While we are talking about organizing the garage, I wanted to mention that this is potentially one of the most dangerous areas in the home. The garage is where we store all kinds of toxic chemicals and other substances we do not want to keep in our living space.

Besides all the chemicals and other lethal materials you stumble on in the garage, this is where we often unearth a small replica of the local hardware store. There are all kinds of power tools stored in the garage, from drills and electric screwdrivers to full size generators. Not to mention the multitude of other objects we “need” to maintain our homes such as screws, nails, nuts and bolts, hammers, files, saws; and we can’t forget all the other thingamajigs, whatchamacallits, and doohickeys lurking in the corners.

When organizing your garage, it pays to keep safety in mind, not only while working out there for the day, but also when you’ve completed the project.

Garages are not usually very childproof. While you are working on getting it organized, be sure you keep track of any of those dangerous items that a young child might get into. If you’ve got items strewn all over the driveway and lawn, your child just might get curious enough to get into something he/she is not suppose to.

Here are a few garage safety tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t store paint, toxic chemicals, bug killers or any flammable liquids near heaters, pilot lights on gas appliances or any other source of flame. Please store these items in a locked cabinet. If that is not available, store them on upper shelves out of the reach of children.
• Store lighter items on the higher shelves that you’ve set up in your garage. Use the lower shelves for heavy items. You wouldn’t want a heavy item to fall on you when you are trying to lift it off the shelf.
• If you are storing gasoline for the lawn mower or an extra propane tank, be sure they are in a well ventilated part of the garage. Near the garage door is a good place for those items.
• Don’t buy more bug killer, paint thinner, or other potentially harmful substances than you are going to use in a reasonable amount of time. Just buy a small amount of what you require and use it up. You can always purchase more if you need it. With less of those items around, your child won’t be tempted to try and search out those containers.
• Have a GFI outlet near the workbench. You won’t get shocked while using your power tools.
• Check your power tools and equipment whenever you are getting ready to put them away. Be sure the plugs and wires are in good shape. By keeping these items cleaned and in good repair, they’ll be ready the next time you need them.
• Maintain a current and well stocked first aid kit in the garage. Keep it in a prominent place so you’ll know where to find it when you need it.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in a very accessible place in your garage.
• If you use your garage to paint furniture or other items, be sure you keep the door open so you’ll have lots of ventilation.
• Quickly wipe up any spills that occur in the garage. Especially hazardous are oil leaks from vehicles kept in the garage. They are hazardous not only because they are a toxic substance but they are slippery too. You can have mats placed on part of the garage floor to offer an added degree of safety.
• If you are storing ladders in your garage, store them horizontally, not vertically. They have less of a chance to fall on someone in that position.
• Keep your garage door closed when you are not home, and even when you are home. Even though Cary is a very safe city, you just never know.

As you work on getting your garage organized, please keep safety on your mind. The garage contains an almost limitless amount of ways to get hurt. Keep these safety tips in mind so you will have an organized and safe garage set up when you have completed the job. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Check back soon for the next step in making a dent in the daunting duty of turning your garage into an organized space.

Happy organizing from the Expert in Simplicity!

Develop an organizing plan to change your life. Simplify and reach your goals with help from S.O.S. Please check the calendar at www.organizeclutter.com for classes in the area and information on the clutter support group as well as the next scheduled Simply Organized! three hour seminar.

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