Spring Cleaning Tips for the Garage
Once all designated items have been donated or disposed of, the remaining items must be organized.
Spring is a notorious time for cleaning and organizing the home to reflect the new beginnings that the season represents. One of the less exciting parts of the home, the garage is often overlooked during this time despite being highly susceptible to mess and disorganization. A clean and clutter-free garage can offer a sometimes unexpected freshness to any home with a few simple steps.
When to keep, throw away, or sell
Garages tend to be a dumping ground in many homes, as most people do not spend much time in the space and close the garage door off from public view. While convenient, this means that garages frequently need to be decluttered. When sifting through possessions, consider if an item should be kept and organized, when it could be sold or donated for further use, and when it should be thrown away.
Keep
If an item is used often or serves a purpose at least once a year, homeowners should keep it. Things like sports equipment or yard tools may not be used weekly or even monthly but could still serve an important purpose a few times per year. It’s easy to become sentimental when going through personal possessions, so sticking to this rule helps to avoid keeping things for the sake of happy memories. There are exceptions for special items, but the number of sentimental items kept in the garage should be limited and perhaps moved to another part of the house, such as the basement.
Sell or donate
As for items that have not been used in the past year, consider the state, usefulness, and personalization of the items. If something in good condition, could be useful to most people, and is not highly personalized, it could be sold online or at a garage sale for extra money. If the condition is no longer great but it is useful, it could be donated or sold for a highly discounted price. Things such as sports equipment or yard tools that have not been touched in years may be useful to someone else, so finding a new home for them rather than discarding them is most sustainable.
Throw away
Lastly are the items that should be thrown away. It is always better to repurpose items if possible, but some items are damaged, not useful, or too personalized for anyone else to use. Think of stained clothing, broken tools, sports equipment that is extremely worn, or expired chemicals or fertilizers. Chemicals can be extremely hazardous, so do plenty of research to dispose of them properly.
Organize the space
Once all designated items have been donated or disposed of, the remaining items must be organized. Consider what the space is primarily used for, such as for vehicle storage or a work space, to determine the best organization method. Investing in plastic bins is recommended, as they keep the contents visible and protect against water damage or pest invasion. Labeling also helps keep boxes identifiable for easy and quick access. Shelving units and cabinets are also useful for storing items and boxes and help keep the floor free from clutter.
If in need of garage door repair or maintenance check, visit our website or contact us to schedule an appointment.
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
