How to Clean Out Your Garage

This guide explains how to clean your garage well and keep it organized without clutter.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Setting aside the time

Get the family involved too, unless you think they will prevent you from being thorough, and assign tasks to everyone. Suggest a garage sale and the possible cash flow arising from that in return for their assistance!^{[1]XResearch source}^{[2]XResearch source}
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Getting organized

All warehouse hardware stores sell various types. Storing stuff on the floor is the no-no of organization.
Measure the height of your shelves, and make sure the bins are not too tall for your shelving. These are available at Target, Walmart, or other such stores.
3
You will need three (3) areas or containers for the following:
1. Trash
2. Donation/Sell, and
3. Action Items. Action items include items that you have borrowed and need to return, things that need to be taken for repair, and items that belong somewhere else in your home. If you can, use a large trash bin for the trash, and boxes or large trash bags for the charity stuff and the items you want to repair or return to others.^{[3]XResearch source}
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Cleaning out the garage

1
Throw away any obvious junk that is lying around that you never use. It doesn't matter if its "good stuff." If you are not using it, it doesn't matter what it's worth. Exceptions, of course, include photographs and other keepsakes. Adopt the rule that it if hasn't been used for 12 months, it is probably not needed (except for very expensive equipment, or if you have been too ill or work-swamped to get to a hobby).
- A lot of the time, people want to be able to park in their garage, but they also want to store and keep everything in there. To really clean it out and keep it organized, you must get clear on your goals and priorities.
- The garage can also be a place to keep objects that you don't use that frequently and that are seasonal, but these don't need to be really accessible in your shelves or drawers.
- Remove big items, such as work tables, totes, vacuums, etc. for more cleaning space.
- Pick up small things, such as tools and decorations and separate.
2
As you go through all of your stuff, you will want to organize it into major categories; for example, tools, Christmas ornaments, collectibles, pet supplies, etc. Be methodical, as the more things that you can place together in related groups, the easier it will be to see what you want to keep, what you have in duplicate, and what you no longer want or need. You will likely find something that you have been looking for!
- Sometimes, sorting by size can help you decide which objects belong on shelves and which should stay in the open. It's a good idea to think about when you enter from the house into the garage. Try to keep helpful objects near the entrance, such as kitchen overflow for parties and events.
It is easy enough to post items, and you may have something in your garage that is worth more than you might think. Look up a similar item first to see what the potential value might be.
The goal is to have everything you want to keep in a container on your shelves clearly labeled so that you can see where things are from a distance.
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Finalizing the clean-out

If they have decided they don't want these items anymore, add them to your Donation/Sell pile.
Is it going to be worth the trouble and the expense? If not, put them into your Trash bin. If you decide it is worth the trouble, then put that item into your car to take to the repair shop tomorrow.
Don't let anything just sit around. The objective of this project is to create space and organization, so things you don't want or need shouldn't be in your garage anymore, or anywhere else around your house for that matter.^{[4]XResearch source}
As mentioned before, you can use your unwanted garage stuff to have a garage sale, if you are so inclined.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceConsumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testingGo to source} Or, you can also sell your things on eBay or Etsy as described earlier.
And pat yourself on the back. You did it! Congratulations. And enjoy your new space.
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Community Q&A

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Question
How do I get rid of spiders living in my garage that I can't reach?
Community Answer
Take a broom and swat at the areas. When you swat you should be able to kill some spiders. You won't kill all of them, but most of them will be dead.
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How do I relocate the spiders living in my garage?
Community Answer
Cup a plastic container over them (such as a small food bowl container with lid), slide the lid or a strong piece of paper over the bowl, then trap the spider inside. Carefully carry it outside and give it a brand new home.
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Tips

Throw anything away that you don't need anymore.
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Keep only the necessary objects and get rid of all the rest.
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Take short breaks but don't sit down and watch your favorite TV show, otherwise you never get done with the job.
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Warnings

Clean up oil spills before they stain or cause possible slips.
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If you are allergic to any kind of dust avoid that step and have someone else do it.
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Be wary of chemicals. Make sure they are stored or disposed of carefully. Do not handle with bare hands; always wear gloves when moving chemical products (gardening, tool-related etc.).
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