Turbocharge Your Garage Cleaning with These Dynamic Tips

We are finally home and I couldn’t be happier. The house is clean and I am thrilled with all of the updates that we had done over the winter season.

With the Florida house cleaned and organized for the summer, I am ready to jump right in and get started on Fairwood Place.

So…where to start 🤷‍♀️ LOL…it’s a no brainer for me.  The garage…oh the dreaded garage.  Any furniture that we left in the house has been moved into the garage, so all of that has to come back inside, not only to make room in there but also because I need somewhere to eat my breakfast! LOL My dining set is in there. So let’s get started….

I am sharing some before and after fall cleanup pics from the Corner House. This is embarrassing 🙈

Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions” – Barbara Hemphill

Deep Clean Surfaces:

First things first. I like to empty the contents of the entire garage. Dust, sweep, and mop all surfaces thoroughly. Don’t forget to clean the walls and ceiling to remove any accumulated cobwebs or dirt. Consider using a pressure washer for stubborn stains on the garage floor. I emptied my garage completely onto the driveway. A couple of cars stopped to inquire about all the ‘stuff’ and asked if I wasninterested in selling anything. I sold an old set of golf clubs and Tanks bike trailer (he hated it). I was able to give away some baskets and old flower pots too.

Seasonal Rotation:

Consider implementing a seasonal rotation system. Store winter gear and equipment in easily accessible containers or shelves during the warmer months and vice versa. Label containers clearly for easy identification. I like to use large Rubbermaid containers for Christmas and Fall decor and keep them in the garage attic out of the way.

 

 

 

Mud Room

I told you this was going to be embarrassing 🙈 If you don’t have a mud room inside, consider making one in your garage by adding a bench or chair to sit on while removing gardening boots or rain boots. This area was a game changer for me. Half of the ‘stuff’ you see in the first photo would land on our bench inside the house at our side entrance…basketballs, backpacks and shopping baskets. When the girls took their riding lessons we entered through the garage and the barn mess was kept out here.  Having hooks outside the garage entry door is perfect for hanging rain gear, umbrellas or dog leashes. Having a shelf with baskets is a great place to keep sun hats, garden gloves and 💩 bags handy as well.

 

Storage Solutions:

Invest in storage solutions that maximize space efficiency. Wall-mounted shelves, pegboards, and overhead storage racks can help keep items off the floor and create more room for parking vehicles or other activities. This closet was used for oversized kitchen appliances and extra glasses. I stored mops and brooms to the right of the shelves. I am going to have to create something like this in the new digs. Visit Pinterest for ideas!

 

Zone Organization:

Divide the garage into zones based on function or type of items stored. For example, designate separate zones for gardening supplies, sports equipment, tools, and seasonal decorations. This makes it easier to locate items when needed. Having zones also makes it so much easier to put things away. It stops you from finding an open spot and plunking something down and then wishing you knew where you put a week from now. Having this large tool box keeps tools, glue guns and small electronics organized. OK…organized might be a stretch. It looks organized but inside the tool box….just a hot mess! 😝

 

 

Utilize Vertical Space: Make use of vertical space by installing hooks or racks for hanging bicycles, ladders, and other bulky items. This frees up floor space and prevents clutter. Consider using hose reals to store long extension cords and Christmas lights. This closet used to be an open space. I had my son Stuart build this closet to store all of our garden tools. He built a second closet beside it that housed our pool pump and chemicals.

Safety Check: I feel that I should mention safety…but TBH, I can’t say I practice this. Conduct a safety check of all equipment and tools. Inspect gardening tools for rust or damage, check power tools for frayed cords, and ensure that fire extinguishers and emergency supplies are easily accessible. If you love to paint like I do be sure that you do not leave dirty rags piled anywhere in your garage or home! My son Stuart was about 4 years old when he and his dad Joe were driving to ‘grandma with the kitty cats’ house to meet me. Stuart said “daddy my feet just started on fire”. Joe looked down and sure enough there was a fire under his little feet. Joe quickly pulled over and got Stuart out of the van. Joe had thrown his dirty work rags on the floor to bring home to launder when they spontaneously combusted!! They had been there less than an hour. Goes to show just how quickly something like this can happen. Lesson learned. PS….Stuart was fine.

Create a Maintenance Schedule: If you want to be Uber organized…which I am not, 😉  develop a maintenance schedule to keep the garage organized throughout the year. Set aside time each season for decluttering, cleaning, and performing any necessary repairs or upgrades.

Make it Enjoyable: Listen to your favourite Podcast. Cleaning is the perfect time to catch up on your Audiobook too. I like to put on some upbeat music and have a little dance party with Tank.  You could enlist the help of family members and turn spring cleaning into a fun and rewarding activity (HAHA ya right!)…OR just do it yourself because then you know it’s going to be done to your own standards. Consider rewarding yourself with a treat or an outing once the task is complete. I am thinking a pedi and mani will be in order after I am done with mine.

 

Stay Organized: Finally, maintain the organization by regularly tidying up and putting items back in their designated places. It’s easy once you’re organized. This prevents clutter from accumulating and makes future spring cleaning tasks less daunting.

Playlist for your garage dance party 👯

1. “Fat Bottom Girls” by Queen (1978)
2. “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas (1964)
3. “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys (1966)
4. “December, 1963 (Oh What a Night) by The Four Seasons. (1975)
5. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye (1968)
6. “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations (1968)
7. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” Cindi Lauper (1983)
8. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell (1967)
9. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles (1963)
10. “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees (1977)
11. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder (1970)
12. “Modern Love” by David Bowie (1983)
13. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA (1976)
14. “Beautiful Day” by U2 (2000)
15. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin (1967)

 

I hope these tips help make your garage spring cleaning process efficient and maybe a tad more enjoyable 😉