Now that the weather is warming up and the family is spending more time outside, you are probably looking around your garage and realizing: it’s time to clean the garage! The clutter and unorganized items that have piled up over the winter can be a bit overwhelming. So, where should you start with this vital home improvement project?
You can search Pinterest and find plenty of pretty ideas for garage organization systems. But just because the picture looks great doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the ideal solution for your living space. You need to find a system that works for you and your family.
The garage is more than just a place to park the car. Families use garages as offices, gyms, storage areas, utility spaces, game rooms, or an extension of the kitchen with fridges and freezers. Every garage is unique, requiring different organization levels depending on the type of things you are storing. For example, the ideas to organize garage power tools are different from systems for sports equipment or holiday décor.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help with your ideas for garage organization. Let’s get you started with enough momentum to follow this project through to completion.
Decluttering Services Near Me: Just Get Started!
Talk to any professional organizer in Northern Virginia or anywhere else, and they will tell you the same thing: sometimes, the hardest part is getting started. Some homeowners get trapped in over-analysis, searching online for tips on how to be organized or why is organization a skill. Theoretical concepts only get you so far. Nothing changes until you start pulling things out of storage and implementing declutter services to sort through the mess.
Follow the LITL System, and you can organize anything – quickly and easily. It doesn’t matter if you need organization ideas for kitchen supplies or if you prefer ideas for garage organization. The principles are the same. Ultimately, you need to find what works best for you and your family. The most effective house-arranging service is one that you and your family will stick to throughout the year.
Every family has individual preferences, which is why there isn’t a right or wrong answer. If you are wondering about the best system for organization, define the priorities in any way you prefer. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
Organization Hierarchy Tips from a Professional Organizer in Virginia
When you are ready to clean the garage, pull everything out of the storage space. Use your driveway or a designated area as your primary organization space. Start sorting the items into three separate piles:
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Trash
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Donate
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Keep
CLEAN THE GARAGE – WHAT TO TRASH
Start sorting the items that you are going to trash first. Small items can go in your regular trash bin. Or, you might look for trash removal services in your area. These services can bring a dumpster or pick up large items from your home.
Consider the value of each item; don’t trash anything that you can donate near me or sell. It might be tempting to throw a lot of things in the trash, but remember that these things could provide value to other people in need.
CLEAN THE GARAGE – WHAT TO DONATE
The best donate definition is any item that is still in good enough condition that it could be used by someone else. There are many places to donate near me, but you might need to search specifics about the types of items you want to donate:
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Where to donate used clothes
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Where to donate yard equipment
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How to donate a mattress near me
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How to donate broken appliances
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Where to donate furniture
Many local organizations accept donations, such as Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, homeless shelters, and more. Look for local opportunities to make donations that will help the larger community. You’ll feel better when you know that the items you are donating are helping others.
CLEAN THE GARAGE – WHAT TO KEEP
The third pile in your organization hierarchy consists of the things you would like to keep. As you put everything back into storage containers, shelving, or with the help of a closet organizer in Washington DC, make sure that every item has a dedicated place to live.
Putting items that you use together, such as all of the sports gear in one area and the gardening tools in another is a great idea to organize the garage. Use organization products such as bins or baskets to keep like things together. Also, do your best to keep items off the floor as much as possible. Finally, consider investing in quality storage equipment, such as shelving, plastic tubs, and even a lockable cabinet to keep the kids out of the landscaping chemicals.
Free Consultation: Decluttering Services Near Me
If you need more ideas for garage organization, consider scheduling a consultation with a professional organizer in Northern Virginia. Call The Organizing Mentors for your complimentary consultation. You can also find exclusive organization ideas for the kitchen, bedrooms, and any other area of your home in our Private Facebook Group. Or, pick your favorite organizational products in our LITL Shop. Call the experts when you are ready to reclaim your space – in mind and physicality: (703) 832-4985.
The Organizing Mentors is local for your convenience and takes pride in the community. We proudly serve metropolitan Washington DC, which includes Northern Virginia (Reston, McLean, Ashburn) and parts of Maryland.