Sporting GoodsWhen it comes to sports gear, Karen Law, of Minneapolis-based Contained Design, follows the mantra: Hang it, hook it, don't prop it. "Everybody loves to prop things against a wall," Law says. Not only does this approach waste both floor and wall space, it invariably leads to damaged sporting equipment. "As soon as someone slams a door, that snowboard will slide down the wall and get run over by the car," she warns.
Like everything in the zone system, items should be organized based on what it is, who uses it and how often it is used. "Adults can remove bicycles from a ceiling hook, but a child needs easy access," Law explains. A pulley system that raises and lowers bikes when needed works well for adults, as do simple wall or ceiling hooks. Kids' bikes and other sports gear should be placed near the garage door so they can easily access them without banging and scratching the car. For frequently used gear like bats, balls, gloves, helmets, skates and sticks, a sports equipment organizer — like those found at Dick's Sporting Goods — is the best way to go.
Off-season sporting goods should be stowed away in clearly marked plastic bins. Ventilated bins work best for items that tend to get sweaty, like helmets, knee pads and gloves. An inexpensive solution for bulky, but light, pool toys is a hammock strung over the car.
