Garage Organization Quick!?

Question

I really need help. My family wants to clean the garage for their Dad's birthday present. Because we have never had a clean garage we're sure this will make a special present. We have a bunch of stuff from when the kids were babies(cribs, clothes, toys, etc.) We also have tools, more toys, a piano, a couple desks, and a whole lot of junk. We want to get rid of all the useless stuff and clean and organize the whole garage. The catch? We have 2 days. If you have any ideas please feel free to say them. Also, any stores that have cheap storage stuff would be helpful. Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi Polka,

If you have more than what you can dispose of at a dump (or lack a truck and trailer to get it there) you might want to consider renting a small dumpster and plan to have them pick it up the evening of the second day.  You might spend $100, but if time is precious it might be necessary.  I like this type of shelving...http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stor...

The Workforce 5-shelf Heavy Duty is great for large items.  I guess I hate to attach things to walls in case I change my mind.  Loft storage is a great idea if you actually have a loft, if not it may not be a great idea to weight down your trusses (if it is detached with a roof or single story home) or joists (if you have a room above).  If you are only going to place things that aren't heavy, no big deal.  Look around for collection centers that accept donations and give them out freely.  I don't like to see the things I give away be sold, just a preference. :)  Move everything outside, use a good shop-vac to suck up the nasty, and mop with a neutral concrete cleaner.  Nothing like a good smelling garage.  Plan to put the large-heavy-won't use for a long time-stuff up against walls, and the things used often like tools in easy to get to places like shelving.  That piano would be accepted by some small churches or a student learning to play if you wanna get rid of that.  Have a roll of plastic to cover things for the night if you haven't put everything back in the first day.  Hope my random thoughts help!  Oh, an alternative to store bought shelving systems is concrete blocks and 2x8, but I wouldn't go real high with those.  Good luck!!!!

Answer 2

Have a quickie garage sale, and build loft storage for the things that don't sell. You can use the money you make to buy materials or paint.