4 Steps to Revitalize Your Garage Quickly in Time for Spring

Spring is here – even in the colder climates – and that means it is time to get things cleaned out and ready for the warmer months. So when you start tackling all that spring cleaning, don’t forget to spruce up your garage – an important part of the house that’s even more important this time of year.

4 Steps to Revitalize Your Garage Quickly in Time for Spring

From simple cleaning to DIY storage solutions, here are some steps you can take to get your garage cleaned up and ready to go for a summer of outdoor projects.

Start with some DIY Trash Removal

Yup, cleaning out your garage is the very first step to redoing your garage. Ditching all those old gold clubs, car parts and broken appliances can certainly be daunting, but there are some very simple ways to accomplish it. If you don’t have much big stuff, just grab a trash bag and get to work, throwing away anything and EVERYTHING that you don’t need anymore.

Give away anything you don’t need that’s still in good shape (like sporting equipment or tools). Or, if you have time and want to make a few bucks, have a yard sale.

If you have a ton of larger useless junk and can’t get rid of it all yourself, then it may be worthwhile to hire a junk removal business and maybe even rent a small dumpster, which can come in very useful.

Redo the Floor: Give it a New Coating

While it’s not a simple task, giving the garage floor a new epoxy can revitalize it and ensure it gets a much longer lifespan – without developing as many cracks and chips it would otherwise. It will also just look a heck of a lot better! A new epoxy coating can make your garage floor look new, shiny and fresh.  

To be fair, this can be a messy job – as well as an expensive one. Hiring a professional can cost $4 to $7 a square foot, and DIY solutions will still likely cost several hundred dollars in epoxy and materials. It’s also very time-consuming; applying all coats properly and allowing them to dry thoroughly can easily take 3-4 days. So take the time to prepare and budget for this one, and make sure it’s done right. 

Give the Walls A Fresh Coat of Paint

Most garage walls are just good old plaster – and some don’t even have drywall, opting instead to just leave open studs with insulation. If you have plastered drywall, however, a new coat of paint can make things seem instantly fresher and cleaner. Use a glossy paint for an attractive finish or finish the paintjob off with a glossy clearcoat that is resistant to moisture and cold.

Check the Seals, Drains and Details

Small and often-overlooked parts of the garage include seals around windows and doors, which help insulate in cold weather, keep moisture and rain out, and protect from bugs and small animals (like birds) that like to hide out inside. Make sure they are in working condition and haven’t dried out and split; replace them if they have.

If your garage also has floor drains, now is a good time to check on those and see if they need some care and maintenance. Cleaning them out will be fine if they are in good shape but dirty or clogged. If they’re broken or damaged, replace them now while the weather is good.

Put up Some New Shelves and Storage

One very helpful thing you can do when cleaning up and reorganizing your garage is add new storage, so that the items you do keep are neatly stored and organized. You can easily put in some new shelves, hooks and hangers with just some quick drilling and a few screws. Or, if you want a fun DIY project, you can make your own – using nothing more than a few 2×4’s, that same drill, and a saw.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should You Not Store in a Garage?

This is a great question! Here are some things that you should not store in a garage:

1. Old furniture – Old furniture is a safety hazard and should be taken down and disposed of in a proper manner.

2. Wet carpets – Wet carpets are a fire hazard and should be removed and dealt with as soon as possible.

3. Junk – Junk accumulates over time and becomes a nuisance, not to mention a health and safety hazard. Get rid of it as soon as possible to keep your garage clean and safe.

4. Broken items – Broken items are dangerous and can cause injury if handled improperly. If you can’t take something to a repair shop, don’t try to fix it yourself – it’s just not safe.

5. Unsecured items – Anything that’s not securely fastened can fall or be stolen, which is obviously not ideal! Make sure everything inside your garage is secured properly with locks or brackets.

What Should I Put in My Garage?

One of the most important decisions you will make when it comes to your home is what to put in your garage. This area can be used for storage, work space, or even a play area for your children.

When deciding what to store in your garage, think about how you typically use that particular space. If it’s mostly used for storage, go with closed containers that are airtight and pest-free. However, if it’s mainly used as a workspace or play area, opt for spaces that are open and easily accessible so you don’t have to search all over during busy moments.

In addition to storing items inside the garage itself, consider adding outdoor lighting and landscaping features like trees or bushes. This will create an attractive oasis within the confines of your home and increase the value of your property overall!

Is It Ok to Store Bottled Water in a Hot Garage?

It depends on your climate and the specific temperatures that are ideal for storing water. In general, if you live in a warm environment where the temperature stays above 55 degrees Fahrenheit all year round, then storing bottled water in a hot garage is safe. However, if you’re located in an area with colder winters or summers, limiting exposure to extreme weather conditions may be more prudent.

Can You Store Clothes in a Garage?

It depends on the climate and the size of the garage. In general, though, storing clothes in a garage should be avoided since it can increase the chances of moisture and pests invading your belongings. If you do decide to store your clothes in a garage, make sure to keep them sealed in their storage containers and away from direct sunlight.

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