Has your garage become a dumping ground for all the things you don't know what to do with? Is it so full that you can’t even park your car in it ? In many homes the garage becomes a place of delayed decisions–the “I’ll deal with that later” mentality. If it’s out of the house, we tend to forget about it until one day we can no longer park or even walk into the garage. Here are a few things to get rid of in your garage to help jump start its organization.
Cardboard boxes
Whether it’s Amazon boxes, electronics boxes, or things stored in cardboard boxes, it should go. Cardboard is susceptible to moisture, especially in the muggy heat here in Louisiana, and attracts bugs. Anything that you have stored in a cardboard box isn’t going to last long. Opt for plastic totes with sealed lids to store items in your garage. Break down your cardboard boxes and put them in the recycling.
Anything made of paper
Papers really shouldn’t live inside your garage. The moisture and unregulated temperatures will destroy anything made of paper. If you are using it for short term storage, opt for plastic, weather tight bins to keep your papers intact. Take the time to go through and recycle any old mail or papers that are no longer needed. Consider scanning any documents needed to be kept in the long term.
Clothing or bedding
If you have so many clothes and sheets that they need to be stored in your garage, it’s probably time for a purge. The outdoor elements will not be kind to fabric. Take the time to go through your clothes and bedding and purge as much as possible. Only keep what your house can store and find other areas in the home for safe keeping.
Old paint, chemicals, oils
Many people inherit random paint, chemicals, and oils when they move into a new home. Go through the paint and only keep the current colors you have inside. Take pictures of the colors used and save them in a house folder in case you ever need to purchase more paint. As far as other chemicals and oils go, if you didn’t purchase it or don’t know what it is for, toss it. Places like Habitat for Humanity will take old paint and things from your garage. Pay attention to your city’s hazardous waste collection days and drop off those items to be disposed of properly.
Electronics and cables
Old computers, chargers, and phones usually go to die in the garage. Go through all of the cables and chargers and set aside any that you don’t recognize. Bring your old electronics and cables to be recycled at your local Best Buy. They’re just collecting dust and taking up space in your garage, let them go!
Anything broken
How long has that weedeater been sitting there waiting to be repaired? The garage tends to be the home for all the things that “will get fixed” that never do. Set a timeline for any repair projects and put it in your calendar. If it hasn’t happened, it most likely won’t. Take the loss and toss any broken items. If you think someone would want it, place it by the side of the road, and I promise someone will pick it up!
Old toys
Are you hanging on to toys that your children have outgrown? It may be time to let them go. Go through and purge as many toys as possible and donate them to a local thrift store or to someone who has a child in the correct age range of the items. The garage elements will definitely ruin toys over a period of time. Give them away while they’re still useful!
Random pieces of wood
Are there leftover random pieces of wood or trim from an old project? If they haven’t been used for anything else, it’s time to let them go. This is the perfect item to place by the road for someone else to pick up and use.
Is your garage a total disaster and you’re not sure where to begin? Contact me at sara@socoorganizers.com to get a quote
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