26 ORG Design Guide Do not copy. © 2006 Windquest Companies Inc. 03/06 CONFIDENTIAL

HOME ORGANIZATION REDEFINEDTM

Planning Checklist: GARAGE

Use It See It Plug It Count It Move It Toss It Notes

All the Stuff

Surplus beveragesSurplus dry goodsSports equipment• Bikes

• Kayaks/canoes

• Golf clubs

• Clothing/pads

• Dirty clothing

• Skis/boots/shoes

Seasonal clothesTrash/recycle binsLawn mower/snow blowerGrill/outdoor cookersLarge toolsSmall toolsGarden tools• Hose

• Fertilizers/sprays

• Spreader/sprayer

• Handheld tools

• Pots/dirt/seed

• Rake(s)/shovel(s)

Household equipment• Broom(s)/vacuum(s)

• Cleaning supplies

• Sink/wash tub

Hobbies• Fishing equipment/clothes

• Hunting equipment/clothes

Pool suppliesVehicle maintenance suppliesOther:

Alw

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Ofte

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Yes

No

Yes

No

Client: Date:

Key Considerations Use It How frequently is it used?See It Should it be visible/displayed or

behind a door or in a drawer?Plug It Does it require a nearby outlet?

Count It How many items need to be accommodated?Move It Is there a more appropriate place for it?Toss It Is it time to dispose of it?

DESIGN GUIDE

ORG Design Guide 27CONFIDENTIAL Do not copy. © 2006 Windquest Companies Inc. 03/06

While the garage is a large collection space and anarea for parking automobiles, in many ways it is aninformal entryway to the home. Functionality isimportant, but so is appearance and accessibility.

Take into account the climate conditions in yourarea. If temperatures are moderate year-round alarge array of applications are appropriate for the garage.

Consider the space when vehicles are parked inside.How many vehicles need to fit here? Are theycompact cars or SUVs? Be sure to accommodate for opening car doors.

Avoid placing doors and closures in locations that will hinder movement in the space once cars are inside.

Utilize the area next to parked cars for storingitems such as spare lumber and seasonal tools suchas rakes.

Elevate storage to prevent exposure to moisture:rain, snow melt and other spills.

Consider the area immediately outside the door intothe home as a “transitional zone”—a spot to placegroceries while unlocking the door, grabbing a yardcoat or changing from boots to shoes. Considersurfaces and hooks that might optimize this space.

Create a “need it now” zone in the garage.You cansupport this need by placing often-used items suchas extra food, brooms, etc.

Place frequently used yard maintenance items closeto garage doors (rakes, brooms, leaf bags, shovels,bird food, to avoid risking car scratches and dings.

Create “passion centers” based on the homeowner’sfavorite activities such as gardening, carpentry, flyfishing, etc.

Place children’s items low to the ground, shareditems in the middle and adult things at the top—including dangerous items such as chemicals andpowders.

Design and Planning Tips

Sample Solution: GARAGE