Summer is the perfect time to tackle outdoor areas that have long been neglected. One of the more overwhelming areas to work on is the garage. But since it is such a big job, I think this is one housekeeping area that should involve the entire family.
Set aside an entire day where the family will be available to help pitch in. You will probably have to actually schedule this in and make sure that no other plans are made.
There are three general rules for any big cleaning project like this. The first is to throw out anything considered garbage, the second is to pack away what you will use and the third is to give away what you won’t.
To begin a project such as cleaning out a garage, you will need to take everything out. But you will also need someplace to put it. If you have no where else to put it, then the middle of the garage can work. But it is best to put everything in a driveway, alleyway or yard.
You are not doing anything at this time, other than just clearing everything out. If you want, you can create piles or areas. For instance, all outdoor sports equipment you could put into one pile or yard tools into another. But at this point you are not deciding what to keep and what to give away; you are simply clearing out the garage.
Once the garage has been completely cleared out, this is your chance to clean it. You can get rid of spider webs, fix broken cabinets, install cabinets, sweep out the inside, paint, whatever is necessary to get it looking good.
Once that is done, you begin to go through each pile and decide what you will keep. This is your chance to put everything in a place that makes sense. Bikes could go up on hooks, a plastic container might hold all of your sports equipment, etc.
Then you go through the piles again and decide what you will give away. These items are then stored somewhere until you can give them to a neighbor, friend, Salvation Army, or whoever else you choose.
Finally, you are left with all of the garbage. If you have a local city dump that you can take it to right away, do that. Or if you have room in your garbage cans. The point is to get rid of it.
It might take a whole day but you will have fun together as a family. You will also feel a lot better about having a cleaned out garage.
Related Articles:
Thinking Positive Thoughts about Housekeeping
When Everything Is In Disarray
A-Tisket A-Tasket, a Green and Yellow Basket
Photo by byrdiegyrl in Stockvault