End of Summer Garage Clean Up

Be honest, did you really clean and organize your garage this summer like you said you would? If you’re like the majority, you had good intentions but the summer just got away from you. But no worries -- now is the perfect time to get the job done before it's too late.  Your hometown team at Valu is here to help you through it!

Decluttering is the first and by far the most tedious part of this process. Go through every box, bin, shelf, and bag in that garage and organize your clutter by category. Make piles of what things you'd like to donate/give away, sell, throw away, and put back where it actually belongs. Get rid of your donate/give away pile first! You’ll be less tempted to put it back in the garage and “take care of it later” (we all know it will still be there next summer) Now, don’t put everything back just yet…

Now that your garage is decluttered, it's the perfect time to deep clean! Start from the back, and sweep all the dirt, grass, and debris out the garage door. Got oil stains? Use an Industrial cleaner and degreaser like the Simple Green 1 Gal. Industrial All-Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser to get the concrete clean again! Be sure to clean the garage door, the walls, and any baseboards. While you have the soap out, now would also be a good time to wipe off anything coming back into the garage! Feeling ambitious? Get your concrete looking better than ever with epoxy floor paint like the Drylok Platinum Garage Floor Epoxy. If you do choose to paint your floors, it will take a minimum of four hours for the epoxy to cure. Be sure to follow all the directions, and plan accordingly!

Here’s the fun part...organizing! Your neighborhood Valu has everything you need to get your garage in tip-top shape. Brands like Sterilite and 3M have tons of products to help you organize everything from tools to pool toys, to camping gear! Adding a shelving unit or two is another great way to clear up space and give everything a “home.”

The final step is to give your garage door a little attention. Check the hardware for any broken parts that could be a safety hazard. You should also check for rust, and if needed, use WD-40 on the chain or belt. Light bulbs should also be replaced if they are out. 

Go on, get to it! The end of summer is the perfect time to tackle that messy garage. The evenings are getting cooler, and the kids are returning to school. Future you will thank present you for finally getting the job done! And remember, the Valu Team is always here to help answer any questions along the way!