Your garage can easily become a catch-all for items you don’t really need. Over time, it fills up with things that take up valuable space and make it hard to find what matters most.
Cleaning out your garage is a great way to create room for essentials and keep the space organized and safe. Knowing what to toss can help you avoid clutter and make your garage more functional for daily use.
Broken lawnmower parts
If you have broken lawnmower parts taking up space, it’s a good idea to let them go. They often can’t be repaired easily, and holding onto them only adds clutter.
Removing old, non-working parts helps free up room for tools you actually use. You can look for recycling options or scrap metal programs to dispose of them responsibly.
Keeping broken lawnmower parts can also make your garage harder to navigate. Tossing these out means your space stays tidy and more functional for your gardening needs.
Old paint cans
Old paint cans often clutter garages, but not all should be tossed hastily. If the paint is latex and fully dried, you can usually throw it away with regular trash.
However, oil-based paint is different. It’s flammable and needs to be taken to a hazardous waste facility.
Check the consistency and smell of your paint. If it’s separated or rancid, it’s time to let it go. Keeping dried paint cans for touch-ups is fine, but be cautious with storage to avoid leaks or spills.
Worn-out sports gear
You likely have old sports equipment taking up space in your garage. If items are broken, faded, or no longer safe to use, it’s best to get rid of them.
Keeping worn-out gear only adds unnecessary clutter. Plus, damaged equipment can cause injuries or impair your performance during activities.
Sort through your balls, bats, helmets, and pads. Donate or recycle what’s still in good shape, and toss anything beyond repair to free up room.
Expired car fluids
You might have old motor oil, brake fluid, or windshield washer fluid sitting in your garage. These fluids can break down over time and lose their effectiveness.
Holding onto expired car fluids can be hazardous to you and the environment. They may leak or spill, creating health risks and pollution.
It’s best to safely dispose of these fluids rather than store them. Check local recycling centers or hazardous waste programs that accept automotive fluids to keep your garage safe and clean.
Rusty nails and screws
You should get rid of rusty nails and screws from your garage. They can be unsafe to handle and may not work properly when you need them.
Rust can weaken these small items, making your projects less secure. Plus, rusty hardware can damage other tools or materials stored nearby.
Collect rusty nails and screws in a metal container for recycling. Check with your local recycling center about how to dispose of them correctly. This keeps your garage safer and tidier.
Damaged holiday decorations
If you find holiday decorations that are broken or worn out, it’s time to toss them. Keeping damaged items only adds clutter and makes decorating more stressful.
Torn garlands, broken lights, and cracked ornaments won’t bring joy next season. Letting go frees up space and simplifies your storage.
Damaged decorations are often tricky to repair and might not work safely. Clearing them out helps keep your garage organized and makes decorating easier.