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Streamlining Garage Orderliness: A DIY Decluttering Guide

If you’re like 24% of homeowners in the U.S., your garage is too cluttered to park a vehicle inside, according to U.S. Department of Energy statistics. Yes, that’s nearly one in four homes. And for many, this represents an overwhelming challenge. The good news is that you can transform this space through an organized cleaning plan. This guide will walk you through a DIY decluttering project to reclaim your garage as a functional and orderly space.

Kick Start With An Inventory

The first step towards streamlining garage orderliness is taking inventory. Before you can start with Decluttering 101, it is essential to know what you have up there. This will help you decide what stays and what goes. Pull everything out and make a list before diving into the massive task of decluttering.

Set Your Goals

Having clear goals can help with motivation. Do you want your car back in its spot? Or maybe, transform it into a workshop or gym? Decide early on what you want to accomplish so each decision brings you closer to your goal.

Create A Sorting System

Rather than randomly picking up items, create a proper sorting system such as keep, discard, sell, or donate piles. This will simplify your decision-making process and make the task feel less overwhelming.

One Step At A Time

Decluttering can be an overwhelming job especially when the garage is filled from floor to ceiling with items. Instead of handling everything at once, tackle one area at a time. This approach will help keep up your momentum and sense of accomplishment.

Get Rid Of Unused Items

Every item occupying your garage which hasn’t been used in a year should be under the scanner. If it isn’t being used or adding value to your life, you should consider letting it go. This applies to almost everything including tools, old furniture, and sports gear.

Organize Similar Items Together

Like items should stay together. This makes it easier to find things when you need them. So when you are sorting through your stuff, put similar items together such as tools, holiday decorations and gardening equipment. This will help you see duplicated or unwanted items more easily.

Designate A Space For Everything

A place for everything and everything in its place – this mantra is key for maintaining an orderly garage. Whether it’s bicycle tools, gardening equipment or your camping gear, make sure every item has a designated space.

Invest In Storage Solutions

Good storage solutions can greatly increase your garage’s functionality. Shelving units, large bins, and wall mounts are both affordable and effective ways to store and organize items in your garage. These will help prevent items from being stashed randomly around the garage.

Use Labels

Once you sort everything into the appropriate places, do not forget to label the boxes or shelves. This is particularly helpful for infrequently used items. It can save time searching later on and helps maintain organization over time.

Maintain A Clean-Out Schedule

Maintenance is crucial for the long-term orderliness of your garage. Set a routine for regular clean-outs. It could be every quarter or twice a year depending on your needs. Make it a habit to revisit your setup regularly.

Prioritize Accessibility

In organizing your garage, keep frequently used items in accessible locations. This can save you a lot of hustle when you need something in a hurry. Less frequently used things can be stored higher up or deeper in the storage area.

Use Vertical Space

Vertical space in your garage tends to be underused. Consider installing wall shelves, pegboards, or overhead garage storage. It is an excellent way to maximize available space and keep floor area clear for other uses.

Ask For Help When Needed

Do not hesitate to ask for a hand when things get too much to manage on your own. Recruiting family or friends can make the process quicker and more enjoyable. Plus, they might help you decide what should stay and what should go.

Develop A Maintenance Mindset

Whip your garage into shape and keep it that way with a maintenance mindset. Recognize that clutter does not occur overnight and putting things back in their place immediately reduces the escalation of chaos over time. Remember that organization is a process, not a one-and-done task.

A Fresh Start

Tackling garage decluttering may not be an enjoyable task for many, but it is necessary for reclaiming functional space. Armed with these strategic steps, clear goals and determination, you will be on your way to achieving a clean and orderly garage. Remember, decluttering is not about getting rid of everything unused but making space for things that matter. Happy decluttering!

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