Cleaning the garage is a job that gets put off for as long as possible for many people. That’s right, either people love cleaning their garage, or they dread the task. For those that dread garage cleanups, the mission can seem to be an overwhelming mission impossible. However, cleaning the garage can be a simple task with a trash dumpster rental and the right mindset. Allow us to explain.

Getting Rid of the Trash and Clutter for a Tidy Garage

One of the daunting tasks for cleaning out a cluttered and messy garage is where all the trash will go as the clean takes place. It can feel like the mess is simply moving from inside the garage to out on the driveway. That’s where a trash dumpster rental comes in handy.  Not to mention they are cost-effective and efficient, allowing you to throw the trash and junk away as you go along. Cleaning and organizing the garage can do wonders for your mindset as you quickly start to see a significant difference take place. It can also aid in purging the garage of items that are no longer of use.

Step 1 to Cleaning the Garage – The Three Piles

Two things are vital to do before starting to clean a garage. The first is to consider renting a trash dumpster, and the second is to allow plenty of time for the cleanup. Often, an entire weekend is ideal for cleaning the garage. When there isn’t a tight deadline, it is easier to relax, get stuck into the clean mindset, and ultimately end up with a great result. 

When your rented trash dumpster is delivered and the garage door is open, it’s time to start. However, often the first step can be the hardest; knowing where to start.

To organize the mind and the contents of the garage, set up three designated areas. The roll-away trash dumpster is the first area and is where you will put all the trash. The second area will be for things to keep, and the third for items to sell.

removing garage clutter

Deciding Which Pile to Put Things In

It is essential to carry out a garage clean when you are feeling in a relatively ruthless mood. The last thing you want is to rent a trash dumpster to find that you are feeling exceptionally sentimental, and everything ends up going back into the garage. 

If you are unsure about an item, ask yourself when the last time was that you used it. If it was so long ago that you really couldn’t even remember, it probably is not a keeper. However, if it could be sold or given away to somebody for use, it should head to the sell pile. If not, it’s time to wave it goodbye and place it in your trash dumpster rental.

Cleaning the Garage Step 2

Once you remove everything from the garage, it’s time to give it a thorough clean. This step is very satisfying. Use a sturdy yard brush, and make sure that you get into all of the corners. Windows and doors should also receive a good measure of TLC. The following tips are also helpful:

  • Use diluted bleach or vinegar to wipe away any mold that is present
  • For oil stains on the garage floor, try using WD-40 or vinegar and water to eliminate them.
  • Thoroughly sweep the entire floor, knocking down cobwebs that are present.
  • Use a sponge mop to clean the entire garage, floor, and walls.  
  • If a mop doesn’t get the floor clean, soak the floor entirely with hot soapy water and scrub it with a shop broom.  Use a floor squeegee to get rid of the excess water.
  • Before putting items back in the garage, make sure the floor is dry. A floor fan may help if the weather doesn’t do its job fast enough.
cleaning the garage

The Third Step – Analyze the Storage

One of the main reasons that garages get so messy and cluttered is a lousy storage and organization sense. It is easy to organize storage in a garage to make the most use of the space. It just takes being a little creative and some excellent garage storage solutions. The following ideas may be helpful:

  • Put up shelving in a handy location and use it to store items that you use regularly.
  • Invest in garage cabinets that can store items you need to keep but not use regularly.
  • Designate an area of wall for wall hooks to store rakes, shovels, and other tools upright.
  • Consider a garage ceiling storage rack to store bulky or seasonal items.

Organize the garage by type; one area for gardening equipment, one area for vehicle-related things, and so forth. Designating areas by type will help you find items quickly when you need them and know where to return something when not in use.

garage organization tips

And Lastly, Get Rid of The Trash

Now that the garage is clean and your dumpster is loaded, only a couple of things are left to do.  Sort through the sell pile to decide what can be donated, given to family and friends, or sold.  For items that you donate, be sure to check out the local charities such as Salvation Army or your local social services donation office.  You can set any things you want to give to family and friends or decide to sell to the side for pick-up at a later date.  But don’t keep this pile too long, or you may end up storing it for a long time or ultimately keeping it.

Last but not least, your trash dumpster rental is ready to be hauled away.  Most dumpster rentals have a designated pick-up date; however, if you find you get done early, contact KC Dumpster Company, and we will head on over to haul it off!  We hope you found our article helpful and are inspired to get busy cleaning the garage and getting it organized!