How to Organize Your Garage on Move In Day

There’s no doubt that move-in day is hectic and stressful. You may have given a lot of attention to the main home when it comes to organizing and packing for your move. But it’s very easy to forget about the garage – and that’s probably the top place you want to concentrate on! Getting it organized for the chaos of moving day is of paramount importance so that things can be found, transported and loaded with ease.

Here are some tips on how to get your garage ready for move-out day from the old house and move-in day for the new one.

Declutter, Donate, Sell

Before you move from your existing home, it’s important to take stock of what you have in the garage and pare it down some. The less you take with you, the less it will cost and the less strain on your back. Make separate piles for things you want to keep, throw away, or donate. When packing the rest, keep similar items in the same boxes, making sure you clearly label each one.

For example, put all tools in one box rather than scatter them in different boxes. This will make unpacking much simpler when you know where everything is.

Plan Your Garage Layout

Do this ahead of time so you can simply move stuff in without hassling with layout on moving day. How will you best utilize your new space? Visualize where you want to put large items such as bicycles, scooters and your tool bench. Figure out where you want to hang pegboards and shelving to keep things off the ground and save on floor space.

Because your garage is a high-traffic area, it should be largely clear of debris. Leave plenty of room for your cars to get in and out safely, as well as a clear route to each car and the door leading into the house. Remove obstacles and trip hazards that could lead to injury. Store items in clear bins and label them so you know right away what’s in which bin.

Gather Materials for Cleaning

Whether you plan to clean out the old garage for the new owners, or clean your new garage for yourself, you’ll first need to gather the right cleaning supplies and materials.

• Gloves
• Broom
• Storage containers or bins
• Stool/ladder
• Trash bags
• Water
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Toothbrush
• Duster
• Microfiber cloths
• Hose
• Scrubber
• Degreaser

Now it’s de-cluttering time. Take all items off the shelves and take everything out of the garage so nothing remains on the floor. Getting free access to all areas of your garage will make things much easier. This is a good time to make those three piles out on the driveway that we were talking about earlier.

Dusting and Wiping

Dust off shelves and work areas like tool benches. Brush away cobwebs lurking in the corners and use a step ladder to get to those hard to reach areas. No need to invest in fancy expensive store bought cleaners. You can make your own homemade cleaning solution comprised of water and white vinegar, placed in a spray bottle. Spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth.

Don’t forget to clean those garage door windows! You can use that same cleaning solution, wiping them dry with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free result.

Inspect the Garage Door

While you’re at the garage door, take this time to give it a once-over. Check the door’s finish, look for brittle seals, inspect the springs, and lubricate the tracks if necessary. If it needs a repair, call a professional. Safety is the #1 priority.

Clean the Floor

First, sweep the floor with a broom to remove loose dirt and debris, followed by a hosing of the floor. Use a degreaser with the scrubber to remove stubborn oil and grease stains. If you see any cracks in the concrete, repair them with filler to avoid worsening cracks and trip hazards.

Reorganize

If you’ve just cleaned your new garage, it’s time to put everything inside. Optimize vertical space through the use of shelves, hooks, storage bins and containers. Hang bikes and scooters on walls to further increase usable space.

To optimize space, break the whole garage down into sections or zones. This could involve an entry/exit area for coats, keys, and shoes; storage shelving for labeled bins; outdoor items such as bikes, sports equipment, and camping gear; seasonal items such as pool supplies and holiday decorations; and bulky tools such as brooms, rakes, and the lawn mower.

Maximize Storage Space

Perhaps the best thing about cleaning out your garage is that you’re left with a wide open space with myriad possibilities. This is basically free storage space – for the time being. How you fill it back up will depend entirely on you. If you can efficiently store all your items in your garage without cluttering it up, you can save money on self-storage units which can easily cost $100 a month to keep up.

Now that you have cleaned and organized your garage into the items you’ll be taking with you, you can simply open up the door and tell the movers what to take.

Benefits of Cleaning the Garage Regularly

Make a pledge to clean your garage twice a year like this – once in the spring and once in the fall. Why should you keep your garage clean and organized? There are many reasons, such as to:

• Take inventory of your belongings
• Replace items as needed, such as outgrown sports equipment
• Prevent dust and dirt buildup
• Replace old, broken items
• Maintain safety of your family
• Purge unwanted objects
• Organize storage systems

Contact Luke’s Moving Services

Well before you start your garage cleaning process, contact us in Hurst TX to book your residential move. We serve the entire DFW metroplex with moves of all kinds, from small to large.