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January 2026 6 min read

Garage Cleanout: A Step-by-Step Guide

When's the last time you parked in your garage? If it's become a storage unit, here's how to reclaim it.

Step 1: Empty Everything

Yes, everything. Pull it all out onto the driveway. This forces you to see exactly what you have and makes cleaning easier. Pick a dry day with good weather.

Step 2: Sort Into Categories

Create four zones:

Keep

Items you use regularly or seasonally

Sell

Valuable items worth the effort to sell

Donate

Good condition items you no longer need

Trash/Junk

Broken, worn, or unusable items

Step 3: Be Ruthless

Ask yourself: Have I used this in the past year? Will I realistically use it in the next year? If no to both, it goes. That broken treadmill isn't going to fix itself.

Step 4: Clean the Space

With everything out, sweep the floor, knock down cobwebs, and wipe shelves. This is your chance to start fresh.

Step 5: Organize What's Left

  • Install wall-mounted shelving to maximize floor space
  • Use clear bins so you can see contents
  • Label everything
  • Keep frequently used items accessible
  • Store seasonal items higher up

Step 6: Remove the Junk

Now comes the hard part—getting rid of the junk pile. You can make multiple trips to the dump yourself, or call GoGo Junk Removal and we'll haul it all away in one visit.

Pro Tip

Schedule your junk removal pickup for the same day as your cleanout. That way, everything goes in one shot and you're not left with a junk pile in your driveway.

Common Garage Junk We Remove

  • Old furniture & boxes
  • Broken tools & equipment
  • Sports equipment
  • Holiday decorations
  • Paint cans (properly disposed)
  • Tires & auto parts
  • Lawn equipment
  • Exercise equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a garage cleanout take?

DIY: A full weekend. With GoGo: We can remove the junk in 1-2 hours once you've sorted everything.

What about hazardous materials?

We don't accept hazardous materials like chemicals, pesticides, or fuel. Check with your local waste management for proper disposal options.

Ready to See Your Garage Floor Again?

Call now for a free garage cleanout quote.

(678) 888-4871