The snow-covered streets and cozy winter evenings are here, but with that, challenges for homeowners with their garages aren’t far behind. Keeping your garage clean and organized is already daunting, but throwing the snow, ice, and cold on top of it can make anyone feel lost. With some planning and effort, you can keep your garage in top shape during the cold winter months.
Preparation
1) Life is busy. Choose a day and time you have ample time so you can tackle your garage in one day. Choose your time: Schedule a cleaning session when you have ample time.
2) Gather your supplies. You can never be too prepared to take on your garage, so make sure you have trash bags, cleaning products, a broom, a dustpan, and a ladder (if needed). But be prepared to quickly run to the store if surprises come up.
3) Don’t cut corners and clean around large items or vehicles. Clear the entire space so you have easy access to the floors and walls.
Cleaning
4) Thoroughly clean the garage floor. Start with your broom and dustpan to remove the dirt, leaves, and other floor debris. Then, mop with warm water. You can even add a detergent to make sure you can remove all the grime and salt residue.
5) Grab your ladder (for the higher spots) and a damp cloth to wipe down all the walls. Garage walls are often overlooked, but don’t underestimate how much dust and cobwebs accumulate over time.
6) Use a glass cleaner and a squeegee to wipe down all the windows. Restoring their clarity and letting that light shine in will give your garage a new feel during the winter.
7) Don’t forget the ceiling. Grab your cobweb duster and ladder to reach high spots and eliminate dust and cobwebs.
8) Keep your garage floor clean by using a doormat or floor mats to trap dirt and debris before it tracks into your garage.
Organizing
9) Garages tend to get cluttered fast. Sort through your boxes, kid’s toys, tools, and miscellaneous items that get tossed into the garage, and get rid of anything you don’t use. This frees up valuable space.
10) Label your remaining items. Whatever makes the cut to stay in the garage, implement a labeling system. It will make it much easier to find specific tools or equipment.
11) Contain the chaos. Rather than keeping things on your newly cleaned floor, utilize bins, boxes, or shelves to store everything. If you use cardboard boxes, store them off the ground in case of any liquid that ends up on your garage floor. Using boxes or crates to contain your belongings will keep your garage more organized and your things more protected and accessible.
12) Create a space specifically for tools. Install a pegboard or a tool rack to hang your tools. This will save you floor space and make them readily available and easy to find when needed.
13) Use all the available space! The floor space always fills up the fastest, so invest in shelving and cabinets for additional storage space.
14) Designate specific areas throughout your garage for winter gear, like snow shovels and ice scrapers, so you can easily find them when needed.
Winterizing
15) Inspect your garage door and windows for any drafts. If you find any, seal them with weatherstripping to conserve heat and save energy.
16) Protect your valuable items. Don’t leave temperature-sensitive things like electronics or specific tools in your garage. Move them to a warmer location in your home during the cold winter.
Bonus Tips
- Take advantage of sunny days and open up your garage door to air it out and prevent musty odors.
- Regularly inspect or service your garage door for signs of wear and tear to prevent any unexpected malfunctions during the winter.
Following these tips, you can conquer the chaos and transform your winter garage into a functional and organized space that will remain a valuable asset throughout the coldest months.
