Garage Makeover

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  Unable to find anything in a garage overflowing with nine years' accumulation of tools, sports equipment, crafts supplies, and outgrown toys, this family decided finally to take action. One garage sale, a few trips to the dump, and several weekends of work later, their efforts have paid off: They now have the organized storage they need, the work station they always wanted, and an attractive back entrance, too. There's even room for the car!
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Garage Makeover

  Keith Scott Morton

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  Cleaning Out
  Results are worth the effort: First, the family cleaned out the garage, making piles to throw away, give away, and save for a garage sale. Then, after painting and installing new doors, a new ceiling, and wall storage panels, they stowed the rest in new storage units. Now everything--from a rake to a soda (kept cold in a small Sears refrigerator)--is right at hand.
  
  A FRESH COAT OF PAINT on the walls, floor, and ceiling instantly brightened the garage--and made it easier to keep the floor clean. The owners used paint by Glidden and Rust-Oleum Epoxy Shield garage floor coating.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Garage Makeover

  Keith Scott Morton

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  PROBLEM
  Existing shelves were filled without rhyme or reason: Sand pails towered above crafts supplies; tools overflowed their bins. Household chemicals were on view, and within reach of two young children.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Garage Makeover

  Keith Scott Morton

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  SOLUTION
  A variety of storage units from Sauder's Hot Rod Garage collection made it easy to create different work stations around the garage.
  
  CALL IN REINFORCEMENTS
  The owners needed assistance with some of the bigger jobs, so they called on Mr. Handyman, a national service of bonded professionals who charge an hourly fee for household tasks large or small. For more, visit
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Garage Makeover

  Keith Scott Morton

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  BIN THERE
  Dividing the contents of your garage into neat bins won't do you a bit of good if you can't tell what's in them. Label each box so one glance will help you find what you're after--and don't let yourself (or your kids) throw things into the wrong bin.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Garage Makeover

  Keith Scott Morton

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  HIGH OVERHEAD
  One of the best ways to squeeze more storage out of your garage (or any space, for that matter) is to think vertical. A wall system from Storic allowed the homeowners to keep everything from gardening tools to bicycles up off the floor. A large shelf hung above the back door provides storage for seasonal and infrequently used items.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Garage Makeover

  Keith Scott Morton

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  PROBLEM
  The back entrance was an eyesore, and there was no place to sit and take off muddy shoes.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Garage Makeover

  Keith Scott Morton

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  SOLUTION
  A new Simpson door with a coat of spiffy red paint, a handsome Baldwin doorknob, and playful stenciling on the steps creates a welcoming entrance. The bench provides a convenient spot to set a bag of groceries before opening the door.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Garage Makeover

  Keith Scott Morton

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  HAVE A BALL
  Keep kids' toys handy--for them. An open basket, such as the Toy Barrel (left), is perfect for hard-to-store things like balls, badminton racquets, and the like. Plus, an accessible design makes it easy for kids to put away their own toys.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Garage Makeover

  Keith Scott Morton

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  STEP UP
  If you're planning to store some things overhead, you'll need a sturdy step stool to reach them. An office and library staple, the rolling Kik-Step stool is compact and just as well suited to a garage.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Garage Makeover

  Keith Scott Morton