Garage clutter can build up until it takes over the entire space. Take inventory of your belongings, and clean out what you don’t use with this Orlando garage organization guide from Garage Design Works.

Take Everything Out
Proper cleaning means removing everything from the walls, floors, and ceiling. Start by removing all of your belongings and sorting them into piles. Determine what you will keep and what you will throw away or sell.

Do You Need It?
Ask yourself the Marie Kondo question: Does it bring you joy? If you haven’t used it in a year, it probably doesn’t and you probably don’t need it. Sort your piles into three categories: keep, throw away, and sell. After sorting, immediately get rid of the “throwaway” pile. For the items you want to sell, consider eBay or a traditional yard sale. Put the other items somewhere safe until the cleanup is complete.

Deep Clean
Grab your brooms, brushes, sponges, and bucket — it’s time to clean! You may also need an oil stain remover, floor paint, and wire brush. Start at the top and work your way down. Sweep cobwebs off the ceiling. Wipe down doorknobs, light fixtures, and windows. Next, soak the windows and walls with a carwash sponge. Use old towels to dry everything off. At this point, the floor should be a mess. Starting at the back of your garage, use a push broom to sweep debris out of the door. Then, give the floors a good mopping; make sure to scrub any longstanding gunk. Once the floors are dry, you can try brushing oil stains with a commercial cleaner.

Time to Organize
Now it’s time to organize the items you chose to keep. We recommend installing shelves. Shelves are a great way to keep your garage tidy and free up the floor space. Mount ceiling hooks to hold sports and camping gear, as well as bicycles. First, focus on long-term storage items, such as documents, keepsakes, and old clothing. Then, work on seasonal items, such as holiday decor and lawn care equipment. Finally, work on items that you use at least once a month. Make sure they can be easily found and accessed. The idea is to place the most frequently used items toward the front, and the less used items should be more hidden. This way, you are likely to maintain the organization.

At Garage Design Works, we offer Orlando garage organization solutions for every space. Contact us today for a free in-home consultation and to learn more about what we have to offer!