We are back on the garage train baby and this part has been the LONGEST but most gratifying because I see the end in sight.
If you remember, our garage was pretty much a disaster. We had a ton of tools, a ton of projects to do and a ton of wasted space. We literally had no place to put anything. We needed more than anything some ORGANIZATION. Warning – I say that word about tenthousandy times in this post. It will get annoying.
The worst part about a messy garage/workshop is that we work EVERY DAY in here. I mean, there isn’t a day that goes by we aren’t grabbing something to spray paint, working on a building project or doing minor fixes around the house. And this space wasn’t safe, efficient or helpful to the cause. Just going in there I felt like I was about to have a Britney-with-an-umbrella moment. It caused me some serious stress.
I read a quote that said (and I am totally paraphrasing because I don’t remember it exactly and I can’t be bothered with googling)….Organization can reduce stress and clutter, improve efficiency, save you time and money, increase your quality of life and make you in general, ridiculously better looking. Also, I heard one that said organization allows you to pursue your dreams with confidence and renewed energy. Yes please. Sounds good to me!
Our plan was use our existing shelving and create three different ZONES.
#1 – THE WORKSHOP
The first zone would would be the workshop. That is where the majority of tools and supplies were for DIY projects and builds.
#2 – THE STORAGE
The second zone would be close to the door of the house and the primary goal is storage. We have a lot of stuff that we simply can’t get rid of – like kid’s shoes (apparently it’s like a thing now where kids must wear shoes) and toys and also some things that take up a lot of space but that are necessary once in a while (like tiling supplies!)
#3 – THE GYM
In a three car garage, we decided that it would be a great father’s day gift to give Jeremy his own zone….and of course, as a dude that only wants to talk about CrossFit all the time, this third zone would be all for him.
We blogged the full plan in this old post if you want more details.
My goals were simple….make it safe, make it accessible and make it beautiful. We film a lot of videos for brands in this space and have future plans for videos and sponsored posts so it seemed only beneficial to invest in this garage to make this studio-worthy so that both the brands would benefit and that we would represent ourselves and them well!
One of the biggest needs in this space as far as safety was concerned was getting closed storage. We wanted cabinets and needed them to be heavy duty (we looked at A TON of options and some garage storage LOOKED heavy duty but in real life, it was lightweight feeling) and lockable. We have little ones that are as curious as George and locks are a mom’s best friend.
Once we sourced the cabinets (Husky brand was our first choice because they fit our criteria), we approached our contacts to see if we could score a discount. We realize that most people don’t have a DIY focused blog and most folks can’t get a discount….but we would be IDIOTS not to at least ask. And our friends at The Home Depot did score us a sweet deal on the beauties in the plan. Of course, it goes without saying that this isn’t sponsored….we weren’t paid to blog about Husky or Home Depot but we are so grateful to work with such great companies that make amazing products.
Once the cabinets were assembled, the workshop area was really taking shape and I got awkwardly excited.
Apparently my kids are equally excited. Check out those biceps. So ripped.
The big table in the middle is where we will do a lot of filming. We want that workspace to be nice so in the future we plan on doing light crafts there and using it for videos but probably move it out of the way on the daily to keep it pretty. We also want to build a bigger workstation that will get scuffed up and put that sucker on wheels.
As you can see, we also wanted to utilize our garage towers that I built a while back. These fit into the space next to the window perfectly and our table saw and miter saw fit in between them.
Beside the workshop area is the storage area and that needs to be kid friendly….aka won’t kill my children. We decided to go with this heavy duty Husky shelving unit and OMG you will not understand how amazing this thing is until you hear this fact….each shelf can hold up to 2000 lbs. I think I might even buy one for my dad.
As you can see, our kids can reach the bottom two shelves so we decided that those two shelves should have things that we want the kids to access…their toys, balls and shoes.
We ended up purchasing these stackable storage bins and used them on the bottom shelf for balls and shoes. I struggle with shoes storage for the boys and so far this seems like the best solution. The dirt stays out and they have a designated spot!
So this is that BIG wall….
Let’s just walk around the room and describe things….
There are three big cabinets that all lock and designate areas well. One near the door (for kid stuff like bubbles, sunscreen, and chalk and chemicals that I don’t want the kids into!), one in the middle (my paint cabinet) and one on the far workshop side (for building tools that don’t fit in the pegboard).
Then centered in the workshop area are two of these rolling cabinets with drawers. These also lock (fist pump) and hold our small tools.
Above the rolling carts is pegboard city. I love the accessibility with the pegboard system and we originally had plans for four of these Husky pegboards but quickly realized that the rolling carts didn’t allow us to reach all the way up to the highest pegs. We solved that problem by using only three boards and turning them sideways. This maximized our space that we could use and still reach!
After some serious tweaking, we figured out our best layout for tools and hung up everything. It may seem like we bought a bazillion new tools but most of these we already had (we kept them on a shelf in the back so that the kids couldn’t reach) and seeing them all displayed nicely makes me feel like I could seriously build a new planet.
Next to the pegboard was the third locking cabinet and then came an awkward little space that we designated the battery area.
All these were new purchases and we love them so hard. Two of the big Ryobi battery chargers that wall-mount and can charge your phone (hollar!) as well as all our tool batteries. AND we got something that may change my life forever….a wall mounted mini vacuum. I DIE. Below that is the perfect spot for a smaller shop vac that is also new and a long time coming. We went back and forth via FaceTime and finally I told Jeremy that he could buy me a 12 gallon. This was our compromise to the dust-collection system. I thought we needed some sawdust-management but we couldn’t get behind the giant ducting that we would need to install or the fact that usually the sawdust collectors were not moveable. So we decided a smaller shop vac (something I could lift if it was full) would be the best bet. This way I can connect it directly to the tool to collect all the sawdust and then limit the amount of clean up.
On the tall shelves, we used our old storage tubs for swim stuff, camping equipment and other miscellaneous items (how come strollers come with a whole box of equipment?!). We also bought some smaller bins for the shorter shelves and those became electrical, plumbing and gas equipment storage. My mom asked me why I didn’t buy bigger bins but the reason is simple…I can lift a lid without removing the entire bin! Easy access mom 🙂
Beside the tall towers we had some very awkward real estate to work with. It’s a very small wall next to a window and we decided that this area needed to be used well. At first the debate was to keep all the lawn and garden items together….but then Jeremy brought up the point that these tools were battery operated. They run on all the same batteries that we have for the power tools. Amazing right? So logically speaking, they needed to stay near the batteries 🙂
Then on the very small wall between the window and the garage door was our trash can (a must for any garage workshop) and a new step stool. We got a new one because the old one broke. ERG.
SO here is a little story before we get the details of organization….we went to Home Depot. That’s nothing new or exciting because we are there like six days a week.
But as I am getting this photo in the parking lot with our new battery chargers and mini vac and a couple new tools, a lady is walking past us and is like Whoa – you have so many! And I thought she was talking about the tools (because obviously our cart is full of lime green stuff!) and said yeah, we like tools. And she was like No…I meant, you have soo many kids.
I died laughing.
I guess I just don’t think of four as that many!
So anyway, we dropped a bill or two at Home Depot this month and it was SO nice to be able to know we bought everything we need to get the job done in our house.
And yes, it is completely normal for us to have three carts in there at a single time.
This is also completely normal….the kids dying over the push pops 🙂 This time we actually gave in to the requests. Also….bacon.
So you saw the before and some of the afters…but how did we get to that point? What were our tricks to organizing the millions of items that go in a workshop? Well…let me share some of that with you. We knew what we had but we needed to find a designated place for everything.
On the tall shelves, we bought four big storage bins for things like TILING stuff and DRYWALL items and EXTRA MATERIALS.
Putting all the materials together was really helpful because we can now just grab the bin to carry where the tiling project is located. Sometimes I tile at someone else’s house (like my brother backsplash) and this would have been really helpful then!
The lower two shelves were kid-zone so they got one open bin that makes cleaning up yard toys easy. They also have a ball bin, shoe bin and their beloved trucks and buckets. Their bikes and scooters are now stored down in the basement storage area along with their helmets. The kids like this set up better because the basement storage area is closer to the tennis court where they ride their bikes.
We also did a lot of small storage shopping. Getting lots of little containers for individual items is REALLY helpful.
The white bins are all available at The Dollar Tree and there are lots of different types you can buy. I went with these ones because they look the nicest and easiest to clean 🙂
Also at the Dollar Tree, I found these magnetic little metal bins with twist off lids. They are perfect for sticking on the outside of the cabinets for extra smalls organization.
Here they are in action!
And this is how we do the bins in the drawers. Each little bin is designated for different items. It is REALLY helpful for putting things away and also for finding things….makes those projects SO much faster!
I also used the bins for hardware storage. I have this problem with hoarding hardware and this way I know exactly what I have and what I can make with it!
And in the bottom big drawers I keep things that are extras – like the instructions and manuals for the tools, the extra tool hardware and even option tool parts.
And the best part is that it all LOCKS. Wahoo! No more worrying about the kids randomly getting into our stuff 🙂
Along with the hardware in the drawers is the screws, nails and other hardware storage. We bought these three mini bin storage sorters and they are seriously going to be the best little workhorse. We were able to sort everything from shelf pins to eye hooks to cup hooks to chains to Kreg Jig screws to WHATEVER in those little cubbies. I am so in love!
One of the other big ways we consolidated items was with those big ole paint cans. We bought about 15 of those smaller quart sized cans and poured all the extra paint into the smaller cans and labeled accordingly.
That means all of this….
turned into all of this….
Speaking of paint….let me show you my favorite cabinet….MY PAINTING CABINET.
Yup, can you even believe how much stuff fit in there?! I think it’s because we could utilize the insides of the doors…they are super thick and have a pegboard design in them for extra storage possibilities. I hung all my brushes and extras!
Even my sandpaper is now organized! Now we can access everything easily and quickly. It makes for such a better day 🙂
Overall, it is SOOOOO much better and functions and looks like a really organized and professional space. I feel so much more zen in there….seriously no stress because I know whatever I want to tackle, I CAN.
And I can not wait to show you the workout area and the finishing touches we did to really pimp it out. I mean….seriously, we thought of everything and I feel so blessed to have THAT be my office every day. And if you are thinking, man, I want to work in a garage like that….you are welcome to come over any time to help me build something. Seriously. Let’s do it and make a video and feel awesome 🙂
I would put a countertop over the rolling tool boxes- then you have a solid work space, but can roll the toll boxes out from under it for additional work space. At least this is what my husband did in his garage 🙂
Wow! This is one bad ass garage!! I was drooling screws and drill bits while reading it!
I can’t remember if you covered this before, but do you guys park your cars in there?
AMAZING!
No we don’t. We both work from home and so right now we only have one car (we got sick and tired of paying insurance for the other car that we used 3 times in 8 months) so now our car is parked right outside.
xo – kb
We considered it but it is very high….like way too high to be an actual work surface for me.
xo – kb
I CAN NOT get over those floors, its amazing what the shiny finish does for the whole space. You have inspired me to organize my husbands tools and work bench as a surprise for Sunday. Crossing my fingers that our dollar tree has some of the bins you scored! The space looks amazing!
I keep trying to convince my husband we should learn to make due with one car. We both work from the same building and can’t get our act together to commute – to the same place!!! It’s only 7 miles away so he thinks it’s no big deal. But between car payment/insurance/gas we are paying more than 500 bucks a month for that disorganization!!
Love your garage. I want to come make lots of projects with you 🙂
WOAH! I’m dying to do my garage, now. And my attic, too. I really wish it wasn’t a gazillion degrees in Alabama.
Nice work!
Wowza! Gorgeous space, you guys have been busy!
This is insanely fabulous. Nice job! By the way, just curious as to what you DO consider a lot of kids?! 🙂
This is probably the first time I ever said this: YOUR GARAGE IS BEAUTIFUL! My favourite part (apart from the lovely shiny floor) is the paint cabinet, I’m getting all swoony at the thought of having a paint cabinet. 😀
WOWZA!! That’s awesome. Love your paint cabinet…. I need that!! Love the thing the weed eater and yard stuff is hanging on…. oh, and the round magnetic containers from Dollar Tree!
=)
This seriously had me giddy with excitement! I love a good organizational post! Can you buy those smaller paint cans at Home Depot or similar stores too? Great idea to consolidate space!
You no longer need to go to Home Depot, it’s moved into your garage. You’ve earned the Norm Abrams merit badge for tools…. and even Norm doesn’t have a floor as pretty as yours.
Wow! I’m not sure which part I’d want more….all of your space or the stuff! It looks great.
I’m not a handy person, but I. Am. Drooling. over all that amazing storage! And I laughed at the scrapbook supply box for the sandpaper. Well done, Bowers!
So this garage makeover is amazing. But I have to admit that I am finding your blog harder and harder to relate to and get inspired by Just like you, I live in metro Atlanta. I have 5 little kids (similar to you, all younger than Will) and enjoy DIYing stuff and home improvement when I can get my husband on board. But lately it seems like you are less “normal family doing DIY for fun” and more professional. Which is obviously amazing for you as you seem to have hit some big milestones and reached lofty goals. But most of us don’t have an arsenal of perfectly color-coordinated tools at our disposal and discounts on many home-improvement materials. Even your non-DIY, normal family posts are getting hard to relate to… so many vacations, so many free snacks… I don’t know. I’m not anti sponsored posts or whatever, but your blog is just getting so hard to relate to. Fun read? yes, but feels like its losing its authenticity. Just sharing some honest feedback as a longtime reader.
Probably seven. That seems like a lot. Six seems very full. Like bulging. But seven just is a massive number in my head 🙂
xo kb
It definitely was a challenge at first just to communicate better but we quickly learned the reward was worth it. And there is always uber for those few times we need another ride!
xo kb
Yes they were available in the bucket section of the Home Depot!
xo kb
IMPRESSIVE!
I’m sorry you feel that way. I strive to be completely honest and authentic in every way and share projects in an organic and encouraging way! I want everyone to know that I believe in DIY and the positive changes it can be for your life!
xo kb
Holy cow!! This should be on an episode of cribs!! Remember that show on MTV?! I do and I’m sure your garage would be a feature room in that show:) nice work Katie and Jeremy
Awesome garage! Where do you store bigger saws-in tall locked cabinet?
My thoughts exactly! I love DIY, yet I could not afford the tools, and space to accomplish, what Katie is doing now. Actually, neither could she, if her family wasn’t sponsored as it s now. This blog, which I used to get so much inspiration from, has unfortunately moved way past me. Glad she is successful, just no longer relatable.
Mecca…absolutely amazing! Awesome job!
Wow! Will standing on those two cabinets looks very much like Jean Claude van Damme standing on two trucks! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6AGpSbkIB8
Great organization!
I hope you have a follow up/real life post about how everything is holding up.
Definitely will do that! Thanks Wendy!
xo – kb
Bahahahahaha! I love that 🙂
xo – kb
That’s the great thing about blogs…you can just read the posts that are family related if you choose! I try to make sure I have a good mix 🙂 Also – just to clarify….we bought the majority of everything in here…it’s a business space with business investments and thankfully as a business, it is doing amazingly well.
xo – kb
Hahaha! It’s all for you Alyssa 🙂
No but seriously, we love that show and if only I had a fridge in here, I would show you the inside 🙂
xo – kb
It looks fantastic! Well done Bowers.
Thank you Ginger 🙂
xo – kb
I think you’ve mentioned this before, but you keep most outdoor toys someplace else right?! I’m thinking of my own garage, which is overrun with Cozy Coupes, bikes, trikes and strollers… and I only have two kids!!! I’m going to assume you have all of that stuff too, and it is just parked elsewhere- or being played with while you took these photos?!
Love the idea of getting organized! Any concerns storing paint in the garage? We’re in the midwest and get crazy warm summers (hello 95 degrees this saturday when I shot a wedding!), and I worry about storing paint in our attached garage. It stays a bit cooler since we keep the door down, but still gets really warm. We currently keep all our paint in the basement storage room.
As an organizational fanatic this makes me so happy!
Can we talk about your FOLDING/ROLLING stands please? Sorry if I’ve missed a post explaining these but I didn’t even know that was an option.
Also I’d like to thank you for all the time and effort that goes into these posts. I appreciate all the information and it has motivated me to step my DIY game up! We are tackling our garage along with front porch and deck currently. Already have the new fancy GDO in with all its glory!
Also lastly congrats on creating a successful business….. keep doing you Bowers. I personally look forward to your posts no matter the content. (Insert all the fun emojis)
I have to echo some of the previous comments. I have been a long time reader. This garage is beautiful and you did a lovely job with the organization. However, I loved the early days where you and Jeremy worked together on a budget to redo rooms that were very relatable for the average DIYer. I think you have gotten to a point where I can’t really relate at all to your blog. I would like to point out that what made YoungHouseLove so popular, is they tried to be relatable to the averabe DIYer and avoided overwhelming sponsorships. Again, I am just miss what your blog used to be and find myself less interested these days.
I kind of feel the same way. I would never have this much space to dedicate to DIY, let alone the ability to get all new tools (or even all old tools). But at the same time I will never get to be on Fixer Upper, could never afford a renovation like Masters of Flip, couldn’t hold my liquor enough to be on the Bachelor – but I still enjoy and get something out of investing some (cough, cough, a lot of) time in those shows. The same way as I still enjoy and get something out of these a little over-the-top post. While the full mega garage update is way out of my reach, smaller paint cans and Dollar Store drawer organization is probably something I will try. I do appreciate even within a post there is a mix.
Make sure you give your insurance company a call – you might want to make sure your Contents coverage for an attached garage is adequate and/or up to date. Also, might want to make sure that you’re not supposed to have a small commercial liability policy for the business use of those tools/guests you may have etc.
Looks amazing !
Best,
Jackie
What a beautiful space! Organization is KEY with being productive with your time, so I’m sure you will have some amazing projects coming out of this new space. It doesn’t even look like a garage anymore!
OMG! This is so great! I know how wonderful you must feel having all this glorious, organized storage for all your project materials. It will make working in there so enjoyable and also go more quickly, as you will be able to access anything you want at a glance. I know you be so happy working in your newly put together garage. This was a project well worth doing and spending the money on to give you all this organized storage. Enjoy!!
I love your use of zones! Such a fun and creative way to stay organized
I love you blog; it always inspires me!!! Question: do you not store your kids wagons or strollers in your garage? I know you said bikes went in the basement area, but it seems to me (without knowing the actual layout of your house) that that would be inconvenient to walk down to every time you needed the stroller, etc.
First let me say I am in love with that shiny floor! Second, this is proof that a garage can really be beautiful. 🙂 Nicely done.
Lisa
It looks amazing!
Are the cabinets and shelves bolted to the walls?
We had a wagon but sadly the wheels broke off. And the stroller we keep in the car. We do have a single stroller that has headlights but it is really nice so we keep that in the kid’s closet (also because it has a charger that needs to stay in there!).
xo – kb
Thank you Anne! It feels so weirdly good and also intimidating because I hope my projects are worthy!
xo – kb
Thanks Anna! Already I see how fast we can tackle things so it is really paying off in spades!
xo – kb
Thanks Jackie for the recommendation! I will have Jer call today!
xo – kb
I’m sorry to hear that Megan but I also want to remind you that nobody was a bigger fan of YHL than me. I love them so much and love what their blog was but honestly I am different than them with different dreams and have a different blog. That’s a good thing! And as Jeremy and I have grown as a couple, a family and as DIYers, our goals are different and this blog will continue to reflect that.
xo – kb
Oh my goodness!!! I’m totally crushing on your garage. The part of the garage that you showed us, that’s the 2 car part. Right? Is the 1 car garage closest to the (house) door?
I was thinking of building a base for my table saw, but now seeing how little space your saws take up I’m totally rethinking it.
I have to share this post with my hubby. We can definitely do better in our garage. I have a hot mess of a space.
Oh… And before I forget, the pic of he boys showing off goer muscles… Yeah! Loved it! Reminded me of my Littles.
7 kids – Von Trapp Family style 🙂 If you guys ever get there you’ll have to start making the kids’ clothes from old floral curtains… I wouldn’t put it past you!
I cant wait to see the gym/workout area!!! I love what you have done with the workspace and organization so far!
LOVE your newly organized garage! Question.. have you blogged about tool storage? For example, your paint cabinet (seriously envious!)… I tend to throw away paint brushes, scrapers, rollers, etc. after I’ve used them. (Wasteful, I know!) What’s your trick to keeping them in workable condition after each project?
Here is the thing , and this is why people are getting frustrated , it is really starting to sound a bit shady.
You say you were not paid to write a review etc, well they probably didn’t pay you, or require it, but they did give you a discount, and even if getting that discount doesn’t require you to write about it on the blog, they know you will. You are redoing your garage and blogging about it, required or not, the understanding is clear that you will be featuring these products.
You say you paid for most of the stuff, but u don’t say how much. Maybe that’s not our business, but you could have paid only 30 percent of the actual cost, and your statement would still be true, and people realize that. Your statements, while true, are very disingenuous.
This blog has changed , like you say, to reflect your new goals, and that’s fine. It’s very apparent what those new goals are, and it’s starting to resonate with the readers. What you do with your house , blog, money is your business, but like others have said it is nothing even close to relatable anymore.
How strong are those magnetic containers? I’d like to buy some for spices but my local dollar tree doesn’t have them in stock. I’m game to order them from DT sight unseen, but not without knowing if they’ll still stay up if full.
Your garage is impressive and inspired me to tackle our unorganized space. My hubs is now getting a husky gear for Fathers Day. Like you, I also have four children and enjoy diy projects. Thank you for blogging. I have learned a lot from you and also enjoy reading about your family.
A long time reader and Bower fan
How strong are the magnets on those little Dollar Tree containers? I’m interested in getting some for spices, but my local DT is out of stock in store and I’m reluctant to buy online without knowing if they’ll hang onto the fridge, even when full.
Nice job, Katie B! I’m sure you and Jeremy are really enjoying this new space. Can I offer a suggestion? I think you should pick a fun color from your paint cabinet and paint those tall shelves you built a while back! They fit in fine in your “old” garage, but now with everything so shiny and new, they stick out to me! I’m sure that’s pretty low on your priority list, but just an idea for down the road. 🙂 Also, curious why you don’t label your bins? Seems like all blogs these days have the cutest labels on things!
I normally don’t love sponsor posts but I like that yours seem more like a normal post that you just mention a product in. (I know this one isn’t sponsored.) I actually just purchased two of the Ryobi Garage Door openers and several modules for my husband and Dad for Father’s Day. Is there a way you can get credit for that?! And you ALMOST have me sold on getting a Canon color printer. 🙂
Ok, and now I’m just being nosy…but is Jeremy working full-time with the blog these days too? Seems like the last time things got more “professional” around here (as someone else put it) was when he was without a job and helping with sponsored posts.
Haha love this comment! So true!
THIS IS MY DREAM GARAGE!! Wowza, Katie, it is spectacular! I am an organizer and love when things are easy to find. However, the garage is my hubby’s domain and he tries to organize but kinda misses the mark. He is a great DIYer, can build most anything and has a bunch of tools but I always have a hard time finding a stinking nail or hammer out there! Great job, lady. And yes, I would love to build something with you. I just have to get there from Colorado.
Love the space – we have a three car garage and this is definitely giving me some ideas! Any chance you are giving a cost breakdown (maybe I missed that part)? Would love to know if this is even within reach! Thanks 🙂
Shut up! Katie Bower, you have tennis courts? At your house? Like I always say, if and when you decide to move, call me. I’ll be the first in line to buy your house.
I know. It’s just plain nuts. They were here when we bought the house…they aren’t regulation size or anything so basically it’s just one big giant concrete pad but it has the lines and nets and stuff.
xo – kb
I honestly have not added it up…kinda scared to do that honestly! ha!
xo – kb
No – he handles the business side of things just the same as he did when he was laid off but it’s not full time for him….although most weeks he puts in full time hours on blog stuff and DIY projects 🙂
xo – kb
Aww you are so sweet Laura. That means a lot to me because Jeremy works hard to contact the companies and pitch them the sponsored post ideas and to comb through the thousands that we get pitched to do. It takes a lot of work and we honestly would never talk about something we don’t love. And I guess I don’t label because I didn’t think of it! Ha! And the tall cabinets are actually something Jer and I disagree about. I like the natural wood because it ties into the cabinet countertops and the future work table….but he is in your camp and wants to paint them 🙂
xo – kb
Thank you girl! That means so so much! And any tips on momming four kiddos? I’m constantly taking lessons 🙂
xo – kb
They are pretty strong. I put a handful of eye hooks in one and it stayed put and that is a lot heavier than herbs!
xo – kb
If you can’t relate, then I definitely encourage you to find a blog you can! I didn’t even need to divulge that I got a discount but I do to not be shady. I am super proud that I get to work with these amazing companies and honestly I think it’s in their best interest to help us pimp out this space so that it benefits them if they make a video with us. What would you do? Turn down amazing opportunities and discounts? I don’t think so.
xo – kb
Oh geeesh! I’ll need a full time laundry helper if that ever happened….ya know, to keep the drapes clean 🙂
xo – kb
Yes! The single car area is next to the house. And yes, we love love love our saw….when we first used it, we were like WHY DIDNT WE GET THIS SOONER?!? And now it is so easy.
xo – kb
Thank you! I can’t wait to share all the details!
xo – kb
We may have blogged about the tool storage a long time ago when we first started DIYing but not recently. And I try to keep my nice brushes cleaned and usable but I am pretty bad too. If it’s a good brush, I will use this method to make sure I can keep it nice. But on some things (like poly) I just toss the brush because it’s terribly hard to get it clean again.
xo – kb
That’s us too. We are like WHY IN THE WORLD CAN”T WE FIND THE SCREWDRIVER?! We only own like 86 of them 🙂 This definitely definitely helps! Maybe if you get him a couple of those smaller wall cubbies, it will encourage him to sort some of those screws!
xo – kb
The cabinets and shelves can be bolted to the wall – they come with the safety straps!
xo – kb
Yay! So glad! It makes me happy too!
xo – kb
A lot of the wheeled items stay in the basement storage area because that is where the boys like to ride the stuff…and the stroller we keep in the car. We recently entered into negotiations about the PowerWheels because the kids literally rode them till the wheels fell off and then we bought new ones and the are now full of holes from power sliding and the steering wheel doesn’t even turn them anymore. So we are attempting to get those outta our possession too. So overall, our kids play with certain things WAY more than others and those items are staying (shovels, buckets, balls) and the other things we are transitioning to a new home (aka the trash) 🙂
xo – kb
Thank you Meghan!
xo – kb
We definitely get hot summers here but our garage is mostly insulated (the door is obviously not insulated as well) so it doesn’t ever get sweltering hot like outside. And heat isn’t as detrimental as freezing where paint can de-emulsify….thats my understanding anyway. So maybe take the temperature of the room?
xo – kb
So Ridgid makes these amazing folding stands for their saws. They can fold up and roll away. I am obsessed with them because we always thought it needed to be stationary but now we take them out in the driveway and have no clean up! Isn’t that amazing?
xo – kb
This is the Holy Grail. Seriously amazing job, and all the organizers out there have garage envy right now! All the heart eyes!
This is amazing! I want to come over and build a farmhouse table. I’ll bring my adorable baby girl that one of your boys can marry one day! 😉 Just Kidding. Kind of.
Well done Bowers! Organization makes me so happy!
From a professional organizer, let me just say — this looks fabulous! Well done!
Sweet! I must have missed that post. Thanks for the information! 🙂
But when your blog becomes this unrelateable (as numerous comments have said) people quit reading and these super awesome companies won’t want to work with you anymore. You don’t have to post every business decision you make, if re-doing the garage will make your business better then redo it but don’t brag about a 10K garage makeover when you haven’t posted a decent true DIY post in forever. I think your long time readers are happy for you, your blog exploded as YHL stepped back but you have to keep us wanting to come back. A sponsored house and 4-5 trips (at least 2 sponsored) in the first 6 months of the year aren’t going to keep the readers.
Actually my readership is just as steady as it always has been. My blog never exploded with or without YHL and I hope to be able to clarify things with you if you are open to it. 4-5 trips? That’s inaccurate. This year we have done a weekend at a yurt (not sponsored), a disney trip that was super affordable (not sponsored), a trip to my brother in laws wedding in texas (not sponsored) and a spring break trip that we got our hotel for free…also not sponsored though as we received no payment AND we talked them into a giveaway to share the love. And as far as DIY projects, we have done SO MANY true DIY posts…take all the table transformations we have done recently and my brother’s kitchen and foyer and how to make concrete countertops, etc. The fact is…some people may not like the way we blog or how this blog is different in one way or another, but there are LOTS of moving parts and I do my best to serve my true fans and be a good rep for companies that we love.
xo – kb
Hoooray! I feel like I just got a big gold star of approval! #sohappy
xo – kb
Haha! Done!
xo – kb
But a lot of people turn things down- a beautiful woman with a hot bod that could pose nude in Playboy but doesn’t want to be ogled and ‘appreciated’ for that. A talented musician that declines the opportunity to join and tour with a famous band because they want a more simple and low key lifestyle and really just enjoy drumming for themselves. I wouldn’t call you a fame whore who sold out to the highest bidder but of course you’d be well within your right to do so if you wanted to. Similar to the way the world adores the hot bods and singer babes, I’m entertained with reading about the gluttonous consumption or acquisition of free tools and decor. It doesn’t seem youre doing this for adoration and attention, rather for the personal satisfaction of learning how to do projects or create and build things.
Everything is perfect, good job guys! I did have a question, is your garage air conditioned/heated? I was always told to store my paint in the basement because the garage isn’t great for weather conditions. Please tell me I’m wrong because the garage would be so much easier to store my paint supplies. Thanks for always inspiring me!
Haters gonna hate! Don’t listen to them! You’re garage looks fabulous, I got a ton of inspiration even if I can’t do the same to mine. But I can take some ideas and implement them. Nicely done!
Oh, I’ve tried with the smaller cubbies! I am going to show him this post and hopefully get him inspired. Maybe this time will stick! It feels like our garage is all hodge-podgy (that’s a word, really) and crazy. He did make big strides by painting the garage a grey-blue and sort of organizing since he has a ’67 Cougar to fix up. =)
Keep up the good work! I LOVE your blog. I’m a mama of four boys, too (ages 13-20), so I really enjoy all the posts about your crew. Hugs to you!
An even better recommendation would be a breakdown of what things “actually” cost (like if I were to go out and buy it all) and what you (ever generously discounted blogger) paid. I’ve been a reader for a long time….think back to before when you were just a YHL fangirl and not an actual friend 😉 But I seriously think you are missing the point of all the criticism here. We get it, it’s YOUR blog therefore YOUR job and you can do as you please as far as deciding how you want to make your money with this thing, but it can’t be emphasized enough how unrelatable you are becoming. Most readers…most hard working Americans don’t own multiple properties, CANNOT take multiple trips in a short span of time (regardless of sponsorship or not) due to the fact that they have a 9-5 and limited vacation time and certainly can’t afford to restock their entire newly pristine garage with tools and storage gear. But I get it, this is your job and you must have the best equipment available in order to DIY to your hearts content and then blog about. So please, please, please with all your new shiny toys brings us more exciting renovations than plumbing pipe picture frame and fabric covered vases…fluff fills but it never fully satisfies!
Would love a breakdown please!!!! That’s what I read these blogs for – to see if it’s within my reach (and budget!)
TANYA – I agree with your comment completely.
I don’t need all of those tools etc but I sure walked away from this post with some ideas. I read this blog for entertainment and for ideas. I’m not mad that the actors get paid on TV shows I watch AND if I didn’t like an episode of a show I would never tell the writer of the show – I would just change the channel.
Thanks for sharing Katie! Your garage is amazing!
Thank you Laura! That means a lot!
xo – kb
haha! I love that you have already done the subtle hinting and then the not-so-subtle-buying 🙂 That’s me all the way 🙂 I told Jeremy that the best thing about this garage is that I actually CARE about keeping it clean…the kitchen? umnotsomuch!
xo – kb
It isn’t air conditioned but it is insulated – but we have talked to lots of people and we always hear that the most damaging effects on paint is COLD and AIR. I would have to do more research on what temperature is too hot.
xo – kb
I definitely try to break down costs for most things (as in what they cost)….but I also need you to consider that if I start talking about how much I spend or receive money wise – that is a can of worms that people think they are allowed to talk about. I have learned that if I the blogger talk about it, then it’s no longer private. And some things need to be private out of respect for my husband and family. I hope that most people can at least understand that. And I totally get that we are very blessed with the best jobs in the world….and we definitely want to share some very big projects in the future…but also understand that some people LIKE the picture frame and vases projects because it is doable and affordable. Like I have said before….we have a lot of moving parts and we are doing the best we possibly can. If ANYONE can’t relate to us because we make money on the blog…then you are basically saying that you can’t relate to me as a mom, as a wife, as a DIYer or as a lover of life…and that is really sad because we should all be able to relate no matter our income.
xo – kb
Love it!! Makes me feel organized just looking at it! ❤️
Hey Katie – I know this comment is going to be lost at the bottom… I tried to read through all of them to see if it was asked already, but didn’t want to get into the negativity, so I’m going to ask this anyway.
You noted that you and Jeremy both work from home – where is his office? What’s it look like? I ask because I most DIY blogs have a lot of women writers and decorators (or the ones I follow at least) and if there is an office that is dedicated to a man only, well then I’d like to see one. Yours is very white and femine, so I can’t imagine that that’s “his” space… and he can’t just work in the gym area of the garage, right? So if Jer has a office or if one is in the works for him, I’d love to hear about how you designed it, shopped for it (and not just built everything) and what sort of things he was looking for. My sister and her husband run a start-up from their home and recently designed 2 offices, both very different, but with similarities to keep the house cohesive. I’d like to hear what you two would do.
Thanks!
He doesn’t have a legit office but he will take his laptop and phone upstairs into our sitting room off our bedroom. It’s quieter in there. Since we claim two spaces for tax reasons (one inside office that is mine and then the garage workshop) we haven’t formally made him an office. We used to have one for him in the basement bedroom with a big ole roll top desk but he works paperless. I think in the future though, we will just make bookcases on either side of the sitting room fireplace and one will be a desk that he can use.
xo – kb
Wow. That looks amazing. Well done!
I see you all bought lots of new Ryobi brand tools. What brand did you have before?! Been researching for my husband and can’t decide between Ryobi and Dewalt.
We had a Dewalt set that was a gift from Jeremy’s dad and it lasted as long as the reviews stated. Jeremy burned out the driver and drill and the miter saw was too small for what we ended up needing. The thing that really converted us to Ryobi is the battery system. It just can’t be beat. The fact that all the tools run on the same battery saves us money and the new yard tools also run on the same batteries and they are so flipping easy! We understand why people buy both brands but we love the Ridgid and Ryobi stuff 🙂
xo – kb
So Jeremy no longer drives to an office? I thought he worked an hour away and then started some CrossFit type of business on the side. I guess I’m late to the party! Love your garage #powertoolsporn. With 4 boys play shoes all thrown into one bin It seems TOTAL chaos when they are standing all around bin trying to match their play shoes so they can dart outside. Why not add some basic shelves to wall where nearest exits are and leave only one pair of shoes for each boy – they can grab n’ go and put away when done.
Haha! That hashtag 🙂
So he started back working at home when LJ was born. I never did an official post about it…but I usually don’t when it comes to his work stuff. He likes his privacy 🙂 Before that he worked at an office that was over an hour and a half away and the commute was killing him so we are all glad he doesn’t do that anymore. And we have tried a lot of different ways to store shoes and we have discovered that the bucket method is the best fit for their ages and number of shoes.
xo – kb
I may just be a kindergarten teacher, but your counting skills seem rusty Katie. You are literally arguing with a reader on your blog about her comment – that you’ve taken 4-5 trips in the past 6 months (which, to Stacy’s defense, is completely unrelateable to most of us average, working readers). You just listed 4 trips Katie, so her math is correct in guessing that you’ve take 4-5 unrelateable trips in the past 6 months.
Aside from poor math and communication skills, are you honestly arguing with readers on your own blog? The same readers that boost your numbers with our daily visits and link clicking, the same readers to in essence fill your pockets with money so you can be home with your family. You should probably tread this line with a little more caution in the future, I would hate to see that all disappear because you got offended and treated your readers rudely.
To your defense, you have done some DIY posts lately. For me they tend to get lost in all of the sponsored posts, affiliate links, and ‘lifestyle’ types of posts you have been leaning towards lately. But yes, there has been actual DIY content in the past 6 months.
I’m just arguing that they aren’t sponsored…and we turn them into vacations because that is important to us. Always has been. I believe that because this is my place, my spot on the internet and my voice that I do get to defend myself…especially when I am being accused of something that isn’t true. Also – if I get to argue….nobody is JUST a kindergarten teacher 🙂
xo – kb
One question for you– the man at the paint store told me to never store paint in the garage because the temperature fluctuates too much and it ruins the paint. Have you never had any trouble with this? Just curious.
I haven’t. I’ve always heard that cold temps are worse than heat. I’d love to talk to an expert on this!
xo kb
I think you need to run to Home Depot and stock up on a little painter’s tape. 😉
Seriously. I am about to run out any second. In all honesty…I truly did not think I had that much before we stacked it all together and I discovered that I own more tape than the store.
xo – kb
Do you have info/directions some where for that floor? That is amazing and would love to see how you did it!
Amazing space!
haha, I was thinking the same thing! That paint cabinet is seriously my dream.
The floor is an epoxy kit that you roll on like a paint. Here is the post about it!
xo – kb
I’m totally drooling over your paint cabinet. This has been my vision with zones and organization and smaller cans for “leftovers”. It is like you read my mind!