Archive for March, 2020

The return of the sunshine may bring thoughts of Spring cleaning and decluttering.  This can help re-invigorate your life by cleaning out and getting rid of winter bugs, pollen and dust.  But how can you apply this clean-up to the garage?  We are glad you asked, we have just the answer…

A typical garage has plenty of storage space if you put the walls and ceiling to good use. Making it a clean and organised space rather then a dumping ground is certainly something to strive for.  The hardest part is probably taking the first step.  But if you don’t have the time or inclination to do it yourself, then there are specialists who will come in and declutter for you.  Here are some tips to help ‘spring’ you into action this weekend.

1. Be Realistic

Whether you have a spare half hour or a longer period, be realistic about what you can achieve in the time period.  De-cluttering can feel a bit overwhelming so give yourself manageable tasks.

2. Clear one area at a time

Start with one particular area, whether it be the entrance to your garage or the area that will take the least amount of effort. Psychologically this may help you deal with the rest of the area at a later date.  Next, sort the items into three piles: one pile to keep, one pile to get rid of and a third pile for which you are not quite sure. Ask yourself, will I ever use this again? If you think not then perhaps its time to get rid of it.

3. What can I do with the things I no longer need?

You can consider things like Freecycle, your local charity shop, a car boot sale, ebay or if the item is in bad condition then perhaps a skip or local tip.  Its always a good idea to recycle where possible and after all one person’s rubbish is another’s treasure!

4. What about the other two piles?

With the ‘not sure’ pile its best to go through it again another day and see if you have any further thoughts on whether you will use the item again.  If you are still unsure then its best to box it up with the date and contents written on the outside and make a note on your calendar to look at it again in six months time.  If by this time you still haven’t used it, then it may become a recyclable item!

5. Give your garage a good clean

Once you’ve got everything out or at least know what you are going to keep, it is time to give the garage a scrub.  Try hoovering up all the cobwebs on the floor, walls and ceiling, it is amazing what a difference this can make.  Clean the floor with water, a cleaning fluid and broom to get rid of the dust and grime.

6. Organise your items properly

Finally it is time to put everything back.  For those items that you are going to keep, the task is now about proper storage so you can easily find it when you need it.  We think creating zones in your garage such as DIY, Gardening, Kids, Crafts, Home etc. are a good place to start and also invest in some good quality storage solutions. Cabinets that fit on the wall or floor are a good option to tidy things away and keep them out of sight.  Or a selection of baskets or shelves may be all you need.  Take a look at our range of storage solutions which might give you some inspiration on what to choose for your garage.

7. Put everything back in

The hard work is done, it is now time to put everything back and reap the benefits of a clean, tidy and organised garage space.  There are plenty of other things you can do as part of the National Spring Cleaning Week – to find out more visit their website.