If your garage has gotten out of hand this winter, we’ve got a few tips to help you quickly and safely tackle that clutter.
Keeping your garage neat and orderly over a cold Wisconsin winter can be a challenge, but spring is the perfect time for a fresh start. A clutter-free garage not only makes it easier to find your tools, sports gear and anything else you store in your garage, but it can also reduce hazards, prevent unwanted pests, lead to better air quality and enhance your mental well-being.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Garage
If your garage has gotten out of hand this winter, you’re not alone. Couple More Guys® has a few tips (and the extra hands if you need them) to help you safely and quickly clear out your garage clutter.
Make a Plan & Gather Cleaning Supplies
Before diving in, come up with a game plan of what you want to accomplish and make sure you set aside enough time to complete it. Then gather all the supplies you are going to need like heavy-duty trash bags, storage bins, gloves, and cleaning products, to minimize interruptions.
Empty Your Garage & Sort Your Belongings
Start by taking everything out of your garage. Remove items from shelves, walls and corners too. Then sort them into categories. Once you have pile for all your tools, gardening supplies, sports gear, seasonal items, automotive supplies and so on, you can take stock of what you have and beginning decluttering.
Declutter Your Clutter
Go through each section and apply the “Keep, Donate, Repair, Discard” rule.
- Keep: Items you use regularly or ones with sentimental value.
- Donate: Items such as tools, sports equipment or decorations that you don’t use but that are still in good condition
- Repair: Items that are not only worth fixing, but that you can honestly say you will fix within a month.
- Discard: Items that are broken, expired or hazardous such as old paint, chemicals and rusted tools.
Dispose of Unwanted Items Responsibly
Donate usable items to local charities or sell them on Craigslist or an online marketplace. Hazardous waste, batteries and old electronics should be safely disposed of or recycled according to your city’s guidelines. Many communities offer special collection days in the spring or have designated recycling centers where you can bring items that shouldn’t be thrown away.
Clean Your Garage
Now that your garage is empty and you have less to put back in it, give it a good wipe down. Remove dust and debris. Wash down walls, shelves, widows and work surfaces. Sweep and mop the garage floor.
Organize as You Put Everything Back
Think about how and when you use your items as you put them back. Designate certain areas for tools, sports equipment, gardening supplies, camping gear and seasonal items. Consider keeping frequently used items easily accessible and out-of-season gear out of the way. Make sure all hazardous materials are stored safely and clearly labeled. Shelves, pegboards and overhead racks can increase your storage space while also freeing up floor space.
Safety Tips for Your Garage Clean Up
As you clean and organize your garage, it’s important that you protect yourself from injury and harm.
- Wear gloves and a dust mask: This will help to protect yourself from dust, sharp edges, and chemicals.
- Use proper lifting techniques: Lift heavy items with your legs, not your back, and avoid twisting to prevent injury.
- Keep pathways clear: to reduce tripping hazards.
- Don’t rush: Give yourself enough time to sort, clean, and organize without stress.
- Seek help if needed: Don’t be afraid to ask for or hire help if needed. Whether you are simply overwhelmed and don’t know where to start or you need some extra muscle to handle the heavy lifting, Couple More Guys® can be your extra hands.
Spring into a Clean Garage with Couple More Guys®
We can help you clear the clutter so you can reclaim your space. From organizing storage bins and hauling out old junk, to moving and repairing broken furniture, Couple More Guys® can help you get your spring cleaning done easier, faster and safer. Our two-person insured crews are experienced in cleanup, hauling, and organizing—so you can stop stressing about the mess and enjoy a well-organized garage all year long. Schedule your spring-cleaning crew today.