Organize Your Garage for Spring

Spring clean your garage! Our step-by-step guide gives you a plan of attack that will have this hard-working space organized in an afternoon.

1. Clean Slate. Start by moving everything out of the garage and into the driveway. As you remove things, organize like items together – for example, put bikes and toys in one section of the garage, and lawncare items in another— to make it easier to organize once it’s time to put everything back. Set aside a section for things you want to toss or donate.


2. Clean Sweep. Once the garage is empty, grab a broom and start sweeping. Start brushing down ceilings and walls; close the garage doors and wipe those down too. Finally, sweep the floors to remove leaves and other debris that blew in over the winter.


3. Deep Clean. Check the floor for oily, greasy stains from car, lawn mower, and snow blower engines. Scrub any stains with a stiff-bristled brush and hot, soapy water. Wipe down light fixtures, light switches, garage door openers, and door knobs.


4. Check for Leaks. Examine garage door weather stripping carefully for any signs of wear or damage. Not only can small gaps or cracks let in insects or rodents, they can also reduce the overall energy efficiency of your home. Most people don't realize that an attached garage can serve as a buffer zone between the outside and the rest of your home, so weatherproofing your garage doors can help reduce your home cooling bills in the summer and heating bills in the winter. If necessary, replace the weather stripping along the sides and top of the garage door with Frost King Nail-On Vinyl Top and Side Seal Kit, and garage door bottom seals with Frost King Rubber Garage Door Bottom Kit.


5. Organize by Zone. Now it’s time to get organized. If you don’t already have hooks and shelving, consider installing them to help keep things off the floor. Store infrequently used items or equipment that’s used in the winter, like skis, snow shovels and snowblowers, in the back of the garage. Keep sporting equipment in one zone, and lawn garden equipment in another zone.