Garages are often cluttered and messy because people don’t have a system for organizing them. Many throw things in there and hope for the best. But this can lead to frustration when you can’t find what you’re looking for or when space is at a premium. You can avoid these problems by decluttering your garage regularly. Because this is not the easiest thing to do, here are some tips for decluttering your garage.
1. Start with a plan
Decide what you want to use your garage for and how you want it to look. This will help you determine what to keep and what to get rid of. For example, if you use your garage for storage, you’ll need to invest in some shelving and bins. But if you want to use it as a workshop, you’ll need to keep your tools organized.
Depending on your goal, you also need to adjust your expectations. A garage can’t be both an efficient workshop and a storage space, so you must choose one or the other. You want to be realistic about what you can achieve so that you don’t get overwhelmed and give up.
2. Set aside some time
You can’t declutter your garage in an hour, so you must set aside a day or two to tackle the project. Block off some time on your calendar so you’re not interrupted. This also depends on how much stuff you have to go through. If you have many things, you may need to set aside a week or two.
Some people find it helpful to break the task into smaller chunks. For example, you can declutter one section of the garage each day. Or you can work for an hour or two and then take a break. Categorizing your items can also help you declutter more efficiently. For example, you can start with garden tools and then on to holiday decorations.
3. Know how to dispose of your items
Before you start decluttering, you need to know how you will dispose of the items you don’t want. Many people throw everything in the trash, but this isn’t always the best option. Depending on what you’re getting rid of, you may be able to sell some of your things or donate them to charity. This can help you declutter your garage and make some extra money simultaneously.
But for the things you can’t sell or donate, you’ll need to find a way to dispose of them. This is where dumpster rental comes in. This is an excellent option for removing large items, such as old furniture or appliances. They can also help you recycle, so you’re not just throwing everything in the trash. Ask your local dumpster company what options they have for disposing of your items.
4. Sort through everything
Once you know what you want to keep, it’s time to sort through your stuff. This can be daunting, but it’s important to be ruthless. You probably don’t need something if you haven’t used it in a year. And if it’s broken or damaged, then get rid of it. You can also sell or donate items that you don’t use but are still in good condition.
The goal is to declutter your garage, so you must be honest about what you really need. This is not the time to be sentimental. If you’re having trouble getting rid of something, ask yourself why. Is it because you think you might need it someday? Or is it because you’re attached to the item? If it’s the latter, you need to let it go.
5. Find a place for everything
Once you’ve sorted through your stuff, it’s time to find a place for everything. This is where shelving and bins come in handy. Investing in some good-quality storage will help you keep your garage organized and decluttered. Label everything, so you know where it goes. And don’t forget to leave some space for your car! You need to be able to park your car in the garage, so make sure there’s enough room.
After reorganizing your garage, it’s essential to maintain your new system. Put things back in their place after you use them. And don’t let the garage get cluttered again. A little bit of effort each day will go a long way in keeping your garage decluttered.
These are just a few tips to help you declutter your garage. The most important thing is to get started and be realistic about what you can achieve. Set aside some time, know how you’re going to dispose of your items and be ruthless with what you keep. If you stay organized and declutter your garage regularly, you’ll be able to find what you need when you need it.
