How to Clean and Organize Your Garage

The garage is often the final dumping ground for things that simply have no space in the house anymore. It’s tempting to keep anything that fits, especially if you still feel it has a use. But the clutter pile-up in your garage can quickly get out of control. Here are a few ways you can regain control and make use of the things you still need. 

1. Gather Supplies 

Without proper supplies you’ll be lost. Make sure you have solid boxes, either cardboard or storage containers. Bring tape or labels and a marker. Write an inventory of each box. 

2. Sorting and Boxing for Use 

Create categories by sorting your belongings. Seasonal items should be kept together by season. Mementos or invaluable items should be carefully boxed. Some things will obviously be trash and can be set aside for disposal. 

3. Sell/Donate/Junk Piles 

As you sort and begin to realize how much you own that you haven’t seen for a long time, get serious about getting rid of things. Junk will be easy, but what about the useful stuff that you kept ‘just in case’? Start to think about what you can do besides store that stuff forever. Are there things with value that you could sell? What about donating clothing or items which you simply don’t use? Divide and conquer. 

4. Come Up with a System 

Now that you know what you have and you’ve got it in boxes or bins that are clearly labeled, it’s time to put it away in an organized manner. Shelving is your best option, but if that’s too much, try to put like with like. Put labels on the outside and leave room so you can access all the bins or boxes. 

Don’t you want to feel great each time you go into the garage? Getting rid of stuff and organizing what you keep will make you feel relieved and excited about your space.