Can you fit your car into your garage? If the answer is “no,” then you have your work cut out for you. For those who answered “yes,” congratulations! You’re more organized than many of us! Even if you can fit your car into your garage, it might be a tight squeeze. Most of us could benefit from reorganizing our garages and getting rid of all the stuff that has found its way there over the years.

National Clean Out Your Garage Day (yes, it’s a real thing) is the Saturday after Labor Day, which means it’s coming right up! Get your garage cleaned and organized before the cold winter weather hits in a few months. Here are some great, quick tips to help you get your garage back into shape!

1. Pick a date and stick to it!

Set aside a day or weekend and commit to getting the job done. You could make it a family event with all hands on deck! This way, you'll have everyone around to help decide what should stay and what can go. You could even invite neighbors to pitch in and help on the project. Make it fun! Have snacks and lemonade or iced tea available for everyone who helps.

2. Put safety first.

Many of us store hazardous chemicals, such as paint, pesticides, and auto fluids in the garage. Be sure the containers housing these substances are sturdy and don’t leak. If they do, they could catch fire or create dangerous fumes. Your pet may even try to eat or drink a hazardous substance that has been stored within its reach or leaked onto the floor, and the result could be deadly. Keep all of these locked away in a safe area of the garage that is out of reach to children and animals. It’s also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in or near the garage.

3. Remove certain items from your garage and store elsewhere.

• Propane: Store this outside. It’s a fire hazard.
• Paint: If your garage gets too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter, your paint could easily be ruined. Find a place with a more moderate, consistent temperature to store it.
• Refrigerator: Leaving a running refrigerator or freezer in a non-air conditioned space in the summer can be extremely inefficient. In order to combat the heat and keep your food cool, your appliance will require and use up a substantial amount of energy, increasing your energy bills during warmer months.
• Dog and Cat Food: It’s common and convenient to store a pet’s food right outside the house in the garage for easy access. However, it’s better to store it indoors. Wild animals, like possums and mice, could easily help themselves to your pet’s food when it's out in the garage.
• Paper and Cardboard: Bugs often find their way into items composed of paper.

4. Sort your stuff.

Organize the extra stuff you have laying around the garage into three separate piles:

• Keep: What do you actually need to keep? Think about the last time you actually used each item and whether you could do without it. Divide the “keep” pile down even further as you organize your garage. Split it up into different categories such as sports equipment, tools, toys, etc.
• Donate or Sell: Take this pile to a local charity or organize a yard sale to sell the items that still hold value.
• Throw Away: Be careful if you have chemicals in this pile, and be sure to dispose of them safely and properly. 

5. Come up with an organization plan.

Sketch out a floor plan for your garage to help you organize it the way you want it. Take note of the dimensions, windows, outlets, light switches, and doors. Figure out how much room you need for your cars to fit and plan where to store your sporting equipment, gardening tools, lawn mowers, bikes, tools, etc.

6. Utilize ceiling and wall space.

Instead of lining all edges of your garage floor with stuff you want to keep, try hanging some of it on the walls or ceilings. Use hooks, shelving, holders, and racks to organize items and get them up and off the floor. Get creative!

7. Freshen it up.

Adding a coat of paint to the walls, wiping down shelving and cabinetry, and sweeping the floors can make a huge difference in your garage, making it feel clean and fresh.

Garage Doors in Des Moines

WD Door sells and installs a variety of garage door types and styles for both commercial and residential properties throughout much of the state of Iowa. If you're currently looking for the perfect garage door to complement your home, check out our residential garage door gallery! If you'd like to receive an estimate for a repair or installation, give us a call at 515.963.0989, or click the button below to contact us online! We'll be happy to help you any way we can.