Todays post is a before and after of a clients garage. I’m passionate about this area of a home because garages can quickly become storage units if not purged on a regular basis.

The key to getting any area in your home free of clutter and organized is to plan before you begin, especially for a garage.

These are a few questions to ask yourself before you tackle a big project.

1. Do you need to schedule a donation pick up?
There are so many donation services available. Plan ahead and make the pick up convenient to fit your schedule. It’s not a good idea to have your donated items sitting in your garage or outside of your house because the temptation to pick through is too great!

2. Do you need help lifting and disposing of items in order to complete the job?
If there are heavy items that you cannot move and too much junk to dispose of on a regular trash day there are companies that offer different services to fit your needs.

Two of my favorites are College Hunks Hauling Junk and 1-800-GOT-JUNK. They are fast, reliable and are available for last minute pick ups.

4. Do you have the time to complete the project?
The secret to clearing any clutter is to make the time. A half finished project sometimes never get done!

5. Do you have the proper supplies to clean the space?
Sounds simple but you should have garbage bags, a good broom, step stool and all purpose cleaner.

When the job was complete not only was she thrilled with her new space but now two cars could actually park in the garage. We kept only what they will use and let the rest go!

Make time before it gets too hot and clear the clutter in your garage. 

Images by Neatly Designed

This week is devoted to clearing the garage clutter. One problem I run across often in my job is old paint cans and the amount of valuable space they take up in the garage.

The main reasons people keep old paint is they don’t know how or where to dispose of it or they want to remember what paint color they used for touch ups.

Here are a few tips to clear the paint can clutter.

1. For environmental reasons you cannot dispose of paint in the garbage unless you do this. Find your designated paint drop off location here. 

2. Keep a copy of all your paint colors either by taking a picture of the label with you phone or have the paint store print a copy  for future reference.

3. Purchase the sample size if needed for touch up. Hot and cold temperatures can ruin paint. Lowe’s has information on how to store your paint here.

The question you need to ask yourself “how much valuable space are paint cans taking up in your garage?” If the answer is too much get rid of them!