Five steps to glam up your garage

 These days, many new homes are built with carports instead of garages, so a garage which can accommodate one or two vehicles, or which offers additional storage space, is a very desirable feature. Many buyers will also value a garage as a space that can be converted into a home office, or used to create extra living space as a family grows.

But to maximise its usefulness - and appeal to potential buyers of your home - it needs to be kept clean and clutter-free, which can be quite a challenge. Here are some tips on how to keep sports gear, camping equipment, garden tools, holiday decorations and multiplying hobby supplies under control:

• Clear out the clutter: Start by removing everything from the garage and sorting it into three piles: keep, donate/ sell and discard. Be ruthless and honest with yourself. If you haven't used an item in the past year and don't plan to use it soon, let it go;

• Categorise Group similar items together to make it easier to store them appropriately and find what you need;

• Invest in storage solutions: Install shelves, cabinets, hooks, pegboards and other storage solutions to make the most of the vertical space in your garage. Clear plastic storage bins are excellent for storing seasonal clothing and other items that you only use once or twice a year;

• Label everything: Use labels or colour-coded tags to identify what's in each box or container. This will make it easier to find what you're looking for when you need it;

• Maintain your system: Once you've organised your garage, make sure to keep up the good work by regularly putting things back in their proper place. Set aside some time each season to go through everything and get rid of any items you no longer need.

There are many charities that can benefit from things you and your family no longer need, from books and clothes to furniture, and many online sites and markets where you can sell unused items to make extra cash.

 An additional benefit of getting organised in this way is that your garage will be easier to clean, which will discourage any insects, rats and snakes from taking up residence.

But most of all, when the time comes to sell your home, a tidy, spacious-looking garage is bound to be a plus that will help you achieve a higher sale price.