Spring Clean your Garage
What better way to welcome spring than with a clean, organized garage, which allows you to both store your stuff and protect your vehicles? Follow the next four steps to obtain a space that is as functional as it is aesthetic.
Step #1: Declutter
The first step of any deep clean is a decluttering session. This requires you to take a good, long look at your belongings, dropping those that no longer serve a useful purpose. To complete the decluttering process, you will need three bags or boxes; 1 for donations, 1 for items to throw away, and another for items that you wish to keep. Deciding whether a certain item stays or goes becomes a question of:
Do you love it? Then it’s a keeper.
Is it something you find useful? Then it’s a keeper.
Did you use it today, yesterday, and last week? Then it’s a keeper.
Now, if you pulled it out only to find it covered with layers of dust and cobwebs, then it’s probably past time to drop it. Toss broken and expired items. Donate items that you either have too much of, haven’t used in some time or that simply don’t serve you. Donating to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army helps someone else and provides you with a donation receipt you can use at tax time.
Step #2: Plan and Organize
Once you’ve decluttered, the real fun can begin – organizing. Before going out and buying storage solutions, it’s a good idea to plan how much space your vehicles will take. A good rule to follow is to have at least 13-15 feet of garage width per car. You will also want 22-26 feet of depth. This will make adding storage solutions, such as racks, pegboards, cabinets and workbenches easier.
Consider vertical storage options to optimize space. Hang bicycles and use overhead storage racks for items that only need to be accessed once a year. Tools are best stored on the wall using peg board. It is recommended that you store items in clear boxes with labels for ease of reference down the line. You can label the shelves too. This will free up valuable floor space.
Step #3: Clean the Garage Door
When was the last time you cleaned your garage door? A clean, well-maintained garage door can do wonders for optimizing your property’s curb appeal, as well as their values. On that note, grab a wet cloth and get to work on both sides of the door, paying special attention to any built-up grease or dirt. One cup Dawn dish soap to five gallons of warm water is an effective degreaser. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry.
Step #4: Hire a Professional
Though these are some simple steps you can take on your own to keep your garage clean and organized, it’s important to have the door routinely inspected and maintained by a professional to ensure it functions safely. A garage door repair professional will adjust springs and cables, lubricate moving parts, tighten all hardware, tracks and hinges, test the safety sensors and reversal, as well as troubleshoot other issues.
