The last thing you want to think about is cleaning your garage. After all, it’s one of the main sources of clutter in your home, and a dirty garage can even damage your home’s foundation.
But keeping a clean garage can be one of the smartest things you do for your property. By clearing out the old and organizing the new, you can reduce noise, protect your possessions, and free up space to store things you actually use.
Sort through your garage, looking for things that aren’t being used. When you bring new possessions into your home, put them somewhere out of the way. That way, you won’t forget to use them, and they’ll be out of harm’s way.
Once your garage is clear of junk, go through the items you aren’t sure about. Dispose of anything broken or perishable, then donate the rest.
If you decide to keep anything, find a place to put it. After your garage is organized, you’ll find it easier to keep your home and yard clean
Finally, take time to organize the things you want to keep. Consider keeping things like lawnmowers and Christmas decorations in your garage, but set up a system of storage so everything can be easily found.
Make things easier to find. If you have a lot of clutter, it can be difficult to find things when you need them. Place frequently used items in easy-to-reach locations, such as near the door or at the garage entrance.
Use storage. Garage clutter can get out of control fast, but you can easily reduce the clutter by using storage options. For example, you can store seasonal items in the off-season (rather than leaving them in the garage).
Maximize your space. Creating different zones within your garage can help you make the most of your space. For example, you may want to store boxes and tools in one zone, and gardening supplies in another.
Susan Kowal
Susan Kowal is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor/advisor, and health enthusiast.