How to Clean up and Organize your Garage

Garages are often used for so much more than just parking cars these days. In fact, some people have converted their garages into rooms, work spaces, child play areas, gyms and storage rooms so that there's no more room for a car! If your garage space has simply become too cluttered or disorganized, here are some basic tips on cleaning up that space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. When THINGS clutter your life, it can make you feel overwhelmed. Garage space can be put to good practical use in addition to creating safety and protection for your automobile(s). So, the first thing you have to do is make a commitment to yourself that your are willing to clean out that garage.

2. Choose good weather and grab as many friends, family members and neighbors as you can to give you a hand hauling out all that stuff so you can sort through it and decide what is what. You might even want to serve refreshments and make it into a party!

3. 

   Divide all your articles into separate areas. One can be for donations, another to throw away, a third to sell (in a true garage sale or on the internet), and the final pile to repack and keep.

4. 

   Recycle and donate as much as you can. You will be helping out others, saving the landfills, and getting those items that are doing nothing but collecting dust back out into circulation where they can be appreciated!

5. Wash, sweep and dust your garage before returning items. Box up small things and label them. Clear plastic containers are useful since you can see what you're storing and they stack well. Consider building cabinets and shelving to store cleaning, building and repair materials you want to have available for easy access. And leave space for at least one thing you wanted in your garage, whether it is a work bench, a laundry-sorting space, a dog-grooming table or whatever.

6. If it all seems just too much to handle, there are people out there who can help.

7. 

   Check your local businesses for junk removal and cleaning services. There are some who will come in and sort through your garage, haul off items you approve of, and clean everything out for you. There will be a charge for these services, but once done, you're clean and ready to go!

8. 

   If you really get enthusiastic, you can have your whole garage redesigned and organized to be great-looking and super-efficient!

9. 

   There's nothing like a nice, clean garage to make your life feel more in control. And you might even be able to easily locate exactly what you are looking for the next time you search for it in your lovely, clean garage!