Clean out Your Garage

This guide shows you exactly how to clean your garage well and keep it organized without clutter.

Steps

 * 1)  Set aside a full weekend for this project. Get the family involved too and assign tasks to everyone. Suggest a garage sale and possible cash flow arising from that in return for their assistance!
 * 2)  Buy several plastic containers ranging in sizes from a Wal-Mart or Home Depot, etc.
 * 3)  Tackle the garage! The first thing you need to do is throw away any junk that is lying around that you never use. Go through your garage, throw away anything you don't want or don't need. Only keep the items that are absolutely necessary.  Adopt the rule that it if hasn't been used for 12 months, it is probably not needed (except for very expensive equipment or if you have been too ill or work-swamped to get to a hobby).
 * 4)  Go through all of your stuff and organize it into piles, for example, a pile of tools, Christmas ornaments, collectibles, etc.  Be methodical, as the more things that you can place together in related groups, the easier it will be to see what you want to keep, what you have in duplicate and what you no longer want or need.
 * 5)  Store the piles in separate containers. For each pile you have, store those items into their own plastic container unless they are for the charity, recycling or throw-out piles.
 * 6)  Stack the containers out of the way where they can easily be accessible.
 * 7)  Label the plastic containers so you know exactly what is inside.
 * 8)  Take the unwanted items to donate to charity, to a recycling center or to the garbage dumpster. You can also use your garage to have a garage sale. Let someone give you money to take your unwanted stuff and put it in their own garage.
 * 9) Sweep the garage and dust any heavy items you weren't able to move.
 * 10) If you're moving into the garage, make sure you clean it real well and clean it out before you put anything in from your bedroom.

Tips

 * Put the stuff you want in a safe place where it won't get damaged
 * Don't try to pick up things that are to heavy for you, ask for help if you need to.
 * Take short breaks but don't sit down and watch your favorite TV show, otherwise you never get done with the job.
 * Throw anything away that you don't need anymore.

Warnings

 * Clean up oil spills before they stain or cause possible slips.
 * Be wary of chemicals. Make sure they are stored or disposed of carefully. Do not handle with bare hands; always wear gloves when moving chemical products (gardening, tool-related etc.).
 * If you are allergic to any kind of dust avoid that step and have someone else do it.

Things You'll Need

 * Labels
 * Plastic containers
 * Broom
 * Cloth and paper towels
 * vacuum
 * fan

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Clean up Oil Spills in a Garage
 * How to Host a Great Moving Sale
 * How to Hold a Garage Sale
 * How to Organize a Neighborhood Yard Sale