Spring Clean-Up

We are all starting to feel the effects of spring. The birds are singing, the sun is shining and you’ve got energy to burn! It’s time to get outside and exert some of that energy. If you like these thoughts but want to feel productive at the same time, then cleaning out your garage is an excellent way to accomplish both. Not only that did you know that with a clean organized garage it can increase the value of your home? This is especially important if you are trying to sell. So, let’s get started!

The best way to begin garage clean up is by removing all the vehicles, motorcycles, lawn mowers and other large equipment that is located in there. By doing this you will save time and frustration.

It is likely that you have many items on the floor. Begin by separating these items into piles of “throw away, donate, or save”. (Make an appointment with your favorite charity for a pick up the next day before you get started.) The goal is to have less ‘stuff’ so that the remaining items you are keeping can be stored off the floor.

Have plenty of garbage bags and boxes handy and a marker to mark boxes with contents. Remember storing things on the garage floor leaves it susceptible to water damage, oil leaks, critters and more!

Separate your ‘save’ pile into categories such as tools, camping equipment, garden equipment automotive supplies, household supplies (paint/brushes) and sports equipment. Since many of these items are seasonal be sure to consider location when placing this stuff back into the garage. You will want easy access on summer items while the winter supplies won’t be used for a while.

Keep in mind the following tips when deciding what to do with automotive and chemicals/fertilizers for your garden:

Antifreeze doesn’t expire and withstands very low temperatures.

Motor oil retains its properties and is an indefinite keeper.

Gas goes bad. It absorbs moisture making it useless. Don’t hang on to it unless you’ve used a stabilizer for retention.

Car Wax, in cold climates, usually goes bad after one season.

Fertilizers (liquids) usually break down within a year of purchase.

Toss any granular fertilizer that is clumpy; it has obtained moisture making it useless

Remember to check with your local ordinances for proper disposal when tossing of any of the above items. Also be sure that these items are stored away and out of reach of children.

Now that you have everything out of the garage, your throw-away pile in the trash and your donations at the curb side it is time to sweep the floor and get rid of cobwebs! You may also use a large shop vacuum after you’ve removed all the large debris. Once all that is removed you may notice oil spots on your floor that were not visible before. If you want to clean these up you can place either sawdust or cat litter over it. Leave it there for at least a day then remove it so it doesn’t get tracked or spread everywhere. This would now be a good time to apply a cement sealant to avoid spills and stains in the future.

Once that is complete you may consider hanging pegboards and heavy-duty hooks for hanging larger items. Remember; organize your items into categories and get them off the floor! (This puts emphasis on the floor area making it look larger and organized.)

Garage shelving is another tool to help in your organization. These can be obtained at your local hardware store for reasonable prices. This is a good place for clearly labeled boxes, automotive supplies and more.

Hang as many items as you can. Ladders and bikes can be hung from rafters or walls. Low use items can be stored in the rafters. Items not having a hole in their handle for easy hanging can be hung by adding string to the handle or using grabber holders. Get creative on your hanging techniques but keep it simple and safe.

Finish by putting all your vehicles, motorcycles, lawn mowers and other large equipment back into the garage. Don’t be surprised at how much more room there is and how organized it looks. You should now commend yourself on a job well done! (This however, is not an excuse to go out and purchase more ‘toys’, or is it?)

Cleaning up your garage now will get you outside for some fresh spring air and help you get organized for the summer. It is a, sometimes, dreaded job but very rewarding when finished. A clean orderly garage also adds value to your home, which is important when selling. Now, go get organized!