Complete Garage Cleaning Checklist to Transform Your Space

After months or sometimes even years of using your garage as a de facto storage space, it’s time to reclaim the territory. Our comprehensive garage cleaning checklist will help you tackle that overwhelming mess with confidence, especially if you’ve been avoiding this project for a while. So, let’s start with the essentials to make your garage functional again, then work through each zone bit by bit.

Garage Cleaning Supplies

It’s tempting to jump right in, but safety comes first, and you’ll need some supplies for this project. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before starting your garage cleaning checklist:

• Heavy-duty trash bags

• Gloves

• Face mask

• Basic cleaning supplies for surfaces

• Shop vacuum

• Mop and bucket

• Step ladder

• Storage containers

Clear and Sort Checklist

Download Checklist Here

Your checklist starts with a complete cleanout. Before organizing your things, remove everything—and we mean everything. This step takes the most time but gives you the clearest picture of what you’re working with.

If you have a large garage—or just a lot of stuff—recruit family members. Consider renting a dumpster if you anticipate throwing out a lot of items. If you have items to donate, schedule a donation pickup in advance.  

Here’s how to seamlessly clear and sort through your garage:

• Sort through all items by creating keep, donate, and trash piles

• Check expiration dates of paint and chemicals

• Test that tools and appliances still work

• Sweep and wipe down empty areas

• Assess storage needs based on items you’re keeping

• Plan a layout of where to store everything

Deep Clean the Space Checklist

You can’t organize without a clean foundation. Quality cleaning affects how well your storage systems work and helps prevent pest problems, so don’t rush this step. Here are the primary deep cleaning to-dos:

• Sweep or vacuum floors 

• Mop or pressure wash floors

• Remove cobwebs from walls

• Wipe down all surfaces

• Clear out dust and debris from the ceiling

• Clean windows

• Lubricate door hinges and check weather stripping

• Test outlets and replace burnt-out bulbs

• Use a degreaser to remove oil stains

Storage Solutions Checklist

Depending on what you’re storing, this can go several ways. If you’re parking cars, keep it simple. But, if you have significant storage needs, your garage cleaning checklist should include:

• Install shelving, pegboards, and hooks on walls

• Organize items by type or season

• Place a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and flashlight in an accessible location

• Stock basic cleaning supplies, lubricants for the garage door, and light bulbs 

• Put tools in a chest or cabinet

• Use ceiling storage for items you rarely need

Budgeting for Your Garage Organization

Most homeowners spend between $200 and $1,500 organizing their garage, with the average around $600 once everything is complete. But you can start with basic supplies and upgrade over time. Staggering purchases are always a good route. 

Follow these budgeting strategies:

• Prioritize safety items and basic storage first

• Invest in quality shelving that can handle weight

• Start with inexpensive bins and upgrade to matching sets later

• Look for multi-purpose solutions like workbenches with built-in storage

• Shop end-of-season sales for storage containers

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pro?

If you’re doing it yourself, the biggest investment is time. Unfortunately, time isn’t something a lot of people have. Plus, some projects are larger than others. Either way, sometimes it’s just better to hire someone to clean out your garage. Here’s what you can expect pricewise:

• Professional organizer: Expect to pay between $50 and $150 per hour or $500 to $1,500 for a complete garage makeover. 

• Junk removal service: This service typically costs $150 to $600, depending on how many items you need to haul away. 

• Storage installation: Professionally installing shelving and storage systems costs between $200 and $800, depending on the complexity.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Tackling your garage cleaning checklist yourself saves a good bit of money compared to hiring professional organizers, especially if you enjoy hands-on projects and have the time to work through everything.

But if you’re planning electrical work, major structural changes, or dealing with hazardous materials, the garage clean-out cost is more than worth it. Professional cleaners near you excel at creating long-term systems that stay organized.

The key to success with any garage cleaning checklist is starting with a realistic timeline and working through each zone completely before moving on. Your garage can become a functional, organized space that actually serves your needs and isn’t just a place where things go to disappear.