As spring arrives, it’s time to tackle cleaning and organizing the garage. A well-organized garage makes it easier to store your belongings, keeps items in good condition, and frees up space. Follow these tips for a successful garage spring cleaning.
Sort Through Everything
The first step is sorting through all items in the garage and deciding what to keep, donate or throw away. This process allows you to take inventory of what’s in the garage and eliminates clutter.
Some tips for sorting:
- Work section by section. For example, start with tools and hardware, then seasonal items, etc. This prevents it from feeling overwhelming.
- Inspect items for damage and determine if they are still useful. Toss anything that is broken, expired or you no longer need.
- Ask yourself when you last used an item. If it’s been over a year, consider donating or recycling it.
- Gather like items together. Group together tools, sporting goods, automotive supplies, etc. This makes it easier to organize later.
- Check for safety hazards. Properly dispose of any chemicals, oils, batteries, etc. that are leaking, expired or dangerous.
Organize Items
Once everything is sorted, it’s time to organize the garage in an efficient way. Think about how to best arrange items based on frequency of use and categorize them into zones.
Create Designated Zones
- Garage door zone: Items used most frequently like garbage cans, recycling bins and outdoor tools. Store near the garage door for easy access.
- Workshop zone: Tools, workbench and supplies used for DIY projects. Have adequate lighting in this area.
- Seasonal zone: Holiday decor, camping gear and other seasonal items. Use clear plastic bins to easily identify contents.
- Storage zone: Items used infrequently like extra furniture, sports equipment, suitcases, etc. Use overhead storage, shelves or stackable containers.
- Hazardous zone: Paint, chemicals, batteries and other hazardous materials. Keep in locked cabinets away from kids and pets.
Use Storage Solutions
Utilize various storage solutions to keep the garage organized:
- Shelving: Free standing or wall mounted shelves to hold smaller items off the floor. Label shelves for easy identification.
- Pegboards: Use for hanging tools, gardening supplies, etc. Outline each item with marker so you know exactly where it belongs.
- Cabinets: Keep hazardous materials, automotive fluids and delicate items safe and out of sight.
- Bins and baskets: Store loose items like hardware, light bulbs, sports equipment. Use clear bins so you can see contents.
- Overhead storage: Install racks above for infrequently used or seasonal items. Place heavy items on bottom shelves.
- Garage slatwall: Provides flexible storage using hooks and baskets that easily adjust on the slats. Great for organizing tools.
Maintain the Organization
Once everything is clean and organized, implement routines to maintain the order.
- Put items back in their designated spots after each use.
- Do a quick 10 minute tidy at the end of each week to prevent clutter buildup.
- Wipe up spills, dust shelves and sweep floor regularly.
- Go through the garage every 6 months and purge items you no longer need.
- Rearrange storage as needed if you acquire new items or change usage frequency.
The time invested in an annual spring cleaning pays off all year long. You’ll get far more use out of your garage space and always know exactly where to find what you need. A clean, organized garage reduces stress and makes DIY projects more efficient and enjoyable.
