First of all, it’s important to be clear – we love our garage! We’re sure you do, too; the ones at Brighton Station at Cresleigh Ranch are especially spacious. However, you probably know the dirty truth, as well; if you’re not careful, garages can become a resting place for all your clutter! The extra storage can move from helpful to “oh, no!” in the blink of an eye. Today, we’ll be talking about practical strategies to get your garage clean and keep it that way!

Pull Everything Out

If you’re pressed for time, this doesn’t need to include the entirety of the garage on the lawn in one sitting. Pick one section of the space at a time, and move everything in it out of the garage. You can move it into the house, but keeping it all outside works much better.

Begin Sorting

Here’s where you can channel your inner HGTV show! Sort your items into piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Toss. Anything broken or damaged should be tossed. It’s tempting to keep it, hoping you’ll fix it, but in most cases, if it’s remained broken for some time, it will likely stay that way. If you’re not sure whether to keep or donate, picture a person who might truly need this item right now. Isn’t it best that it gets fully used immediately? You can likely borrow another of your own if your needs drastically change, and in the meantime, you’ll have a clean garage. Donate to local shelters, women’s charities, or check out your local Buy Nothing Facebook group.

See What You Can Sell

Selling is best for pricey items that you just don’t need anymore. They should be lightly used and still in good condition. Apps like Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp are great options, and can give you some cash in your pocket for costly purchases that you no longer need.

Time to Clean

After you’ve purged, it’s time to clean your space before moving everything back inside. A deep clean is often necessary, particularly if your garage has been in cluttered shape for some time. Make the leap and purchase products specially designed for the dirt and grime of a garage, like GOJO Scrubbing Wipes or Lava Bar Soap.

Re-Organize

When it’s time to move everything back into the garage space, take the opportunity to do it right! Options like pegboards can help fully use wall space and get items up and off the floor. Invest in stackable caddies or shelving to help keep things grouped by category. Remember – setting up a workable system now will help you greatly in the future!

Enjoy Your Refreshed Space!

Now’s the time to take a deep breath and appreciate the results of your hard work! Making sure your garage is used for important storage is helpful in keeping a tidy home too. It’s worth it!