Storage is something we never seem to have enough of. Over time homeowners collect a myriad of things  , some we need, some we don’t.  We inevitably end up with too many things , not enough space, and either end up throwing things away or in many cases renting a garage storage unit to keep things in while valuable storage space right in our own homes goes to waste. The average one car garage has about 60 linear feet of wall space and is 250 square feet. In most cases garages are underutilized or even completely empty . It is a terrible waste of space that if used properly could end up saving you a lot of money over time.

We conducted a search online for monthly garage storage unit rentals and obtained pricing from a number of leading companies. We looked at different cities around the country to try and get an average cost and ended up with a range of prices. The pricing listed here was done in August of 2010. A simple 5’ x 5’ garage storage unit will typically run between $45.00 - $65.00 per month, while a unit comparable in size to the typical one car garage,  10’ x 25’ will run anywhere from $150.00 to $250.00 per month (Not Including Taxes and Fees). At $150.00 per month in two years time you will have spent over $3600.00 to $6000.00 and would have absolutely nothing to show for it. Even if you don’t need the full 10’ x 25’ space and opted for the smallest 5’ x 5’ unit you still will have spent over $1080.00 to $1560.00 over two years. Over a period of ten years you can see how this can easily add up to considerable   dollars.

For that kind of money a homeowner could easily buy garage storage cabinets to store your things at home where they are most easily accessible, safer, and less expensive. The best part of buying garage cabinets is that once you pay for the cabinets they’re yours to keep, and you don’t need to buy them all at once. purchase  what you can afford now and you can always add more  cabinets later if you choose. The monthly payments on garage cabinets will go away while the payments for a garage storage unit will not, and the monthly garage storage unit cost is only going to go up over time. Cabinet prices can vary more than storage units do, but the fact is that they don’t have to cost a small fortune.

Depending on your garage layout you may not have 60 linear feet of available wall space for cabinetry. But assuming you have even half of the total wall space that still leaves you with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and a whole lot of floor space left over. Large garage cabinets have a depth of 21” to 24” and with smaller 12” or 16” depth cabinets you would still be able to park your car in the garage. However that would defeat the purpose of gaining back all that valuable storage space. You can even incorporate a work top surface over base cabinets, with pegboard, slatwall and even open shelving to create a workshop area.

To compare and to give an idea of cost, 30 linear feet of wood cabinets can run between $2000.00 to $4000.00 depending on the sizes and finish. For those homeowners who are looking for a little more style, there are cabinet sets that come in a variety of materials, styles and finishes to suit your particular tastes. In as short as two years time you will have paid for your cabinets and every year thereafter you will be saving where you would have been spending before. That is a good return on investment!

An important thing to note is that not all garage cabinets are created equal! Many home improvement stores sell cheaply made knockoffs that have limited or no listed load carrying capacity at all. From the outside  they may look the same but be assured they are not. To get the most out of your investment you must be sure to buy quality cabinets that will hold up anything you put in them  . Cabinet construction should be made from ¾” material for greater strength and will hold at least 100 lbs per shelf or  200 to 300 lbs per cabinet. If the cabinets will be attached to the wall make sure the fastening system is strong  enough to support the weight. Cheap wall anchors will not do! Be sure to ask your cabinet supplier what the capacities are before you purchase, you’ll be happy you did.

Garage cabinets add storage space, utility and value to your home. They help organize your belongings and make your garage look extraordinary . Having a garage that is neat and organized with your belongings hidden away behind closed doors will not only gain you additional storage space, it will make you the envy of your neighbors as well. When asked if storage space is important when purchasing a home most people agree that it is. You can bet that when it comes time to sell your home, your garage cabinets will be a welcome addition.

I hope you've been enjoying my posts lately. I thought I might do something different today and rustle up a few bits of info from around the WWW. These are some of the news items and blog posts that have been popular over the last few weeks. Leave me your thoughts.

Dull tool blades can turn an easy chore into a tough task

I have attached one to my garage shelves with Velcro. I can easily measure things by holding them right up against it, or I can remove it to take with me on ...   Read More...

Topeka Building Among Nominees For National Register

The two-story residence is situated on a corner lot and includes an attached two-car garage. The house features a modified foursquare plan with open porches ...   Read More...

KU's student architects have built another amazing property, but they need to ...

Behind chain-link and barbed-wire fencing, rusted pipes snake over grass-studded railroad tracks, connecting old warehouses and corroded storage units that ...   Read More...
That's all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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When I hear people say that bedroom décor doesn’t matter because you only sleep there, I have to wonder what whose people do. I must go into my bedroom about 40 times a day.

It’s also the place that you dress, and for most people if they feel comfortable in their surroundings they will take time and care in themselves.

For all you would be designers out there, I have a word of advice for you.

When watching all those makeover programmes, don’t get the idea that it is easy.

Designing your room to show your own unique personality and also be functional can take a lot of time and hard work.

Firstly you need to decide on colour, if everyone liked Magnolia what a dull world this would be.

The bigger the room the deeper colour you can apply. But mixing colours on different walls works well in either large or small spaces. Pastels generally work better in the bedroom, pale blue, light green or even sand colours.

Also take care not to fill every available space with clutter, light and airy are essential

for a good nights sleep.

When choosing furniture buy what you like but be practical, I’m sure an 8 foot bed would be wonderful, but not if your room space is only 9 foot square.

Take care not to obstruct doors and if possible give enough room to walk around the bed, this is a safety aspect as well as practical one.

Storage is one of the biggest mistakes people make when designing there bedrooms, without exception there is never enough for even the most minimalistic person.

Overhead storage or built-in cupboards are ideal, but they must be of good quality and in keeping with the room.

I as anyone who knows me will tell you am not a morning person, so for me when I open my eyes I don’t want to see the daylight till I have had my first cup of tea.

That is the beauty of blinds. The choice is endless, in styles and colours, from blackout to net blinds from Vertical to Venetian of Roman. When choosing window dressing think about where you live, you wouldn’t want the neighbours getting a free show every night.

We all know that lighting can change the whole ambiance of a room, so don’t cut corners. Down lighters or spotlights are fabulous for bathrooms or dressing rooms but be a little more subtle in the bedroom, sidelights or up lighters are ideal, and for all of us over thirty a lot more flattering.

The most dominate feature of any bedroom is usually the bed. You can be as extravagant as you like here, it is all about comfort, and what is more comfortable than really good Quality bedding.

A luxury Percale or Egyptian cotton would be my choice, anything with a thread count of 180 or above, it’s a natural fibre, soft, durable and crisp to the touch, it is the ultimate in bedroom style,

Its false economy to scrimp on bed linen, if you want sheer comfort that will last for years, longer than the poly/cotton sheets which bobble after one wash. I think that new bedding is a luxury that everyone should experience at least three times a year.

With Divan beds you will need a Valance, be it Base Valance or Valance sheet it just adds that finishing touch and can be matched with your curtains or blinds.

Valances come in Three styles, box pleat is the most practical, and looks the most expensive, and with a base Valance it doesn’t need to be changed every week, so less washing for us.

There is also frilled or inverted Pleat Valances; both will do the job of hiding the base of the bed.

You may have noticed that Beds come in a variety of sizes these days. Consider when you buy your new bed, that bed linen doesn’t come with the package, But in order for you to get the best from your bed you need to use bedding that fits perfectly, spend a bit of time getting great fitted sheets, I promise you will not regret it.

Throws and cushions are also a great addition for giving your room that finishing touch.

If you are lucky enough to have either an En-Suite or dressing room then keep it simple, extend the colour scheme through out and put in lots of storage for towels and toiletries.

I hope I have given you food for thought if you are starting out on revamping your bedroom or designing your room from scratch.

Remember only you know what makes you happy, so put as much of you as possible into that special place, and wake up every morning feeling a sense of pride.

About The Author

Yvonne Fanshawe has spent nearly 20 years as a designer and manufacturer of Bedding and Linen. She has now taken her talent for producing the finest Bespoke Bed Linens and started her own business. Find out more at http://www.macmillanqualitybedding.co.uk.

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If you've been keeping up with my blog posts lately you'll know I've come to adding a few news posts from around the web on this subject. I've got a couple more today that are new and updated, so let me know what you think of em...

Ask the Organizer column by Vali Heist: Attack the garage this spring

•Consider a garage storage system; go to Lowe's or Home Depot. •Use different colored plastic bins for different zones so it's easier to put them away. ...   Read More...

5 Organization Ideas for the Garage

If space is at a premium, try to get them up off the floor entirely with a wall-mounted device like the Racor Garden Tool Storage Rack. ...   Read More...

A delicate balance

In David White's Agitprop Gallery at University and Utah, he deliberately left signs of the room's history as a beverage storage space. ...   Read More...
That's all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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The garage space was originally meant for the mundane but utilitarian purpose of providing a safe shelter for your car. However, nowadays the use of the garage is not limited to just providing a cark parking space. Not just the car but also the various tools and equipments needed for routine maintenance work around the house can be stored in this space. You can keep your gardening instruments, lawnmower, your kids' sports gear, and your golf accessories and basically all kinds of stuff that you fail to find a place for within your home. The garage can also be used as a workshop too, and you can carry out your construction projects in this place.

To effectively tap the storage potential of the garage you need to chalk out a storage plan for your garage space. Making a room for everything you want to dump in your garage, and yet keep the driveway free to easily take your car in and out of it, can be a daunting task. The best way to set about it is to pre-plan before starting the actual work and take one step at a time.

Shelves or cabinets can be mounted on the wall. Equipments used in sports, like tennis racquets, baseball bats and the like. Another low-cost alternative is to make the purchase of hard-wearing plastic totes and drawers. Lay up the items you use regularly in a way that enables you to reach them easily. A corner cabinet with circular shelves positioned strategically can present enough room for stacking smaller items.

The garage walls can be made into a storage area by installing hooks and peg board type paneling. Large sturdy hooks can be used to hang up bikes.

A well-built tool chest is an effectual means to store your tools and yet keep them handy. Clearly label the storage place of each tool to keep your garage organized for months to come.

Options for garage organization have been worked upon over the past few years and a lot of choices are available. One benefit of garage organization plans is that they constitute storage designed specifically for the garage taking into account all usable nook and cranny of the garage. If you want to stick to using simple bins and cabinets, you may not be able to make the best use of the available space.

Often we are apt to miss obvious spaces. Several websites offer online software to help design a garage organization plan to suit your needs. You can type in the dimensions of your garage and include items that you feel are necessary, and you will be provided with a garage organization plan that enables you to layout the framework for your garage storage. You can even apply for professional help, because organization and storage has turned into a thriving industry and garage organization is a growing sector.

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Want to learn more about Garage Organization?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-garages.info/Articles/Garage_Organizer.php

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arturo_Ronzon

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Hey Readers! I've been comin across some crazy stuff the past few days from a few different blogs around the web which I just had to share with you. Check em out below...

5 bed house in Reading University area, marketed by Haslams Estate Agents.

Located on a large plot, the well-maintained property on Allcroft Road also features a garage, driveway parking for several vehicles and an enclosed mature ...   Read More...

From Outdated to Outstanding, US Remodelers.com 'Refaces' Website and Logo

Home Organization Products – The perfect solution for your storage needs. Upgrade your garage using our revolutionary slat wall garage organization system ...   Read More...

Turn your garage into useful and attractive space

The garage-storage industry was estimated at about $1 billion in 2006, according to the most recent information available in MarketWatch.com from ...   Read More...
That's all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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Can I create my own overhead garage storage space?

I have exposed rafters in my garage. I thought about the overhead storage cages by Hyloft or similar, but I wondered if since the rafters are exposed I could simply buy the wood (maybe 4x8 size) and create a shelf over the entire width of my 2-car garage.
If so what type of wood?

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At some point in your life you are probably going to need a storage unit for some reason. You could be moving, or maybe you just need to store a few things to get your house back in order. Either way, getting a high-quality storage unit is paramount to keeping your things intact, and that's why you need to seek out safe self storage.

There is a difference between self storage and safe self storage. There are a number of features that you will need to be on the lookout for if you are to get a good self storage unit. The first thing of course being the presence of security cameras and security guards, and of course making sure those security guards watch the cameras. The cameras should be recording all day; something you don't want is a building that doesn't have a recording of what happens at night. You need to find safe self storage.

When you are signing any contract, ask about the key to the storage unit. You need to make sure you are the only one that has a key, keycard, or combination to the door. There are some companies that keep an extra key, but that is not acceptable. You need to be the one and only person capable of opening that storage unit!

Proper lighting is a must when it comes to your storage unit. Take a look at the area around it and determine whether or not you can see the roads and other units. If you are going to be coming to your storage unit at night, you need to be able to see everything around you. It's mostly a safety issue, but you also need to be able to find your unit in the dark. In addition to external lighting you will also need to make sure that your storage unit offers decent internal lighting as well. That means your storage unit will actually need to have a lamp mounted in the ceiling or the wall. Once again this is a security issue because even though you have a lock on your unit, people may still be able to sneak in. That's just not a surprise you want to walk in on when you need to retrieve your couch.

There are some facilities that will have less security than others, and you will need to determine whether or not you want to sacrifice peace of mind for money. This is a decision everyone has to make when they are looking for safe self storage, and if you believe your items will be safe there, then you might just have to give it a try. Talk to others that have used these services as well and see what they think. You would be surprised at the things you can learn from word of mouth that you can't learn from looking at websites or talking directly to the company. That said, be careful who you go with, and most importantly, be careful with your stuff!

About The Author

Pat Sievers is the owner of Everett Downtown Storage in Everett Washington. With over 25 years experience in the storage industry, Pat has helped hundreds of customers with a wide range of storage needs. For more great storage tips and information please visit our website => http://www.EverettDowntownStorage.com

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Firewood storage rack with roof - looking for plans?

I don't mind paying for the right plans. This is my first woodworking project and it will be in a noticeable area.

I am looking for plans for a firewood storage rack WITH a roof, but I do not want a shed type roof. I want it pitched to the front and to the back. All I can find have the roof pitched in one direction (all toward the back or all toward the front).

Anyone know of a website with plans like this?

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Modern Garage Storage Solutions Replace Grandpa's Quick Fixes

Garage storage solutions obviously range from no solution at all, where everything is just a big jumbled mess, all the way up to where everything is perfectly organized in little shelves, boxes, cabinets, etc. For most of us, we just need to find a workable solution to our garage storage problems that is somewhere in the middle.

Even a basic shelf system is a huge benefit to most home owners. Garage storage solutions don't have to be complex, expensive, or overly deluxe. If you had the choice between even 2x4 and plywood shelves, or no shelves at all, what would you take? Unless you really have something against plywood it is likely that you would want the benefits that shelves can give. Going vertical in the garage is always a good thing when it comes to garage storage. There is much more space up off the floor.

In today's homes, there are fishing poles, sport balls, skis and snowboards, bikes, toys, tools, and a myriad of other items that we need to store. The right garage storage solutions make storing all this stuff manageable, and even fun. If not fun, then certainly satisfying at least. There are very few frustrations as irritating as not being able to think straight because of a disorganized and cluttered mess under foot. Never fear. Manufacturers get this and have done a stellar job of giving us all some really sweet options for storage.

Outside of basic shelving I would say that the next most popular garage storage solutions revolve around some sort of rack or hanging system. This is fantastic because a lot of the things we need to store just won't fit in a bin or on a shelf. My Grandpa always just drove a couple nails into a wall stud to hang shovels, hoes, and rakes on. This worked fine, but that just won't do in today's a
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ppearance-conscious world. Oh no, now we have powder-coated racks that have all the bells and whistles. And why not. Most home owners are affluent enough to get these sorts of things in their lives. Everything has a place, and everything in it's place. That's what Grandpa always said. Now we get to do it with style.

To really take garage storage solutions to the next level, one has to get away from the homemade shelving and simple racks toward more comprehensive and complete systems. Deluxe metal cabinets that close off the contents from view are nice. And overhead bin systems work great for storing things like holiday decorations and items that are hardly ever accessed, like keepsake boxes and miscellaneous household items that we should probably just toss out anyway. But you know how it is, it is just tough to get rid of things we are attached to sentimentally. But that's another topic for another day.

One of the coolest garage storage solutions is the platform that can be raised and lowered via pulley system up and down from the rafters. This is sweet because you can load all sorts of things on the platform, then simply raise it up out of the way and secure it until you need to retrieve something from it in the future.

Today's garage storage solutions are many and varied. A little something for everyone, simple or complex. You are bound to find something to suit your needs.

By: MJ Marks

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

MJ writes for ClickShops Inc., which offers a large variety of garage storage solutions for your home at www.thegaragedealer.com.

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