Today’s blog will be the first in a short series about my garage, which is, it is safe to say, an absolute bloody SHAMBLES.
Since Mr Maximalista and I moved into the love shack in August of 2024, our poor old garage has simply been a neglected repository for all kinds of stuff. Not least our two cars, Gypsy and Lady Penelope.
Welcome to the shambles!
As you can see from these pictures, the inside of our garage has not been painted since the house was built.
We have spent the last 18 months making our living spaces comfortable; now it’s time to sort out this dumping ground.
The only improvements we have made during this time have been the installation of the metal heavy-duty ceiling storage system, along with bunging up some random shelves to get stuff off the floor.
And yet… we STILL have stuff on the floor. Meanwhile, the stuff that is on the shelves looks untidy and disorganized. I hate it.
Unlike the lovely greeting received by our guests who enter through the front door, the two residents of this house are greeted with disarray as soon as we park our cars.
It has gone on for long enough: this state of affairs has to change.
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Our garage is a utilitarian workhorse which wears several hats:
- First and foremost, the majority of the space is used for parking our cars and bicycles
- Mr Maximalista has carved out one corner as his workshop; as with his office, I am categorically NOT ALLOWED to spread any of my Maximalista Magic in this area…
- (Whatever.)
- We both rely on the garage as storage for sundries such as our Christmas decorations, garden tools, out of season garden furniture, cans of paint, etc etc
- The door leading into the house is our makeshift mud room area, where we kick off our shoes before entering, hang up the dog leash and coats, or leave the occasional wet umbrella to dry
Not to forget all kinds of other miscellany for which we have no other place to store — I fully intend to use this opportunity to get rid of a few things!
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My objective over the next few weeks is to:
- Completely reorganize and purge through our belongings
- Create a more efficient and attractive storage system
- Decorate the internal entrance area so that it is a welcoming place to come home to
- Be frugal in my endeavour — try to spend as little money as possible to achieve my goal by utilizing as much existing material that we have at hand
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The budget for this project is earmarked for lumber (Mr M is going to build a brand-new, welcoming family entrance), upgraded flooring, several cans of paint, and curtains that I want to put up on the two windows.
Can I do it?! Let’s see… wish me luck!!!
Lots of love,
M xo
The English Maximalista 
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