When the weather gets warmer and the grass gets greener, it’s time for spring cleaning. As a homeowner, that likely includes decluttering your garage. Lucky for you, we’ve got a comprehensive decluttering guide to help you get your garage fresh and clean for the new season.
Decluttering Your Garage: The Ultimate Guide
- Start by taking everything out
- Don’t delay repairs
- Clean from the top down
- Designate the space for a specific use
- Maximize vertical space
- Consider resale value
Start by taking everything out
You can’t properly clean the nooks and crannies of your garage without removing all the clutter. This is also a chance for you to take inventory of everything in your garage, and get rid of what you no longer need. If you feel a sentimental attachment to items that you know you won’t use, consider thoughtful ways of rehoming them as opposed to simply throwing them away or leaving them to take up space in your garage.
Most items in working condition will gladly be accepted by local donation centers. But, you can also start closer to home. While you’ve got everything out, ask your friends, family, and neighbors if they’d like to stop by and claim anything you’re looking to rehome. Alternatively, a classic yard sale can provide the same function while also bringing in some spare cash. Win-win.
Don’t delay repairs
As you’re decluttering your garage, you may find areas that need repair. Whether it’s spackling a hole in the wall or fixing that glitch in the garage door, don’t wait to fix problems big or small. Make repairs while the damaged areas are easily accessible and not blocked by clutter.
Clean from the top down
This one is simple physics. Any dust and grime you displace while cleaning will inevitably make its way down, so save yourself the trouble of recleaning lower areas by starting from the top. Floors should be the last thing you clean.
Designate the space for a specific use
One of the biggest reasons our garages get so cluttered is that they often default to a catch-all for anything we’re not sure where to put. And while traditionally the answer to “What should I use my garage for?” might be obvious—cars, right?—in reality, most households will need the extra space for other purposes.
To help declutter your garage, you’ll need to narrow down those purposes. Is it primarily storage? Then consider investing in a full organization system to maximize the space. Is it your home gym? Prioritize placing equipment where you need it, and find somewhere else for your odds and ends to live. Whatever you want your primary use for the garage to be, declutter and reorganize with that at the top of your mind. Having a clear goal will make the decisions of what to keep and where to put what’s left infinitely easier.
Maximize vertical space
Especially if your garage is serving multiple functions, you’ll need all the space you can get. The walls are your friends here. Maximize vertical storage space with shelves and hooks to keep as much of the floor clear as possible for larger items that can’t be stored vertically.
Consider resale value
Understandably, no one is eager to drop a significant chunk of change on decluttering a garage. And if a thorough cleaning is all that’s in your budget this time around, that’s absolutely fine! However, any home upgrades you make to your garage—such as installing a new storage system, replacing flooring, or even a fresh coat of paint—can increase your home’s value.
That means not only could you make money back when you sell your home, but you could also find yourself with more home equity. That home equity can be leveraged for new rates, better terms, or even cash out when you refinance your mortgage.
Pro Tip: Your home loan can also finance your home upgrades. Check out our renovation loans to learn more.
Decluttering Garage: Bonus Tips
No garage decluttering guide would be complete without some bonus tips. Try these extra strategies to make the most out of your garage spring cleaning efforts:
- Some items, like papers and electronics, need a more temperature-controlled environment than a garage typically offers. Understanding what NOT to store in your garage can go a long way toward preventing clutter (and damage to your belongings).
- Add a floating shelf to the ceiling. In addition to vertical space on your walls, if you have enough room overhead, you can consider installing a durable metal shelf suspended from the ceiling (picture it like an upside-down table). Just make sure you adhere to weight limits and install it with care to prevent any accidents.
- Whether you’re using bins, bags, drawers, or something else to keep things organized, make sure you label everything according to its contents. Not only will it make items easier to find, it will also encourage you to stay organized in the long term.
Any home upgrades you make to your garage—such as installing a new storage system, replacing flooring, or even a fresh coat of paint—can increase your home’s value.
