Getting the Garage in Order

Brace yourself: The garage is for parking your cars not storing your junk. Buyers are looking for a garage that’s organized, spacious, and clean, so you need to completely clean and clear out your garage so there’s room for cars. Keep only those items you use daily; use bins and storage containers and try to keep the floor clear.

“If People Think You’re a Serial Killer Because Your Garage Is So Tidy. You’ve Probably Nailed The Brief.”

Do the tasks in the following checklist to make sure your garage is a selling point instead of a turnoff to buyers:

• Sweep and hose down the floors.
• Hose off inside and outside of garage doors.
• Thoroughly clean the garbage cans inside and out. Clean windows until they sparkle.
• Organize items on shelves.
• Remove and store anything you would not normally see in a garage. You don’t want the garage to look like a catchall, but rather a pleasant and functional space.
• Hang bikes from the ceiling or walls with appropriate hangers.
• If you do have a workshop or workbench area, keep it neat and tidy. Organized space in a garage is a big selling feature.
• Pack and store extra tools offsite.
• Dispose of paint cans and chemical substances.
• Be sure you don’t store deterrents (pesticides, rodent products, and so on) in the garage. If buyers see these products on your property, they think your house is infested and move on to their next choice.
• Fix the cracks in the concrete floor. You may want to have a professional take a closer look because if the cracks aren’t fixed properly, the sealant can expand and push out the sides of crack.
• Check that all garage doors are in good condition, well maintained, and open freely without noise.
• Remove spider webs and dust from ceilings and garage door machinery.

For a great first impression, always keep your garage door down . Even if your garage is the picture of organization, your house looks tidier when the garage door is down.

If you look in any hardware catalogue you see garage organization systems that have drawers, racks, cabinets, and bins. These ads usually show you how the systems turn your garage into a workshop or a kids’ sports centre. Consider your target market and check with your agent to find out whether this upgrade is worth the investment.