Sundaymail Editor
DO NOT let your garage serve as a catchall for clutter. Achieve a more organised space by donating or disposing of these unneeded items. A garage is a convenient feature that can provide covered parking for your vehicles and bonus storage space outside of your home’s main living areas. Unfortunately, that means the garage often serves as a dumping ground for items you do not want to store elsewhere. It is all too easy to let garage clutter pile up until sports gear, lawn equipment, leftover project materials, and boxes of miscellaneous belongings completely engulf the space. If you are ready to reclaim your parking spot, it is time to embark on a garage clean-up project.
Old sports or fitness equipment
Sports gear and fitness equipment, whether from a short-lived health kick or kids’ hobbies, are the most common culprits of garage clutter. If the only activity they are currently being used for is collecting dust, it is time to clear out those old bats, balls, bikes, dumbbells, rackets, and other athletic gear. Donate items in good working condition to a local recreation centre or charitable organisation that accepts sports equipment. For stuff that is too damaged, worn, or outdated to be of use, consult your local ordinances to determine the best way to recycle or dispose of each item.
Worn-out tools
This is your sign to let go of that leaky garden hose, rusted shovel, or broken-down lawnmower. There is no point in hanging onto damaged or worn-out tools you never use. A good rule of thumb: If you have already replaced the tool with something new, it is time to ditch the old one. For tools that are still functional, consider donating them.
Abandoned kids’ toys
Whether your kids have grown up or simply lost interest, the toys they have left behind can take up valuable space in your garage. Go through your toy stash and determine what can be donated, resold, or passed on to another family. For broken items that cannot be of use to another child, look into toy recycling programmes.
Broken holiday decorations The garage is a handy spot to stash holiday decorations that only come out for a few months of the year, but there is no need to hang onto broken strands of lights and leaky lawn inflatables that go unused season after season.
Partially used paints and chemicals
Storing old paint, cleaning products, or pesticides inside your garage does not just waste space. It can also pose a fire hazard and a health risk for your family. Any paints or chemicals that have expired or lost their effectiveness should be disposed of immediately. But you need to dispose these items carefully as they are considered hazardous waste.
Unused furniture
As you upgrade your space with new furniture, the older pieces you no longer have room for might get relegated to the garage. Instead of letting that dresser or chair sit unused, be proactive about donating it or listing it for sale. If the piece is a family heirloom you truly cannot bear to part with, consider passing it along to another family member for safekeeping until you can free up more storage space elsewhere.
Leftover building materials
It is generally good practice to purchase extra project materials to allow for mistakes or repairs later on. But if you are still holding onto leftover supplies years later, consider whether your garage space could be better used for storing something else. Find creative ways to repurpose extra plywood, trim, or patio stones through another project. — bhg.com
Online Reporter