Wednesday, 5 March 2025

DIY Garage Organisation: Budget-Friendly Ideas for a Tidy Space

 

Image Credit: Pexels

{This is a collaborative post}


Do you open your garage door and instantly feel overwhelmed by the clutter? Whether your goal is to create a space to park the car, a workshop, or simply a neat storage area, organising your garage can feel like a daunting task. But the good news? With some budget-friendly DIY ideas, you can transform your garage into an efficient and tidy space that the entire family can enjoy.

This guide is packed with practical tips and clever storage ideas to help you reclaim your garage—without breaking the bank.


Why Organising Your Garage Matters

Garages often become the dumping ground for everything from sports equipment to Christmas decorations. But if everything’s in disarray, it’s hard to find what you need when you need it. A well-organised garage isn’t just more functional; it can also reduce daily stress, keep your belongings in better condition, and make cleaning a breeze.

Creating a space that works for you doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. There are countless ways to achieve order and style on a budget. Here’s how to get started.


Declutter First

Before implementing any new organisation system, take some time to declutter. Sort your belongings into three piles:

  • Keep – Items you use regularly or are essential.
  • Donate/Sell – Things you no longer need but are in good condition. 
  • Bin – Anything broken or no longer usable.

Once you’ve separated the essentials from the clutter, you’ll have a much clearer idea of how much storage space you actually need.

Top tip: Be ruthless! That kayak you haven’t touched in six years probably doesn’t belong in the “Keep” pile.


Choose the Right Shelving for Your Needs

Shelving is one of the best ways to maximise vertical space in any garage. Here are some cost-effective options to consider when designing a system that works for your family’s storage requirements.

    1. Industrial Shelving for Heavy-Duty Storage

Industrial shelving units are great for storing heavier items like power tools, paint cans, or gardening equipment. They’re sturdy, durable, and can often be found second-hand online for a fraction of the retail price.

Pro tip: Opt for adjustable shelves so you can adapt the storage as your needs change.

    2. Garage Shelving for Everyday Essentials

Garage shelving units tend to be lighter and more scalable, making them ideal for organising everyday items like sports gear or kids’ outdoor toys. Units with baskets or bins can help keep smaller items neat and easy to access.

Consider labelling bins with clear categories like “Camping Gear” or “Seasonal Decor” to make finding things effortless.

    3. DIY Wall-Mounted Shelves

If you’re looking to save money, try building your own shelves. With a few brackets and wooden planks (which you can often get cut to size at DIY stores), you can create custom wall-mounted shelves for a fraction of the cost.

These shelves are perfect for storing lightweight items such as paintbrushes, tins of nails, or cleaning supplies.

Tips for Settling a Fractious Baby

Image credit: UnSplash

{This is a collaborative post}


Having a fractious, unsettled baby can be stressful and tiring for parents and foster carers. Babies cry for many reasons - hunger, discomfort, overstimulation or just needing comfort. While crying is normal, a very fractious baby who cries for hours on end without being soothed can be exhausting. Here are some tips to help settle a fractious baby.


Establish a Bedtime Routine

Having a consistent, calming bedtime routine is important to help baby wind down and get ready for sleep. This could include activities like a warm bath, infant massage, putting on pyjamas, reading a story and singing lullabies. Keep lights dimmed, speak softly and avoid overstimulation. The routine, done in the same order each night, helps signal to baby that it’s time to sleep. This applies to all babies, including foster babies if you are with an agency like Foster Care Associates Essex.


Swaddle Your Baby

Many babies love being wrapped up snugly in a light muslin or cotton cloth - it reminds them of being cocooned in the womb and makes them feel secure. Ensure arms are down by baby’s sides rather than strait jackets across their chest as this can be unsafe. Stop swaddling as soon as baby shows signs of being able to roll over.


Use White Noise

White noise that mimics sounds from the womb, like a fan, the vacuum cleaner or special white noise baby apps, can help soothe and calm fractious babies. The constant, familiar sounds block out abrupt noises that can startle them awake. Use white noise when putting baby down to sleep, and if they stir in the night.


Employ Gentle Motion

Many babies love gentle motion and find it calming. Hold baby close and sway, rock or walk with them. Push them in their pram or put them in a sling. Drive them in the car. The repetitive motion reminds them of being rocked in the womb. You can also try special baby swings or rockers, but always supervise.