October means fall, or some of you say autumn but whatever you say soon there will be falling leaves and falling temperatures. We moved to Arizona to not have cold winds, freezing rain and snow. In looking at the weather I see that snow is already falling in the north.  But the rest of you will soon have to be dealing with just those things. We have always had a rule; if we have a two-car garage we will be parking two cars in it. We do not allow it to be filled with clutter and stuff. If you have a garage and you can’t park your car in it and you want to; let’s work together and make that happen.

Now is the perfect time of the year. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right.

First things first: Timing

Start this project the day after your regular trash pick-up day.  Next, if you have “Big trash day” or “bulk trash day” start the weekend before that day.

Get lots of big garbage bags.

If you have not used it in a year and it is not a tool let it go.

You have 4 choices; you can throw it away, donate it, give it away or sell it.

If you live in a neighborhood you can put your stuff on the curb with a “free” sign and more than likely it will disappear.   Last weekend was our big trash day and we put our a broken mini-fridge and a heater along with some tree limbs.  We barely closed the garage door before someone swooped in and grabbed the broken mini-fridge.  They had plans to convert it into a cooler. (Thank you Pinterest!). The next morning the heater was gone too.

Just a word of warning – Don’t leave your junk on the curb for very long.  Your neighbors will not take too kindly to a junky street.

If you moved into your house over 2 years ago and you have boxes that you still have not opened. Don’t.  I Repeat Don’t Open them!  Just donate them. You have not needed them they are taking up space.

If you have unfinished projects that have been unfinished for over 2 years, news flash you are not going to finish them. Let them go. If not set a firm deadline and if that deadline passes without you completing them you have to let them go.

If you have used oil, paint or other chemicals that you need to get rid of Waste Management has some tips. municipalities residential-solutions household-hazardous-waste

If you are using your garage as a storage facility for excess furniture that you do not have a timetable to use, you need to let it go. Most likely when you move into that new house your old stuff that has been sitting in the garage with the spiders, bugs, mice, and dust will not work in your space. I can only assume it does not work in your current house.   If you are holding on to your bachelor furniture that your wife will not let you move into the house, just let it go. She is not going to change her mind. Wouldn’t you rather park your car in the garage than sit in that ratty recliner with the oversized rear projection screen TV?

Remember, months of winter weather are fast approaching. Just saying 10 to 20 more minutes of sleep vs. starting a cold car, scraping off the windshield. Being the wonderful man who you are you will not have to do the same thing for your wife. She will be so happy.

Remember Happy Wife….Happy Life.

Maybe she will buy you a new amazing recliner for your dream man cave.

In summary!

Garages: Just because you have a Garage for storage, doesn’t mean you have to keep everything there forever. Schedule one or two days a year to give the Garage a once over. Once you get the hang of it you won’t have to make a big project out of it. Just look for a few things that you can toss or donate. And then do it!

Thanks Pamela

#mancave #garage #organize #overwhelmed #momlife