With all the odd-size and sharp tools, the blueprint for how to pack a garage for moving is full of stumbling blocks. Where there are tampers, power tools, metal rakes, lawnmowers, and gasoline canisters, there is bound to be packing hardship. The key is to get organized, get moving and get a six-pack to responsibly reward yourself after the job is done. This guide will help make the process of packing up a garage as painless as possible.
Moving your garage is going to involve many small decisions. For instance, how much stuff should you take with you and how much should you sell or donate? It is very similar to evaluating all the accumulated items in your basement or attic. Much of that call is going to be based on how far you are moving and what your budget is. If you are a dedicated DIYer and your tools are sacred to you, there is going to be a long day ahead of you. If most of your garage is old, forgotten holiday decorations and cardboard you forgot to take out for recycling, you are in luck.
Get Rid of Hazardous Materials
Gasoline, antifreeze, and other chemicals do not travel well. Especially not together. And that goes for paint as well. You will want to recycle paint properly, according to the current rules of your town or municipality. If the paint is still in decent condition, you might be able to donate it to a local organization. For the more dangerous chemicals, disposing of them properly is essential. Find out from local authorities the best way to get rid of gasoline, antifreeze, weed killer, and other liquids that could be harmful to animals or humans.
Pack the Power Tools in Small and Medium Boxes
Don’t try to squeeze them all into 1 or 2 large boxes. That can get dangerous and unnecessarily heavy. Spread out the circular saw, drill, driver, jigsaw, and Dremel into smaller containers, so they can be moved with less consternation. Be sure to label them properly so movers/helpers/friends know exactly where they go on the other end of the trip.
But Keep What You Might Use…
During the move process, there is always something that gets nicked up or a fix that you forgot you needed to do. You might have fixed a few holes in the wall or stopped a squeaky door from squeaking. Put aside a box of small tools, like a few specialty wrenches and a toolbox full of essentials to handle those tiny jobs that are just waiting to poke their heads out.
The Little Things: Nuts, Screws, Bolts, and Nails
If you are constantly building things in your garage, it is probably full of leftover screws, nails, nuts, and bolts. These could be the most time-consuming items to pack. Search around for small storage containers that can be easily transported. Or if you don’t want to bother and they are not valuable for future projects, just toss them all.
Wrap Up the Longer Tools in Blankets
You have brooms, rakes, and all manner of lawn tools that can be wrapped up like a burrito and forced into the optimal packing shape. Take your outdoor umbrellas and tie them up properly with
What To Do With Your Workbench
Is it attached to your wall? Leave it. Despite all the memories of great projects and trusty vice gripping, it is time to say goodbye to the old hoss. With all the dings and dents and scratches you might want to leave it where it is or toss it. Then you have yourself a fun new project: You can build yourself a new one at the next house. If it is freestanding, do what you can to break it down, so it can take care of business in your new garage.
Packing your Lawn and Patio Furniture
This might be a task you want to take care of before the moving truck comes. If you are moving locally and have a friend with a pickup, throw your outdoor furniture in the back of that and take it yourself. No need to clutter up the moving truck with Adirondack chairs and glass tables and plastic lawn chairs. They are tough enough to be moved without professional care.
What To Do About Garbage Cans
Buy them new. Unless you love your Rubbermaid. But why would you want to take a long-used, smelly old garbage can with you to your new house? The replacement cost is pretty minimal. When you think about how to pack a garage for moving, you are going to need to make a thousand little decisions that seem inconsequential, but really add up to be stress inducers. Kind of like the whole process of moving.
Prepare Your Lawn Mower
Drain the oil and gas from your mower. Unplug the spark plug to ensure that it won’t start up during transport. Make sure the blade is clean and free of caked-on grass and dirt. Empty out the grass catcher. Do the same for any gas-powered lawn tools, such as weed whackers, trimmers, and edgers. As for battery-powered equipment, remove the batteries to make sure they don’t start in the moving truck. That would an awkward story for the moving company’s insurance provider.
Scrap Wood Etc…
What about the detritus that is left over? Scrap wood? Bring it out to the front and leave it for random people to pick up. That is the laziest and usually most effective solution. Metal, such as old bed frames, aluminum lawn chairs, or other items? See if you can sell it first, for a bit of cash.
Have a Garage Sale
See all that extra stuff left over? Have yourself a garage moving sale. You might be able to make back a pretty penny from the mower and lawn tools that you don’t want to take with you, especially if you are downsizing into an apartment or townhouse. The extra scratch could help make a dent in your moving budget.
Packing the Grill
Now for the most important item: your BBQ grill! If you are old-school and devoted to charcoal cooking, clean out your grill as thoroughly as possible with a shop vac and warm, soapy water. You don’t want black ash scumming up any other items in your moving truck. If you are a gas grill aficionado, you won’t be able to pack the propane tank in with your other items. Have one final BBQ at the old place, use up all of the fuel and disconnect it from your grill. Then it is ready for transport in your personal vehicle. Make sure to secure that properly, even if you think you have used up all the propane.
Packing Your Garage: It’s a Wrap!
Now that was a job well done! You deserve to reward yourself with the cold, aforementioned six-pack. But you have one last task to finish before the sweet bliss of popping open that can of Bud. From power tools to garbage cans to hazardous materials, you might have gotten yourself a bit dirty. Hop in the shower and scrub down before you open up a can of suds. And after that, it’s time to start eyeing that basement or attic, full of who-knows-what. Your next project awaits!
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