Tackling a Messy Garage When Moving House
The garage is known as a place where everything gets put, and it can be a big mess, especially when you’re getting ready to move. Cleaning up a messy garage might feel like a huge job, but with a good plan and some hard work, you can make it neat and useful before you move.
Here’s some help for you to figure out how to declutter and organize your messy garage, making your move to a new home easier and faster.
Set Clear Goals
- Define what items to keep, donate, or discard before starting.
- Clarify objectives to maintain focus throughout the decluttering process.
Schedule Ample Time
- Allocate sufficient hours or days to tackle the garage mess.
- Dedicate a weekend or daily sessions to effectively sort through items.
Gather Supplies
- Essential Supplies: Rubbish bags, recycling bins, cardboard boxes, or plastic storage bins.
- Organisation Tools: Labels, markers, cleaning supplies (brooms, mops, cleaning solutions), shelving units, hooks, and pegboards.
Begin with a Blank Canvas
- Remove all items from the garage to assess clutter and clean thoroughly.
- Start with a clean slate to organise items effectively during the process.
Categorise Your Items
- Group items into categories such as tools, sports equipment, holiday decorations.
- Organising by category helps determine appropriate storage solutions.
Declutter Ruthlessly
- Evaluate items based on usage and necessity.
- Donate, sell, or dispose of items not needed in your new home.
Deep Clean
- Sweep floors, wipe down shelves, and remove cobwebs.
- A clean garage provides a fresh start and facilitates better organisation.
Assess Storage Needs
- Determine storage requirements based on categorised items.
- Install shelving, hooks, and bins for efficient organisation and accessibility.
Label Everything
- Clearly label bins, boxes, and shelves for easy identification.
- Use descriptive labels to quickly locate items post-move.
Utilise Vertical Space
- Install shelves and hooks to maximise vertical storage.
- Store items like bicycles and ladders off the floor to save space.
Consider Seasonal Storage
- Designate areas for seasonal items like holiday decorations or sports gear.
- Use labelled bins to store and easily retrieve seasonal items as needed.
Arrange Items Systematically
- Organise items logically based on frequency of use.
- Store frequently used items in accessible areas and less used items higher up or in less accessible spots.
Regular Maintenance
- Commit to monthly maintenance to keep the garage organised.
- Re-evaluate and adjust storage as needed to prevent clutter accumulation.
Seek Help
- Enlist assistance from friends or family to make the process more efficient.
- Support from others can provide motivation and help manage overwhelming tasks.
Cleaning up a messy garage while moving might feel like a big job, but if you have a good plan and stay determined, you can tidy up, arrange things, and make it useful for your new home. Set clear goals, sort your stuff into groups, and be tough about getting rid of things you don’t need. A well-organised garage won’t just make your move easier; it will also make your new home work better overall.
