February 17, 2025

Garage Cleanouts

Is your garage overflowing with clutter, are you unable to locate your possessions? If you find yourself maneuvering around boxes, bikes, and forgotten items, it might be time for a garage cleanout.

While a garage cleanout can be daunting, a clean, organized space is highly rewarding. You’ll be left with a functional area that can be used to park your car or as a dedicated workspace for hobbies and projects.

In this blog, we’ll go over practical tips for garage cleanouts in Lake County, IL, to help make your next cleaning project a breeze.

Preparing for Your Garage Cleanout

Having a plan can make the cleanout more manageable and less stressful.

Make a Plan

Creating a plan and sticking to it can alleviate stress at the beginning and help make the process smooth (and even enjoyable).

• Set a Goal: Decide how you want to use your garage. Garages don’t have to be used to park cars; they can also be used as a workshop, storage space, studio, or home gym.
• Schedule Your Cleanout: Cleaning out and organizing a garage takes time, so make sure you choose a time to dedicate a couple of days to the project, like a weekend. It’s best to complete the cleanout in one go so you’re not left with a large mess for weeks.
• Gather Supplies: Gather everything you may need during a garage cleanout. Storage bins, shelves, cleaning tools, and a dumpster rental can make the process a breeze.

Sort Possessions Into Categories

Once you’ve begun cleaning, the amount of junk to sort through can feel overwhelming. Sorting things into categories makes it manageable.

• Keep: Keep items you use regularly, have a specific purpose, or seasonal decor that you will continue to use.
• Donate/Sell: You can donate or sell items that are still in good working condition but that you no longer need. Only set items aside to sell if you know you will take the time to list and ship them. Otherwise, consider donating them to a thrift store or shelter.
• Trash: Broken, irreparable items and useless clutter that serve no purpose should be discarded. Trash can accumulate quickly, so having a rental dumpster on site can be very helpful.

How to Declutter Efficiently

It’s easy to get distracted while going through all the junk in your garage. Here are some tips to help you stay focused on the task at hand.

• Start With the Big Stuff: Remove and sort bulky items like bicycles, yard toys, exercise or sports equipment, and tools. This will help clear space, make the garage less daunting, and give you more room to sort through the remaining items.
• Use the “One-Year” Rule: The rule is simple: if you haven’t used an item in a year, you probably don’t need it. An exception to this rule is for specialized tools or seasonal items that serve specific purposes. Otherwise, nix it.
• Be Ruthless With Junk: Don’t make excuses to keep useless junk in your garage. Old furniture, equipment, and appliances take up space that could be used for other reasons and shouldn’t be held onto. Make your garage a functional space by getting rid of junk!

If you’re a homeowner with an overwhelming amount of junk to discard, a dumpster rental may be a good idea. Dumpster rentals make the cleaning process easy, especially if you must make multiple trips to the landfill or have items a municipal trash collector will not take from the curb, like shelving, appliances, and large possessions.

Organizing for Maximum Space

Once you’ve finished cleaning your garage, it’s time to organize your remaining possessions. By creating a functional organizational system, you’ll avoid future clutter.

Use these organizational tips to create a usable space:

• Install Storage Solutions: Use large shelves, peg boards, or cabinets to have a designated space to store everything.
• Label Everything: Clearly mark bins, shelves, bags, and cabinets so you know exactly where to find specific items. From holiday decor to gardening tools to camping gear, you should easily be able to locate your things.
• Create Zones:
  • Front: Keep regularly used items accessible at the front, like pet supplies, tools, and bikes.
  • Back: Seasonal and rarely used items can be kept in the back or harder-to-reach areas.
• Maintain the Space: No matter what you decide to use your garage for, maintain it by frequently tidying, doing mini-cleanouts, and keeping it organized.

Start the New Year Clutter-Free with Dumpster Dudez of Northern Illinois Garage Clean Out Services

Your garage is an extension of your home, and by keeping it clean and organized, you can create a space you enjoy. A decluttered garage means more usable space, less stress, and easily accessible belongings. To make garage cleanouts in Lake County easy, rent a dumpster from Dumpster Dudez! Contact us today.