Our garages may primarily serve as parking spots for our cars, but over time, they often morph into catch-all storage spaces for everything from outgrown clothes to forgotten tools. With spring approaching, now is the perfect time to tackle the clutter and give your garage the deep clean it deserves. We've enlisted the help of experts to guide us through this often-overlooked task.
1. Empty The Garage
The first step in reclaiming your garage is to empty it entirely. Sort your belongings into four piles: keep, toss, donate, and a "maybe" pile for items you're uncertain about. Revisit the "maybe" pile later in your cleaning session to make final decisions.
2. Sweep and Degrease
Once emptied, clear cobwebs with a brush or leaf blower. Address oil stains on the floor with a concrete degreaser, following the manufacturer's instructions for best results.
3. Protect The Walls
Before power washing the floor, shield the walls with plastic sheeting to prevent overspray. Secure the plastic with painter's tape for easy installation.
4. Use High-Pressure Cleaning
Utilize a pressure washer to thoroughly clean the garage floor, focusing on degreased areas. Adjust spray and pressure settings as needed for effective concrete cleaning.
5. Sort Everything Out
Allow the garage to dry before sorting belongings into keep, toss, donate, or sell piles. Further categorize the keep pile to streamline organization. Consider photographing items for sale for easy listing later.
6. Divide and Conquer
Divide the garage into zones to optimize space and maintain organization. By designating specific areas for different items, you'll streamline future cleaning efforts.
7. Add in Some Shelves
Install shelves, hooks, and storage solutions to maximize vertical space and keep belongings off the floor. Experiment with placement to find the most efficient arrangement.
With these tips, you'll transform your garage into a clean, organized space ready to accommodate your needs. Say goodbye to clutter and hello to a functional garage that makes life easier.
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