Do you use your garage to park your car? Not every family does! Some families use it as a walk-in storage space for their sports gear, tools, and holiday decorations, while others turn it into extra living space like a home gym, recreation room, or den.
No matter how you use your garage, it’s likely to get cluttered and dirty over time. According to one study, 50% of homeowners find their garage the most disorganized part of their home.
Luckily, spring cleaning your garage is an opportunity to declutter and get it back in shape. With these six easy tips, you can breeze through the process and enjoy a clutter-free garage in no time!
Get Your Supplies Ready
Ready for decluttering? During this project, purge old stuff and find new ways to organize your favorite things. You’ll need weather-resistant storage containers and heavy-duty trash bags to stay organized.
It’s also essential to have basic cleaning tools like a broom, microfiber cloths, a step stool, and an all-purpose cleaner to make your space clean and tidy.
Develop a Feasible Schedule
Spring is the perfect time to tackle your garage cleaning project and make some space for the fun weekend ahead. You can finish up in a day and still have plenty of time to soak up the sunshine at the beach or park.
But before you dive in, make sure you have a good plan. Don’t rush through it – take your time and give yourself some extra hours in case things don’t go as expected. Overestimating how long it will take can save you from stress and frustration later on.
Make a Checklist
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to cleaning your garage, a checklist can be a helpful tool. It can break down the process into manageable steps, giving you a sense of progress and satisfaction as you complete each.
To make your garage a better part of your house, develop a list of realistic actions that fit your schedule and abilities. You can transform your garage into a tidy space by working through your checklist and taking consistent steps.
Organize Your Garage Items into Three Piles
Once you empty your garage, divide the items into three groups: keep, throw, and donate. Remove things you no longer want or need from the area to create more working space.
But before making any decisions about what to do with your belongings, consider these three factors:
1. Frequency Of Use
Consider your frequency of using each item. Even though some things may hold sentimental value, if you haven’t used them in years, consider giving them away to someone who could benefit from them, like a family member or a friend.
2. Does It Work?
Think about whether the item still works. If it’s totally broken or simply taking up room, it’s likely time to get rid of it.
3. Where Does It Belong?
Consider where to keep or store things. Although holiday stuff and old clothes can be stored indefinitely in the garage, not everything should go there. For example, printed photographs, firewood, propane tanks, etc., won’t do well in the hot and humid conditions of the typical home garage in Philadelphia.
Look at what you have and see if some things can go in a closet or attic for some time.
Clean Up Your Garage
Now that the area is free from clutter, it’s the perfect time to clean it up! Here are a few tips for cleaning it really well:
- Start by sweeping the ceiling, corners, and walls with a broom. This is how you get rid of any cobwebs or dust that may have accumulated in hard-to-reach areas.
- Close your garage door and wash its panels along with the moving parts. This helps ensure that your garage door functions properly.
- Use a soft-bristled brush, hot water, and mild detergent to scrub away dirt or grime from the floor that has built up over time.
- Clean the door jamb, doorknobs, light switches, and garage door opener using a damp cloth.
Select Suitable Storage Options
Once you’re done cleaning your garage, figure out where you want to put your things. You can group similar items, like all your gardening tools or office supplies. This should help you find what you need quickly and easily.
Here are some creative ways to store your things that you might find helpful:
- Waterproof plastic storage bins are resilient against severe weather and potential floods
- Shelves let you store your things up high, but you can still reach them easily when you want to use them
- Less frequently used items are best stored in closets and cabinets
- Hang lawn equipment and other tools on pegboards or hooks on your garage walls to optimize space
- Tall garage ceilings are best for installing shelves or bike racks
Spring cleaning your garage can be a great way to relieve stress. Dirt and debris can accumulate in your garage during the winter months, and it’s important to clean and reorganize it so you can use the space to the fullest come summertime. Although it can be tiring, cleaning and scrubbing your garage can give you a satisfying feeling.
If you don’t want to do all the hard work, you can always get help from the professionals at Philadelphia Garage. We can help you clean and organize your garage, leaving you with a space you can be proud of. It’s a great way to save time and energy while achieving your desired results.