Did you know that 25% of surveyed homeowners are too embarrassed to leave their garage doors open? Does that sound familiar?
Garages get messy. That’s normal! They’re great places to store unused items that you aren’t ready to throw away, but you should tidy them up at least once per year.
If it’s time to clean out your garage, we get that it’s a huge task. We’re here to offer some of our favorite tips to make it easier. Read on to learn more.
Gather Your Tools Ahead of Time
Let’s face it: cleaning your garage is going to be a massive task, especially if it’s been a while since the last time you cleaned. It’s going to take a while, and you want to make it as easy as possible for you to finish the task in a timely matter.
One way to do that is to gather your tools and supplies before you even get started. This way, you won’t have to distract yourself and waste time by fetching things later on. You’d be surprised at how easy it is to get distracted when you leave the garage while you’re cleaning it.
So what will you need? It depends on your garage. It’s a good idea to have a few garbage bags, some boxes (more on that later), and basic cleaning supplies if you’re going beyond basic decluttering.
To start with, consider gathering:
- All-purpose cleaning solution
- Heavy-duty garbage bags
- Several large boxes
- Microfiber cloths
- A duster
- Gloves
The specific supplies you need will vary. Bring more than you think you’ll need and keep everything in one centralized place so you know where to go when you need it. This will make your garage cleanout far easier.
Consider Renting a Dumpster
Do you have a lot of junk in your garage that you no longer need? Sure, garbage bags may be enough for the average person, but if your garage is in dire need of a cleaning session, bags may not be enough.
If that sounds familiar, you may want to consider a dumpster rental.
A dumpster rental will make your life easier. You can throw almost anything into the dumpster, so you don’t have to leave it by the curb until trash day. This will allow you to get everything out of your way quickly.
Dumpster rentals are affordable, and they’ll make cleaning easier (especially if you’re enlisting help from others). If you’re already going to be throwing things away, why not use a dumpster?
Separate Items Into Sections
So you’ve gotten rid of obvious junk and trash, but there’s still a lot of stuff taking up space in your garage. Now what? It’s time to decide what you’re keeping, what you’re throwing away, and what you may be donating or repurposing.
The easiest way to do this is with boxes or marked sections.
Mark off one area or box for “trash” items, one for “keep” items, one for “donate” items, and one for “repurpose” items. As you pick up each item, put it into the appropriate section.
This will keep you organized and stop you from leaving the garage to put things in the dumpster or in other rooms. Separating everything first will make the process move more quickly.
If you’re able to fit everything into boxes, this will also make it super easy to send things where they need to go, whether you’re donating them or throwing them into the dumpster.
Clean All Surfaces
Once you’ve put everything into piles or boxes, take this opportunity to clean all of the surfaces in the garage. When was the last time you did that? If you’re like many people, you may not remember.
Sweep the floors and mop if you have coated garage flooring. If you have shelves or containers, wipe them down and get them looking clean again before you start putting your belongings back.
Organize Your Storage Spaces
This is a good opportunity to invest in new storage if your garage feels cluttered.
Consider putting shelves up along your walls. This way, all of your belongings will be easier to access, and you’ll be able to see everything at a glance. You’ll also clear out some floor space for activities.
You can also invest in new storage boxes that fit those shelves. Label each box so it can be seen easily so you never have to guess where something in your garage may be.
Hanging wall storage is another great option for certain items, like tools. This gets them out of the way and keeps them all in one place for easy use.
How you organize doesn’t matter as long as it’s functional for you.
Make Sure Everything Has a Place
When you put everything back where it belongs, make a point to ensure that everything has a place. If something is left out, consider whether or not you really need it.
When you remove something from its place to use it, put it back. If you buy a new item, replace an old one. These are small changes, and they may seem silly, but they’ll stop your garage from getting as messy in the future.
It’s Time to Clean Out Your Garage
Now that you’ve gone through these helpful tips, you’re ready to clean out your garage! Remember to gather all of your tools and supplies first, consider renting a dumpster, and focus on improving your garage storage.
You’ll have a neat and tidy garage before you know it!
Are you in need of a dumpster so you can clean out your garage in Chester County, PA? We’ve got you covered! See our dumpster options and request a quote today.