Set a goal and a date
Decide what you want to clear and when. A garage can be a weekend, a basement a few days and a whole house a few weeks.
Book the container to match your plan.
Invite helpers and set a start time.
Sort into piles
Use four piles: keep, donate, recycle and discard. Label them clearly.
Secure valuables and papers first.
Take photos of sentimental items you will not keep.
Handle special items
Paint, chemicals, batteries, tires and some electronics need special disposal. Set them apart.
Plan one trip to deal with them.
Do not put them in the dumpster.
Choose the container
A ten or fifteen-yard handles most garages. A twenty or thirty fits a whole house. A walk-in door makes furniture easy.
Place the container close to the door.
Protect the driveway with plywood.
Work in zones
Finish one corner before starting the next. Keep a clear path to the container.
Use a ramp or helpers for heavy items.
Take breaks and keep water on hand.
Finish and review
Sweep, check the area and call for pickup. Donate items that remain.
Keep a list of what you cleared for your records.
Celebrate the space you have back.
Sort first, plan the container around the plan and keep special items out.
