How to Give Your Garage a Makeover

If your garage doesn’t have the space for your car in anymore, you’re not alone. According to a survey done by researchers at Home Innovation Research Labs, 93% of homeowners surveyed use garages for storage while 84% use it for parking a vehicle. The study also found that only about 70% of the garage space in single-family homes is available for parking because the floor space is occupied by something other than a parked car. If you are determined to create a cleaner, more functional space in your garage, here are a few actions to take when undergoing a garage makeover.

Sort It All Out

If you are looking to create more space in your garage, it is likely that you need to de-clutter. Start by sorting all items into three piles: keep, donate or sell, and toss. For items you designate to keep, sort them into like categories such as sports equipment, gardening tools, holiday decorations, etc. As soon as possible, donate giveaways and schedule a yard sale to get rid of the items you no longer need. For items you need to toss, be careful with items like household chemicals, which may require special disposal.

Aim for Squeaky Clean

With everything cleared out of the garage, this is the perfect time to sweep and clean your garage. Start by sweeping out all the heavy dirt and debris. Then, remove any oil and grease spots by covering them with sawdust or cat litter to absorb any excess. Use a hard bristle broom to sweep it up after about 24 hours, and then sprinkle dry dishwasher detergent or a concrete cleaning agent on the stain. Pour boiling water on the area and vigorously scrub the stained section with a hard bristle broom. For more stubborn stains, use muriatic acid in combination with a pressure washer. Wash the entire floor with warm soapy water, and scrub with a deck brush. Rinse thoroughly and use a floor squeegee or push broom to remove any remaining water. Allow to dry, and evaluate if your floor needs any sealing or painting.

Organize Strategically

If you haven’t already, visit your local home improvement store to invest in some shelving, storage cabinets, clear totes, pegboards, and hooks. Your main goal should be to keep everything off the floor whenever possible to keep cleaning easy and avoid creating piles. Store like items together such as gardening tools, fertilizer, etc. Bulky equipment like lawn mowers or snow blowers should be stored in corners. Store frequently used items in easily accessible areas, and stash seasonal or rarely used items in harder-to-reach-spots like top shelves.