Cleaning and Organizing My Generator Room
The beginning of a new year is always a nice time to get a jump start on spring cleaning - we’re getting so much done here at my Bedford, New York farm.
I decided it was time to tackle another storage space, my generator room - a room right off my carport specifically built to house my giant power generator. The room is also used to store various automotive supplies, cleaning solutions, wild bird seed, etc., but over the months, it has become a catch-all for a number of odds and ends. Last week, we emptied the generator room and gave the space a good, thorough cleaning. Getting things back in order is always so energizing. I love projects like this, and I advise you to read my books, “The Martha Manual: How to Do (Almost) Everything” and “The Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your House” for guidance on organizing, reorganizing, and re-doing.
Enjoy these photos.
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- My generator room houses an industrial sized power generator – the back up power source for several structures on the farm. The room is located at one end of my long carport and is easily accessible from my Winter House.
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- Because the room is large, we use it for storing various automotive supplies and other equipment, but it has become very crowded and very cluttered.
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- I also store several large cans of wild bird seed in this room. They are close to the bird feeders, but away from pesky, rummaging squirrels, chipmunks and raccoons.
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- As part of the cleaning project – all hands were on deck to empty the space.
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- Everything is removed and placed in the adjacent carport – hard to believe how much had accumulated here.
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- A collection of coolers, containers, baskets and other receptacles are hauled out – some we forgot even existed.
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- And now the cleaning can begin – from top to bottom. Carlos wipes down all the walls first. When cleaning any room, it is always a good idea to start from the top and work down. This room is painted in my signature color, Bedford Gray.
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- Fernando wipes-down the generator with a damp cloth. It is always wise to keep all household machines free of dirt and other foreign materials.
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- Meanwhile, all the items moved to the carport were organized, and like things grouped together. Any items that did not belong were taken to their proper “homes”.
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- Flower containers were returned to the greenhouse.
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- Other items were placed into plastic storage bins.
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- Next, the floors were thoroughly washed and vacuumed.
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- Here’s Fernando going over the floors with a towel to make sure everything is wiped dry.
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- The generator room vents were also wiped-down. Generator rooms require a good amount of ventilation to provide fresh air for combustion and efficient generator performance.
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- The room is now empty and very clean. Now it is easy to visualize and plan how the space can be re-organized.
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- I already had some metal shelving units that weren’t being used, and decided these would work perfectly in the generator room. These shelves could accommodate large storage bins and keep most items off the floor.
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- Here is our bin of appropriate nuts and screws for the shelves – found quickly in our newly organized Equipment Barn Supply Closet.
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- Pete begins assembling the shelving units. I’ve had these shelves for some time, and am glad they can now be put to good use.
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- These metal shelves fit perfectly – one set of three sections on one side of the generator, and one set of two sections on the other.
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- For safety reasons, generator rooms are required to have enough free space so that anyone servicing the unit can walk about easily. I wanted the shelves to be positioned where they were away from the generator, but still easy to reach.
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- “X” brackets are placed on the sides of the shelves for added support.
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- Over the weekend, I went through everything and decided what would go back into the generator room and where. The wild bird seed is now kept in the area closest to the door for easier access.
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- Bins can now be stored neatly on the shelves instead of piled on the floor.
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- I placed my Martha Stewart 1200 PSI Pressure Washer with Adjustable Spray Wand on the shelf near the car-cleaning supplies. I love this handy power washer. It’s convenient, lightweight, and so easy to use – perfect for getting mud and dirt off the cars.
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- Snow and ice scrapers are on the wall nearest the entrance.
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- On the other side of the generator, a supply of plastic bins are stacked neatly on the shelf. Anything I bring home can be moved from the car and into a bin if needed.
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- A wet-dry vacuum is also stored nearby.
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- Everything looks great. One of the responsibilities of being a good homeowner is to keep areas neat and tidy, especially around appliances and machines. Keeping household equipment clean and well-functioning not only extends their lives, but can actually help reduce the risk of fire. What areas in and around your home need cleaning? Share your projects with me in the section below.
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