Sports equipment presents an organizational challenge. It's often bulky and odd-shaped, yet when you need access it can't be tucked away in an attic behind the fake Christmas tree. If you have a family full of active people, your sporting goods can threaten to take over the garage and even spill over into your house. As with many organization projects, the system is the solution here. If you establish homes for the gear and routines for their owners, keeping things under control grows exponentially easier.
Step 1
Assign your sporting goods to categories according to your knees. Some families sort best by owner, for example one bin per family member. Others might sort by activity, and put soccer balls and cleats in one bin, basketballs and jerseys in another. A third method is to sort by type: all the balls in one bin, all the footwear in another.
Step 2
Use the tape and marker to label each bin according to your categories. Load the bins appropriately, then store in a corner of the garage or other accessible storage area. Stack less frequently used items on the bottom, and daily use gear at the top.
Step 3
Set the PVC pipe on end near the stack of bins. Place long, thin items -- those that don't fit well in the bins -- on end in the pipe, the same way you might use an umbrella bin. You may want to affix the pipe to a wall using screws, tape or a bunjee cord.
Step 4
Sit with your family and commit to a collection method for all sporting goods. Come to an agreement on how sporting equipment gets into its bins, whose job it is to get it there and how often it should be done. Some families will want all gear stored by the user first thing upon getting home. Others might have a family cleaning event once or twice per week. The specific plan here isn't as important as making a plan, then sticking to it week after week.
Tips and Warnings
- An interim storage area can be a good idea, providing a "landing pad" for gear as people arrive tired from their workouts. Another bin, or a wicker hamper, or even a broom closet, can keep equipment corralled attractively without a lot of fuss. If you use this method, clean it out at least once per week. Otherwise, overflow becomes inevitable.
Things You'll Need
- Clear plastic tubs with lids
- Wide masking tape
- Permanent marker
- PVC pipe, 10 to 18 inches diameter and 18 inches long
References
- "Sidetracked Home Executives: From Pigpen to Paradise;" Pamela Young & Peggy Jones; 1979
- "31 Days to Declutter Your Home"; 31 Days Podcast; 2010
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