Garage Spring Cleaning Tips to Create a More Functional Space
Even with the best intentions, our garages can often become a dumping ground for everything – from sporting equipment and tools to things we don’t have a spot for indoors to plain old junk we haven’t touched in years. A thorough spring-cleaning session can help declutter your garage.
Whether you want to clear out space so you can start parking in your garage again, or you just need to breathe life back into the garage, here are spring cleaning tips for creating a more functional space.
Here’s to a cleaner, more organized garage space to enjoy!
1. Move Everything Out to Declutter
Moving everything (yes, everything) out of the garage is the best way to see what you have and determine what you can get rid of. Once you have moved everything out of the garage, you can sort things into the classic keep, sell or give away, and trash piles.
A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t used it in the past year, you’re probably going to be fine without it. If you struggle with letting go of things, we recommend recruiting a friend or family member willing to be a little ruthless with you to get this step done.
When you have everything out of the garage, take time to wipe down the walls and clean the floors to remove the dirt that has accumulated since the last time you deep cleaned the garage.
2. Hang Up to Organize
Once you’ve sold, given away, or trashed as much of the excess that was in your garage, it’s time to organize. Say goodbye to any ugly cardboard boxes or trash bags you may have been using and invest in matching storage sets for a cleaner look that will make everything easier to locate and access.
One of the best ways to keep a garage organized and allow for optimal parking space is by hanging up as many items as possible. Wall racks, magnetic strips, peg boards, and wall hooks can be installed to accommodate your garage belongings. Bicycles, tools, lawn chairs, gardening supplies, vehicle maintenance items, children’s outdoor toys – if you’ve got it, chances are you’ll be able to find a hanging system or gadget where it can be stored. Doing so will maximize your garage floor space.
3. Install Cabinets or Shelves
Another efficient way to organize and beautify any garage is by installing cabinets. Custom-made cabinets for storing your belongings will add architectural appeal and eliminate the eyesore that piles of oddly shaped items in garages can often be.
Lacking space for custom-made cabinetry? Higher level shelves may be the solution for your garage organization. Having a designated location for everything in your garage will keep it looking its best and make it a more enjoyable place to be in, even if it’s only where you’re coming and going from.
4. Clean Your Garage Doors and Opener
Garage doors can make up a large percentage of your home’s exterior, so maintaining them will yield positive results for your overall curb appeal.
To spring clean your garage door, rinse both sides off with a hose before using a sponge with hot water and dish detergent to give it a thorough scrubbing. If cleaning isn’t enough to give them the visual boost they need, perhaps it’s time to have them replaced or to have the garage doorframe painted or replaced.
Regularly inspecting your garage door system is important as it could help you to avoid a garage door conundrum when something goes wrong on the fly. Check that the garage door is fully operational, including its safety features. Make sure the photo eyes of the garage door opener are clean and aligned. Apply lubricant to the chain drive.
If garage door maintenance feels out of your skillset, do not hesitate to contact a professional handyman who would be happy to help you avoid any of the potential dangers it can include.
5. Deep Clean Garage Windows
If your garage has windows, deep cleaning them is an inexpensive (or free if you’ve already got the cleaning supplies you need) way to gain an instant visual upgrade.
Scrub the exterior of the windows with a sponge or damp cloth and warm water combined with dish detergent. Vinegar is a great natural cleaner to remove any tough exterior window stains. Apply a final rinse and use a squeegee to complete the job.
Your Garage Wish is Our Command
If spring cleaning has you dreaming up even bigger visions for what your garage could be, a Home One Home Improvement Services EXTREME GARAGE makeover is the perfect solution. Our home improvement specialists will help you turn your Lancaster, PA area garage into whatever you’d like it to be.
Our Lancaster, PA-based renovation company emphasizes the quality of work we deliver and the customer service we provide, because our goal is simple: to create satisfied, life-long customers who contact us for all their handyman and home improvement needs.
Call Home One Services today at 717-581-3474 to discuss your projects and for a free quote for a garage makeover or any of your other home improvement endeavors.
