A garage clean out is often one of those tasks that many people tend to put off. Over the years, garages tend to become a dumping ground for all sorts of things, from tools and seasonal decorations to old furniture and forgotten belongings. The thought of clearing it all out can be overwhelming, and that’s where most people get stuck. But here’s the good news: a garage clean out doesn’t have to be a stressful or time-consuming process if you break it down into manageable steps.
Whether you’re preparing for a move, trying to create more room in your garage, or simply want to get rid of clutter, these 10 tips will guide you through the entire process.
Before diving into your garage clean out, give yourself a reasonable timeline. It’s easy to think that it can be done in a day, but depending on how much stuff you have, it can take longer than expected. It’s important to set aside enough time without overwhelming yourself. Trying to complete the entire process in a single weekend can lead to burnout and frustration.
Start by estimating how long it will take to clear out one section, then plan the next steps after you’ve completed each one. If your garage is filled with years’ worth of clutter, breaking the job into smaller tasks will make the whole process more manageable. For instance, tackle one corner at a time, or focus on one category of items (such as sports equipment or old tools) before moving on to the next.
Before you begin the clean out, make sure you have everything you’ll need. This can make the job go much smoother and save you from unnecessary interruptions. Here’s a checklist of the basic supplies you’ll need:
Having all your supplies ready before you start will keep you focused and prevent any unnecessary backtracking. There’s nothing worse than starting the job only to realize you need a trash bag, a box, or a pair of gloves.
One of the best ways to tackle a garage clean out is by sorting everything into categories. Instead of just throwing things into random piles, sorting your items can help you decide what to keep, donate, or toss. Some categories to consider are:
Once you’ve got your piles sorted, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what’s taking up space in your garage and what you can part with. Sorting items first helps you make quick decisions, and it keeps the clean out process organized.
When you’re cleaning out your garage, it’s tempting to start with the small items that are easy to pick up. But you should start with the big items. These are the things that take up the most space and make the biggest impact when removed. Think of large furniture pieces, broken appliances, old car parts, or anything else that’s taking up a lot of room.
Once the bulky items are out of the way, the space will look a lot cleaner and more manageable. This also gives you a chance to evaluate the condition of your garage itself. Are there any cracks in the walls? Does the flooring need cleaning or repair? Now’s a good time to address these issues while the garage is free from clutter.
Not only does removing large items free up space, but it also offers an immediate sense of progress. Once the biggest pieces are gone, you’ll feel more motivated to continue clearing out the smaller items.
Trying to clean out the entire garage at once can be overwhelming. Instead of jumping from one corner to the next, tackle one area at a time. Start with a small section or corner and work your way through it. Once that area is clear, move on to the next one.
For example, start by clearing off the workbench or organizing the shelves. Then, once those areas are cleared, work your way through the larger parts of the garage. Focusing on one section helps you see progress and keeps you motivated. Plus, it prevents the clutter from spreading, which can often happen when you try to clean up everything all at once.
When each section is complete, it will feel like a small victory, and you’ll have a much clearer idea of where things should go in your newly organized space.
Donating items is an excellent way to get rid of things you no longer need while helping others. Many people often overlook the value of donating, but it can make a big difference in your garage cleanout. Items in good condition that you no longer need can be given to local charities, veterans’ organizations, or community centers.
Not only does donating help clear up space, but it’s also a great way to give back to the community. Consider donating items like old furniture, gently used clothing or even tools. Many organizations offer pick-up services for donations, which can make the process even easier.
Remember, donating is not just about helping others—it’s also about reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. By donating the items that can still be used, you’re giving them a second life, which is a win for everyone.
Recycling is one of the most effective ways to keep your garage clean and the environment safe. During a garage clean out, you’re likely to encounter many items that are made of metal, plastic, glass, or paper. These materials can easily be recycled, saving you from throwing them into the landfill. Old appliances, scrap metal, and even certain types of plastic can often be recycled, giving them a second life instead of contributing to waste.
You might also have some electronics gathering dust in your garage. Old computers, televisions, and other electronics often contain materials that can be recycled, but they need to be disposed of properly. Make sure to check with your local recycling center to find out where you can drop off your electronics for responsible recycling.
The best part? Recycling is easy to do. Just separate your recyclable items into bins or bags, and take them to the right facility. If you’re not sure about certain items, many communities have special pickup days or drop-off locations where you can take things like electronics or hazardous materials.
Once the garage is clear of clutter, it’s time to clean and repair. You’ve likely uncovered dust, cobwebs, and dirt in all corners. Sweep the floor, wipe down shelves, and clean the windows. If you have a concrete floor, you may want to use a heavy-duty cleaner to remove oil stains or other tough marks.
Once everything is clean, take a moment to check the condition of your garage. Are the shelves sturdy? Does the door close and lock properly? Are there any cracks or gaps that need fixing? It’s easy to overlook these details when your garage is full of items, but now is the perfect time to address them.
Now that you’ve cleared out the clutter and cleaned up, it’s time to organize your garage. A clean garage is only useful if it’s properly organized. Think about how you use your garage and what items you need access to most frequently. Consider these tips for organization:
Proper organization will make your garage easier to navigate and more efficient to use. Plus, you’ll be able to find everything you need without the hassle of sifting through piles of stuff.
When you’re organizing your garage, don’t forget about your vertical space. The walls of your garage offer a great opportunity to store things without taking up floor space. Wall-mounted storage units, shelves, and racks can help you maximize the use of your garage’s height.
By using the walls for storage, you’ll free up valuable floor space for your car, tools, or other important items. Consider wall-mounted shelves for small items or even overhead storage for things you use less often. This will make your garage feel much bigger and more open.
After all the hard work, the last thing you want is for your garage to get cluttered again. To maintain your clean garage, commit to organizing it regularly. Set a reminder every few months to reassess your garage and make sure everything is in its place.
It’s easy to let things slip and end up with a pile of stuff in the corner. But if you stay on top of it, it’s much easier to keep your garage organized in the long run. Develop a system for organizing things as you bring them in, and don’t let clutter pile up.
Sometimes, a garage clean out can feel too overwhelming to tackle on your own. Whether you’re faced with heavy furniture, large appliances, or just a lot of clutter, Junk Veteran is here to make the process easier for you.
At Junk Veteran, we specialize in junk removal, and we have years of experience helping homeowners clean out their garages. We understand the challenges that come with organizing and decluttering, which is why we offer professional junk removal services to make the job faster and easier. We’ll handle the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to.
We offer same-day services and can be at your garage quickly to remove unwanted items. Whether you’re clearing out an old couch, broken appliances, or just need help hauling out bags of trash, we’ve got you covered. We also focus on recycling and donating as much as we can, so you can feel good about reducing waste and helping others in need.
If you’re looking for an easy way to declutter your garage, Junk Veteran can help. We’ll do the heavy lifting and make sure everything is taken care of—so you can sit back and relax while we clean up your space.
It’s time to reclaim your garage and enjoy the benefits of a clean, organized space. Follow these tips and make your garage work for you. If you want a hassle-free clean out, don’t hesitate to contact Junk Veteran. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
