How to Clean Out a Garage Full of Junk
Did you know that three out of four garages have so much clutter that there isn’t any room for a car? Our garages can be among one of the top clutter spots in our homes. That’s why homeowners must know how to tackle this problem. Here are some simple tips on how to clean out a garage full of junk!
From old beach chairs to expired toxic paints, your garage can be full items that are no longer useful to you. In fact, many times these items can even pose a threat to your home! Luckily, you can get rid of these things easily in just one weekend! It’s time to organize your garage today with these hacks.
Learn How to Clean Out a Garage Full of Junk with These Easy Steps
Many times, homeowners can be overwhelmed by the task of tidying up their garage. This feeling can many times lead up to procrastination. However, by doing so, you ultimately end up piling more junk in your garage! This can even make the job much more difficult than it used to be in the beginning.
Fortunately, cleaning your garage doesn’t have to be a pain in the butt. You can achieve a clutter-free space without any hassle!
Follow these simple steps in how to clean out a garage full of junk:
- Start off by emptying your garage.
- Categorize the items you need to keep, donate, sell, or get rid of.
- Clean out your garage.
- Perform garage maintenance fixes.
- Re-arrange items to save space.
Let’s dive into each of these steps:
Start Off by Emptying Your Garage
One of the most efficient ways of decluttering any room is by first emptying it. This principle can also be applied to your garage as well. When you empty your garage, you can take a better look at each item.
Not only that, but you can also have a better look at your garage’s overall condition as well. Additionally, you’ll be able to see the amount of space you have in your garage.
Start by taking out items by sections and placing them outside of your garage. When placing the items outside of your garage, be sure to pile them into four sections: keep, donate, sell, and throw out. We’ll go over how you’ll decide on the category for each item further on this blog.
To give yourself a boost whenever you’re feeling burnt out, you set a timer for 20 minutes and then have a 5-minute break. You can also ask a family member or a friend to help you out as well!
Lastly, be sure to take EVERYTHING out of your garage, making no exceptions. That way, you can be certain that no junk is left behind.
Categorize the Items You Need to Keep, Donate, Sell, or Get Rid Of
Just like we stated in our article in “How to Get Rid of Stuff”, you’ll want to make a list of which items you need to keep, and which items need to go. Although each homeowner counts on their own set of different items, there are certain parameters you can use when deciding what to do with each. We’ll go over each of these guidelines.
Which Items Should You Keep?
When deciding which items to keep, you’ll need to take into consideration a few things. For instance, it would be a great idea to keep any items you use at least once a year. If you ever find a thing which you haven’t used in the past 12 months, then it’s time to ditch it.
Also, it’s best to keep any tools in which you can have a difficult time borrowing or renting. Lastly, try to keep only one item for any specific purpose and purge out any duplicates.
Which Items Should You Donate and Sell?
Now that you know which items you need to keep, it’s time to decide on the items to donate or sell. These sections are usually for those items that are in good condition but they are just lying around your garage since you got them.
One common mistake we all tend to do is to keep “just-in-case” items. If you find yourself in this scenario, try to think of a way in which you would use that item. If you can’t find a way in which you can use it, then it’s probably simply taking space in your garage.
In case you’re in need of some quick cash, then a yard sale can be your best option. You can also sell your items online by using sites such as Craigslist and eBay. Also, bear in mind that the pricing of each thing will vary depending on where you’re selling it.
Lastly, if you want to save yourself from the burden of the whole selling process, you can donate your junk. In fact, there are cases in which junk removal companies can handle out that process for you! You can even enjoy other benefits of a junk removal service, such as saving you a lot of time as well.
Which Items Should You Get Rid Of?
Lastly, we have the section of items you should probably eliminate. From broken old tools to expired paints and herbicides, these things are best to just get rid of. By removing these items, you’ll count on extra space in your garage, as well as your place will be much safer.
Additionally, be sure to dispose of these items in a safe and eco-friendly way. Many junk removal companies can perform this type of service for a fair price. Some of these items include:
- Cement
- Bricks
- Carpet padding
- Appliances like microwaves and refrigerators
- Old furniture
- Garden items
Clean Out Your Garage
Now that you’ve got everything sorted out, it’s time to give your garage the cleaning it needs.
When you clean your garage, you get rid of visual clutter as well. From old oil stains to any existing mold, cleaning your garage will surely bring it back to life.
Start off by cleaning your shelves and cabinets on your garage walls using a wet cloth and a mild soap. Then, you can make your way to the floor and start sweeping it. You may also use a blower to quickly get rid of any leaves and debris.
To remove any oil stains, you’ll first need to use clay cat litter. This step is to help absorb the oil. The more time you let it sit, the better results you will have. Then, use dish soap to break up the grease particles and remove the stain. Lastly, use a scrub brush to clean off the spot.
When having any mold spots, one great way to clean them is by using vinegar mixed with warm water. You can use bleach instead of vinegar in case you need a stronger solution.
After cleaning, be sure to mop to dry out the floor and allow your garage air dry for the next hour.
Perform Garage Maintenance Fixes
Besides cleaning, you should also use this opportunity to perform any fixes your garage needs. Be sure to check if your shelves are all tightened up. Seal off any garage floor cracks by using an epoxy concrete patch kit. You can also restore your floor by using a protective floor coating as well.
Another great update you can give to your garage is by getting rid of any old light bulbs and replacing them with LED shop lights. These lights are relatively inexpensive and will help you reduce energy costs.
Lastly, you should inspect your garage door. This includes checking your photo eye sensors and cleaning them, lubricating your door, and inspecting your opener’s condition.
Re-Arrange Items to Save Space
After successfully cleaning and fixing your garage, it’s time to organize your keeping items. You can choose many garage layouts that’ll help keep your garage tidy and organized.
For items that you don’t use that often, such as holiday decorations, you can place them on high shelves. When it comes to tools and sporting equipment such as bikes, it’s best to hang them on your garage walls. By hanging them, you’ll save a lot of floor space.
One great way to organize any large flat items, such as tables and wooden planks, is by placing some shelf brackets 1 foot above the ground. Preferably, it’s best that these brackets count on a bent tip. By using brackets to keep your tables above the floor, you’ll be able to completely sweep it without any problem.
Lastly, you can divide your garage into many sections according to their category. For instance, you can have a gardening or a car maintenance section.
Now that you know the basic steps in how to clean out a garage full of junk, it’s time for you to take the challenge! We hope you have fun tidying up your garage!