Oftentimes, this area is just another storage room for your tools, seasonal items, sports wear, and whatnot.
So, maintaining a clean garage is not only nice-to-have–it literally saves you time and stress, because you’ll know where to find everything you need easily. As an added bonus, you’ll make more room, which will make the space breathe (or give you more space for more things).
So, how do you go about introducing a little order there? Here’s everything you need to know.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
Having a solid plan that gets executed regularly is how you’ll maintain the space tidy and orderly. Pick a few days each month to really clean up, and make sure you hit every corner (or at least those areas that need it the most).
Bi-Monthly Deep Clean
Choose a weekend to tackle the big cleaning jobs and get every part of the garage looking spotless. That will usually take you a weekend afternoon, but it will pay off big time.
Weekly Check-ins
Do quick tidy-ups each week, like putting tools back, sweeping the floor, or organising shelves.
Add these sessions to your calendar so you don’t forget to do them. Stick with this routine, and your garage will stay tidy and organised.
Sort Items Into Categories
Separate your possessions into 3 different piles: to keep, donate, and toss. That’s the fastest way to a garage clean out, as you get to see what you really need and not. Besides, it’s how you open up more space.
Use clear bins with labels for the things you’ll keep. That can make finding things easier and not to mention, tidier. Set aside some time to do this task properly so you don’t rush through and regret it later.
Plus, clearing out clutter isn’t just about improving space—it will have a great effect on your mood after having done it. When everything has its spot, the garage becomes a neat, tidy part of your home, and a much nicer place to spend time in.
Maximise Use of Vertical Space
Turning your garage into a neat storage space starts by looking upwards and making the most of those walls. Yes, you’ll be finally able to walk into your garage and actually see the floor because you’ve cleverly used shelves to tuck away boxes, tools, and other bits and bobs.
This not only creates room but also makes finding things a breeze.
Pegboards are absolute lifesavers for keeping small items like screwdrivers, scissors, or even a cheeky tape measure within arm’s reach. They mean no more rummaging through drawers, wondering where on earth that flathead screwdriver ended up.
Next, use hooks as they can hold everything from bikes and ladders to the odd cricket bat or football. And here’s a handy tip: keep the things you use most often right at eye level. That way, you can grab them without doing a mini workout.
For those bits and pieces you only need once in a blue moon, like Christmas decorations or summer camping gear, stash them higher up or way down low.
Before you rush off to buy storage goodies, however, make sure to measure your garage properly. Grab the tape measure to get a good idea of the space you have. This will save you from the hassle of returning items that don’t quite fit.
And if you’re looking for flexibility, go for adjustable shelves or modular systems. They’re brilliant because they can grow and change with your storage needs.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Keeping your garage tidy is all about habits. Just set aside a little time each week, or every other week, to keep things in order. It doesn’t take long—maybe a quick sweep, sorting some tools, and wiping surfaces.
Sharing these chores with your family makes it easier and teaches everyone responsibility. You can give out specific tasks like sweeping or organising shelves, so everything gets done efficiently. Seeing your garage all neat and tidy after a short clean-up feels great, too!
By keeping up with these little efforts, your garage will be safe, easy to use, and always ready when you need it. Try making these quick checks a habit, and you’ll love having a clean garage.
Keep Floors and Surfaces Spotless
Needless to say, dust and spills can pile up fast, making the place look messy and even dangerous. A quick sweep and mop every now and then can really help keep things tidy.
If you’re dealing with tough stains from oil leaks, try using a degreaser, which will help make the floor look good again. Plus, a clean floor means fewer chances of slipping, so it’s safer for everyone.
Spending a bit of time cleaning up can make your garage a great spot for little side projects and hobbies. So, keeping that floor spotless is definitely worth it for keeping your home in order.
Create a Seasonal Cleaning Checklist
Making a seasonal cleaning checklist for your garage is a brilliant way to keep it in tip-top condition year-round. By taking on tasks like pest control, window cleaning, and mould check-ups, you can dodge hefty repair bills later on.
Here are the essential seasonal tasks to keep in mind:
- Gather your cleaning tools. Round up the essentials like cleaning sprays, gloves, a sturdy brush, and some microfiber cloths. Having these at the ready makes all the difference.
- Spring tasks. Patch up any winter wear and tear. It’s the perfect time to fix cracks or replace damaged bits.
- Summer. Focus on proper ventilation. Keep the air flowing to prevent that musty smell and maintain a fresh environment.
- Autumn. Prepare for the chill by ensuring everything’s in excellent condition. It’s also a good time to check the roof and gutters.
- Winter. Seal off any gaps to fend off drafts and inspect for leaks to keep mould at bay. Ensure windows and doors are snugly closed to prevent unwelcome critters from gaining entrance.
Keeping up with these tasks regularly not only keeps your garage neat but also saves you money by allowing you to avoid some major issues that almost always come with a lack of proper upkeep.
Conclusion
As you can see, keeping your garage clean and tidy can make it a safer and more useful place. A neat space not only looks good, but it also helps you feel relaxed because, as the famous Radiohead song goes, “everything’s in its right space”.
So, why not start by making a cleaning plan that suits you and do it regularly? Being consistent with this means your garage will stay spacious and organised for a long time, which is always nice.
Just give it a try and see the difference for yourself!
