New Year's Resolution: Driving into the garage.
Most of us witnessed the rise of the adorable Marie Kondo and seen her expertise in organizing via Netflix. This show inspired many to clean closets, garages, offices and get rid of things we just don't need or use. I was not a witness to Marie Kondo's talent until very recently.
I got curious when I walked in on my wife sorting through ALL of her sweaters. She held one up and asked, "does this spark joy?" Not knowing who Marie Kondo is nor understanding that the KonMari method for de-cluttering had swept not only the nation but through my house, I started to get concerned for her wellbeing. Then I got the man-splaining I so richly deserved from my beloved. Yes, I watched the show. Yes, I'm now motivated.
That garage that is supposed to house cars is actually a storage unit for all things unused. I can't remember when I last parked a car in there, let alone two cars. On came the New Year's Resolution! Let's get two cars in the garage by Valentine's Day. Out with the old, in with nothing new but storage units that make finding things easy.
I got busy searching the Intarwebs, and here are the three tips I'm using to get the job done:
Declutter first. I'm going to go through everything and sort into four piles: keep, donate, recycle, toss. Electronic waste or paints/solvents are going to UCLA (they have a hazardous waste disposal program). I'm not doing a sell pile. If I paid a lot of money for something, it's already spent and I'd like to think a charity could use a high-ticket item or two. If I haven't used it in a year, it's going. Goodbye golf clubs. I'm going to be ruthless.
Organize what's left. I have a plan. Tools, home improvement, painting, and car-washing supplies are going on shelves at easy-to-reach levels. Rarely used items go on the top shelves--party supplies, coolers, folding chairs, etc. I have a stepladder nearby for when I need those things. Yard tools are getting hung on the walls. Bicycles are getting pulley systems so they can be hoisted overhead.
Keep it neat. Hello, Home Depot/Ikea! Shelving and plastic storage bins are going to be a larger part of my life. I want everything dust-proof and off the floor if possible so I can get the pest guy to spray and so it's easier to sweep. I also want a workbench for those little jobs--and I promise to put away my toys when I'm done.
So that's it. The resolution is coming a bit late and I haven't started yet, but it's a Saturday morning, so no time like the present. Once the garage is done, who knows what's next? You might spot me holding up a sweater and asking, "Does this spark joy?"