared above can help you get the most out of your building investment.
But what if you don’t have your own metal building yet, or are ready to add another one to your property? The pros at Metal Barn Central have you covered! We deliver and install perfect steel structure solutions for any home, farm, or business need.
Why Metal Barn Central?
Why choose Metal Barn Central to provide your custom metal building? Simply put, we’re American metal building experts. Our sturdy steel structures are rugged, durable, versatile, completely customizable, and require very little in the way of ongoing maintenance. We fabricate and construct each building to order, to meet your exact specifications. Plus, we include delivery & installation of your custom building at no extra charge!
What about financing options? We’ve got the best metal building financing solutions in the business! Our friendly building experts are standing by to answer all your questions and help you get started. Connect with us online, or simply give us a call at (980) 365-8481 today.
