http://www.encoregaragenewjersey.com/ This checklist courtesy of award winning NJ Garage builder, is a useful resource. Take inventory of what you have in your space and then put a check next to whether or not you need it.. it's just that simple!

1. 26 ORG Design Guide Do not copy. © 2006 Windquest Companies Inc. 03/06 CONFIDENTIAL
HOME ORGANIZATION REDEFINED
TM
Planning Checklist: GARAGE
Use It See It Plug It Count It Move It Toss It Notes
All the Stuff
Surplus beverages
Surplus dry goods
Sports equipment
• Bikes
• Kayaks/canoes
• Golf clubs
• Clothing/pads
• Dirty clothing
• Skis/boots/shoes
Seasonal clothes
Trash/recycle bins
Lawn mower/snow blower
Grill/outdoor cookers
Large tools
Small tools
Garden 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 supplies
Vehicle maintenance supplies
Other:
Always
Often
Occasional
Seasonal
Seldom
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?

2. DESIGN GUIDE
ORG Design Guide 27CONFIDENTIAL Do not copy. © 2006 Windquest Companies Inc. 03/06
While the garage is a large collection space and an
area for parking automobiles, in many ways it is an
informal entryway to the home. Functionality is
important, but so is appearance and accessibility.
Take into account the climate conditions in your
area. If temperatures are moderate year-round a
large array of applications are appropriate for
the garage.
Consider the space when vehicles are parked inside.
How many vehicles need to fit here? Are they
compact 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 storing
items such as spare lumber and seasonal tools such
as rakes.
Elevate storage to prevent exposure to moisture:
rain, snow melt and other spills.
Consider the area immediately outside the door into
the home as a “transitional zone”—a spot to place
groceries while unlocking the door, grabbing a yard
coat or changing from boots to shoes. Consider
surfaces and hooks that might optimize this space.
Create a “need it now” zone in the garage.You can
support this need by placing often-used items such
as extra food, brooms, etc.
Place frequently used yard maintenance items close
to garage doors (rakes, brooms, leaf bags, shovels,
bird food, to avoid risking car scratches and dings.
Create “passion centers” based on the homeowner’s
favorite activities such as gardening, carpentry, fly
fishing, etc.
Place children’s items low to the ground, shared
items in the middle and adult things at the top—
including dangerous items such as chemicals and
powders.
Design and PlanningTips
Sample Solution: GARAGE