The word garage is defined as a building or indoor area for parking or storing motor vehicles. However, most people’s garages are so full of sporting goods, gardening tools, and holiday decorations, that there is barely enough room for a car! In fact, the clutter and mess found in most garages has gotten such a bad name, that the innocent phrase, ‘Let’s clean out the garage’ has become something to be feared, rather than a simple, everyday task. Although the thought of going through all of the miscellaneous belongings stacked in your garage may be slightly daunting, the benefits of a neat and orderly space far outweigh the drawbacks of taking the time to clean it. By simply setting aside one full day to garage cleaning and by following these fool-proof tips and tricks, your garage will be the envy of the neighborhood by nightfall!
According to Vicki Norris, an expert in the field of professional organization, the first step to successful garage organization is to decide what items you would like to store in your garage. Perhaps your seldom used vacation luggage can be tucked away in a hall closet or attic, rather than taking up your precious garage space. Norris notes that typical garage categories include ‘recycling, sports and recreational equipment, camping gear, automotive, seasonal décor, garden, and tools.’ Of course, it is essential to make sure the categories you select work for your personal belongings and lifestyle.
Once you have selected your categories, begin pulling everything out of your garage and sort it into piles. Norris suggests using lots of boxes for this task. She also states that it is important to obtain boxes of all sizes. Be sure to label your boxes as you go, in order to avoid confusion and save time later. While you sort through the items in your garage, consider throwing away or donating those things you haven’t used in over a year, or most likely will never use again. This will open up plenty of valuable space.
Once you have successfully sorted through the contents of your garage, start moving things back inside. When moving items back into your garage, you should store them for your convenience. Norris suggests choosing locations by ‘frequency of use and available space.’ For example, the recycling should be near the entrance of the house, while rarely used holiday decorations can be kept on a high corner shelf. According to Norris, eye-level shelving and areas closest to the entrance of the house should be reserved for your most commonly used items. Organizational expert, Leslie Segrete, notes that dangerous items, such as chemicals and pesticides, should be kept away from areas used for sporting goods, children’s toys, and bulk food storage. Because the garage houses such a variety of items, it is important to make sure that the storage method you use is both orderly and safe.
All experts agree that the single-most important step after taking the time to clean out your garage is to schedule a yearly or bi-yearly garage cleaning. By maintaining the currently tip-top shape of your garage each year, you will avoid having to undertake major cleanings every few years. In addition, the newly organized state of your garage will help simplify your life, and make everything a little easier to find. Hopefully, these tips will help you get started on the seemingly difficult, but definitely worth it, task of cleaning out and organizing your garage.

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