Garage day
Ugh. No one likes to clean out the garage. And it usually shows. Set aside a couple of hours and get everyone involved in “Garage Day.”
Designate some space in the yard or driveway to sort things as you take them out of the garage. Have a place for Toss, Store, Recycle, Give Away/Donate, Relocate (as in Belongs Elsewhere), and Garage. Have garbage bags and boxes ready, too.
When the garage is empty, give it a good cleaning. Sweep (and maybe spray wash) the floor. Clean out cobwebs from the corners. Wipe down the shelves with a damp rag.
Figure out what needs to go back into the garage (general categories) and where each category will be stored. For example, auto accessories, seasonal decorations, garden equipment, tools, sporting goods, lightbulbs, cold/hot weather storage, etc.
Replace everything that belongs in the garage in its designated place.
Get the trash ready for garbage day, or take it to the dump. Dispose of hazardous waste appropriately – call your city or county waste department or your waste hauler for specific information on what is hazardous and where/when it can be dropped off. This usually includes auto fluids, paints/stains and solvents, and yard and garden chemicals. Store it where children can’t get to it until you can dispose of it.
Load the Give Away/Donate stuff into your car and deliver it. Or schedule a pick up with a local charity.
Get the recycling ready for your next recycling pick up, or load it in your car to drop it at the local recycling center.
Put away whatever you found that belongs somewhere else. A random screwdriver that belongs in the basement, or beach towels that never made it to the laundry. If it has another home, put it away.
Finally, park the car(s) in the garage! Yay! You did it, and it looks great.
