How to Clean out Your Garage

Steps

1. Go to a Wal-Mart or Home Depot etc. and buy several plastic containers ranging in sizes.
2. Tackle the garage! The first thing you need to do is throw away any junk that is lying around that you never use. Only keep the items that are absolutely necessary! Adopt the rule that it if hasn't been used for 12 months, it is probably not needed (except for very expensive equipment or if you have been too ill or work-swamped to get to a hobby).
3. Go through all of your stuff and organize it into piles. For example, tools, Christmas ornaments, collectables, etc. Be methodical, as the more things that you can place together in related groups, the easier it will be to see what you want to keep, what you have in duplicate and what you no longer want or need.
4. Store the piles in separate containers. For each pile you have, store those items into their own plastic container unless they are for the charity, recycling or throw-out piles.
5. Stack the containers out of the way where they can easily be accessible.
6. Label the plastic containers so you know exactly what is inside.
7. Take the unwanted items to donate to charity, to a recycling center or to the garbage dumpster. Or use your garage to have a garage sale! Let someone give you money to take your unwanted stuff and put it in their garage.

Tips

• Make sure you have a full weekend to start this project.
• Get the family involved to help. Suggest a garage sale and possible cash flow arising from that in return for their assistance!

Warnings

• Clean up oil spills before they stain or cause possible slips.
• Be wary of chemicals. Make sure they are stored or disposed of carefully. Do not handle with bare hands; always wear gloves when moving chemical products (gardening, tool-related etc.)

Things You'll Need

• Labels
• Plastic containers
• Money
• Time
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