For many Aussie families, the garage is little more than a storage zone. Often chock-full of boxes, old sporting equipment, toys, and appliances that have seen better days.
Understandably, people might be unwilling to keep these items in the main part of the house to avoid cluttering it up. However, doing this may not be the most effective use of space. Indeed, with a little planning and organisation, you can turn your garage into something much more usable. This includes a home gym, a creative studio, or even a safe place for your children to play.
According to Talker Research, a third of Americans feel cramped in their home. It's a safe bet that Aussies do too. With that in mind, here are five things you can do to transform a messy garage into a safe family playroom. Get ready to create somewhere you’ll all spend many happy hours in.
Before we show you how to make the transformation, it is worth explaining why you should do it. A garage is a handy place for a play area because it gives kids plenty of room to stretch out. Many families do not have a dedicated indoor playroom. So, this is a lovely way to create one, especially if you have plenty of free parking spaces available outside.
Typically, garages have plenty of floor space. Therefore, it works well for active children who love to jump around, draw on big canvases, or build things. Essentially, a garage lets them get messy without worrying about ruining the carpets or living room furniture.
Garages are also weatherproof, which means they can safely play in them on the hottest, windiest, or rainiest of days. Perhaps best of all, if the kids do make a mess in it, at least they will be doing so well away from the rest of the house!
You can be forgiven for thinking that transforming your garage into a play area will be a massive task. However, it is actually much simpler than you think. All it takes is a little thought and imagination. Below is how you can make it happen.
1. Start with a big declutter
The first, and most obvious, thing to do is give your garage a big clean out. And if you start early, you should be able to do this in a day.
A good way to start is by taking everything out of the space. Once you have done this, sort the items into the following groups:
It is best to be ruthless when doing this. So, get rid of anything that is broken, doesn’t function properly, you no longer want or use, or otherwise needs replacing.
If you have large amounts of stuff to get rid of, you can use a service that specialises in home and office rubbish removal, such as 1300 Rubbish.
2. Prepare the space
Whilst the garage is empty, it is worth giving it a thorough clean and sanitisation. You should also consider implementing pest control measures to reduce the risk of pests and vermin entering the space.
Garages often have areas that can cause harm or injury. So, make sure you do a general sweep to neutralise potential threats posed by sharp or protruding metal pieces or loose cords.
It is also a good idea to upgrade the flooring with soft rubber mats or thick rugs to create a comfortable place for children to sit and play. Doing this will also reduce the risk of them slipping. Additionally, applying a new coat of paint, improving the lighting and maybe even adding a window or two will give the room a fresh new personality.
3. Create separate zones
The great thing about a garage is that it can hold several different play zones. This means everyone can have their own area in which to relax.
For example, you can create an art and craft corner with a small table and washable mats. This will give kids a place to paint, draw, and let their creative juices flow. Congruently, you could also have a sports area with a small football goal, a mini-golf putting strip, or a small basketball hoop.
Other zones you can step up include a pretend kitchen, a reading tent, an Xbox corner, or a dress-up area. These kinds of play zones will keep your children entertained for hours.
4. Introduce smart storage solutions
Being a playroom, you might want to cut the garage a bit of slack when it comes to keeping it neat. But the trap you don’t want to fall into is never tidying it up!
For this reason, it is a good idea to introduce smart storage solutions to keep the mess from getting out of hand. Installing wall shelving is a great start because it makes effective use of vertical space and keeps the floor clear for play. They can be used to store toys, games, and sports equipment directly on them or in labelled bins, plastic tubs or boxes.
Another option to include is pegboards, which can be helpful for craft supplies. They keep items off the ground and within reach. Additionally, a small cabinet with drawers can also be used to hold art materials and puzzles.
5. Go out more
While it's great to have a playroom for all the family to enjoy, if you are worried about mess, there is a simple solution to counter it. Go outside more!
Your kids can’t make a mess in the playroom if they are not in it. And the best way to ensure that happens is to spend quality time with them away from your home.
There are plenty of activities you can do as a family that are free or, at the very least, don’t cost much money. So, why not take the opportunity to enjoy them and leave the garage playroom as a secondary option?
