If your garage is like most, it’s likely a dumping ground for miscellaneous items you don’t want inside your house, but don’t know what to do with. Here's an easy 5-step plan to get your garage cleaned out and organized quickly and painlessly:

5 Steps to a Sparkling Clean Garage

Step 1: Take Everything Out 

First, be sure to have some strong garbage bags, plastic bins, and heavy-duty cardboard boxes for sorting. Now, pull everything out of the garage and put it in the driveway or yard. Instead of trying to tackle one section or category of stuff at a time, just start hauling it out and sort it as you place it outside. 

Step 2: Decide What to Keep

Ask yourself if an item is in the garage for a reason or you just didn't know where else to put it. Here is a good rule of thumb for what to keep:

• Items that have been used more than once in the past year.
• Anything in good working condition that doesn't need a to be repaired.
• Tools you can't easily borrow or rent.

Step 3: Decide What to Do with the Remaining Items

Once you've saved the items you want to keep, everything else is clutter. Start sorting the remaining items and decide whether you’ll donate, sell, recycle, or dispose of them. Distribute each category into its own cardboard box or garbage bag and put the items you intend to keep in the plastic bins.

Step 4: Deep Clean the Garage

Now that your garage is empty, it’s the perfect time to give it a wash before returning your items into the space. First, dust the tops of cabinets and shelves. Next, wipe down the garage walls and then sweep the floor. Finish with a quick wet mop and hosing of the garage floor, then let it dry for several hours.

Step 5: Get Organized

Clear, plastic bins are a time saver because you don't have to label them, but if they're going to be high up on shelves, be sure you have a way of identifying what's in them from below. A pegboard is good for organizing small tools, and wall hooks can hold everything from gardening tools to bikes and other sporting equipment. 

With these simple tips, you'll easily be able to clean out and organize your garage within a single weekend. If you found these garage cleaning tips useful, you may enjoy reading these additional articles:

• Ideal Garage Measurements for Maximum Space 
• Function Forward: How to Practically Organize Your Laundry Room
• Tips for Decorating a Home You’ll Love Now - and for Years to Come