Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

Clean Sweep: Secrets to Organizing Your Garage

Like it or not, chilly weather is on the way, and that means it’s more important than ever that you’re able to park your car inside the garage. Covered parking is a game-changer when the leaves “” and eventually ““ snow starts to fall! If you count yourself among the 25 percent of Americans with a two-car garage who can’t park any vehicles inside ““ a clean sweep is definitely in order.

Most garages are used for storage, but it’s one of the last places people consider when purging unwanted items from the home. The approach to cleaning and organizing a garage may be a little different than other places, but we’ve got you covered with these tips:

Sort, Donate, and Toss

First, you’ll want to purge. This can seem like a daunting task if your garage is stuffed, but with a little preparation, you’ll get through it. Check out what items Ohio Valley Goodwill can and cannot accept before you start, then think through your strategy. You’ll want a place to work and space for temporary storage while you’re sorting.

Donate and Make a Difference Goodwill
Donate and Make a Difference Goodwill

To start your garage clean-up, tackle small sections of the garage at a time. Breaking up a purging project into pieces makes the task seem more manageable and less stressful. Start on one side and work your way around the space, sorting items into ” keep,” ” donate,” and ” trash” piles. It’s okay to take your time. Don’t burn yourself out or you’ll struggle to see the finish line!

Donate Unused Vehicles to Goodwill in Cincinnati

Lastly, don’t forget the most obvious purge-worthy items. Do you have more vehicles than you do parking spots? If so, donate your car in Cincinnati to the Ohio Valley Goodwill Auto Auction!

Maroon truck from Cincinnati Goodwill Auto Auction
Maroon truck from Cincinnati Goodwill Auto Auction

When you donate a car in Cincinnati to Ohio Valley Goodwill, you’re not just freeing up garage space. More importantly, you’re giving someone in your community the tools they need to become fully engaged, productive citizens. You can donate cars, trucks, RVs, even motorcycles, scooters, and riding lawnmowers to our Goodwill Auto Auction, and your generous vehicle donation may make you eligible for a tax advantage!

Next Steps: Putting it Back Together

Once you’re done sorting through your garage and donating vehicles to Goodwill, it’s time for an organizational plan. Before you start putting things back, map out your space. You’ll want to store like items together, so identify the categories of storage you’ll need, then choose locations that make sense. For example, tools should be easily accessible, and likely closer to the home, while yard care equipment can be located closer to the garage door since they’ll be used outside.

You’ll also want to explore creative storage solutions. Don’t forget you can save big on shelving, bins, baskets, and other smart storage options at Goodwill thrift stores! Just find your nearest location and start shopping.

Organize Your Garage with Ease!

Organizing a garage can be a lot of work, but keep your eye on the ultimate reward: A spacious parking spot and easily accessible tools! Stick to your storage plans, and you’ll enjoy your organized garage for years to come. Ohio Valley Goodwill is here to help!