Spring is around the corner, and now is the perfect time to plan your annual spring cleaning. Tackling a big space like the garage can be overwhelming, especially if it’s been a while since your last garage spring cleaning. To help you jump-start the process, here are some tips to get the most out of your garage space.

Inventory

Making a list on paper or in your mind can make the job more manageable. Try to start on your list in the days leading up to the actual clean-out. That way you can organize items based on what to keep and what to get rid of. As you clean, add to your list to help you stay organized. The best time to take a complete inventory is as you’re moving items around. Either pull everything out or shift items into groups within your garage.

Make Spring Cleaning a Team Effort

Get your partner, kids, or friends on board to help you with any heavy lifting or trips to the dump or donation center. Having a group around you will help keep you motivated and can significantly speed up the process. Make sure to communicate so everyone is on the same page about what to throw out and what to keep.

Start Fresh

Whether you pull everything out of your garage or move things to the center for sorting, make sure to get a broom behind the long-standing items collecting dust. Moving everything not only reminds you of what you have, but it also allows you to inspect your garage for damage and evidence of pests.

If you’ve pulled everything out of your garage and away from the driveway, now is a great time to rinse the floor with a garden hose and a gentle cleanser. Inspect and clean the garage door and opening mechanisms, and give your garage a good airing-out!

Get Organized

If you have a two-car garage and find that you can barely squeeze two cars into it, it might seem impossible to fit any bulky shelving or cabinetry in there. Fortunately, there are storage solutions. Make use of the space at the front of the garage; this often is the largest space available in terms of depth, but you should aim to use the vertical space as well. Store the least-used items on the highest shelves, and consider getting a small stepladder or stool that folds down when not in use.

Keep it Realistic

You don’t have to do everything in one day; in fact, if your goal requires several trips to get rid of items, it might make sense for you to spread out the job over several days. If this is the case, clean your garage based on categories. Here’s an example of a day-by-day plan.

• Day 1: Move everything out of the garage (if weather permits) and collect all items to be thrown away. If a trip to the dump is in order, load everything up and congratulate yourself on getting rid of all that junk! Before you call it a day, do a quick sweep with a push broom and move any items that should not be left out back into the garage.
• Day 2: Assess the space and purchase or construct shelving, hooks, and cabinets. Begin sorting items and deciding what should be kept, donated, or moved to another area of your home.
• Day 3: Make a trip to donate your items at the organization of your choice. Arrange the remaining items in your shiny, new organizational units. Finally, call everyone out to admire your handiwork.

Spring cleaning your garage doesn’t have to be a painful chore. Getting space organized the way you like it can help you maintain your garage throughout the year. For more garage tips and garage door resources, check out our blog and contact us today.