Order like the professionals…

Chaos elimination in your cellar and garage:

The big spring clean does not only concern the cleaning of windows and replacing winter clothes with the latest trends of spring fashion. Right now, many of us are having to make time to tackle the real problem areas. In garages, cellars or the attic, everything that we no longer need or don’t have space for, has simply been forgotten and has begun to accumulate.

Stick to our 5-step guide so that you don’t become completely lost in the chaos.

Step 1: The preparation

Decided to spontaneously clean up the garage or basement? This plan will probably fail due to lack of preparation. Stored objects are often heavy and bulky. Perhaps you can involve other family members in this event, or ask friends for help with the physical side of things? Cleaning efforts will most likely be dirty as well as exhausting. So ensure you choose the right clothes and think about protecting your hands with gloves.

The right equipment

To prevent your basement from returning to chaos after a week and you failing to find anything in it again, you should implement a system before you begin cleaning up. Boxes are usually the best way to organise all items by category and ensure easy accessibility. But not all boxes should be the same… they should have certain characteristics to coordinate with your project.

  1. If you use transparent boxes, you’ll be able to see what you’re storing in them more easily at a later date. Of course, you can also label the storage boxes to keep track of what you’re storing.
  2. Choose boxes that you can seal so that they are airtight. This means that you can protect papers or clothes from unpleasant odours, moisture, vermin and dust.
  3. The most practical boxes are those that come in different sizes and can still be safely stacked on top of each other.
  4. To keep the boxes tidy, you can use accessories to help you organise your belongings in the boxes. Fortunately, some accessories exist to fit perfectly into the boxes.
  5. If you store food, make sure that the boxes are made of safe, BPA-free and odourless materials.

Step 2: Sorting

First, you should determine boxes or storage locations where you will sort the items according to the following categories:

  • Storage
  • Donations
  • For Sale
  • Waste or recycling
  • Move to another place in the house

But how do you determine which things to keep and which to throw away? Think about whether you have used the item in the last few months. If not, there is a good chance that you will not need it in the future. Are you still unsure? Then collect these things in a separate box and label them with today’s date or the last date of use. If the date of the last use is a year ago at the next spring cleaning event, you can be sure that you will no longer need it.

If possible, collect all items in one room first. This makes the next step a lot easier.

Step 3: Cleaning

Now that the room is cleared of belongings and objects, every corner, however hidden, can finally be cleaned. You can now tackle things like spider webs, dust and dirty windows. Also, you have a rare opportunity to repaint the walls or oil the door hinges.


Step 4: Organisation

Once you have begun sorting things and have created a clean room, it is time to put everything in order.

Then, you will be create categories to sort your belongings again.

Examples of categories:

  • Sports accessories
  • Garden tools
  • Automotive
  • Tools
  • Pantry

To store everything in an organised way, it is best to use a system of boxes. However, shelves, baskets and hooks can also help you to provide order amongst the chaos. The important thing is that every item has its place and all categories are properly labelled so you are able to quickly find your things again. You like things a little more digital? Then AppMyBox could be just what you’re looking for. This app lets you register your boxes and record exactly what you store in them.

If you store them on shelves, you should consider the weight of the items (the heaviest items on lower shelves) and the frequency of use (the items you use most often should be closest to the entrance).

Step 5: Get rid of unnecessary items

Now you can finally breathe again! Be proud of your cleaning accomplishments! The last step is simply to take care of the things you sorted out. Bring your garbage to the recycling as soon as possible and sell or donate the things you no longer need. Find a place to reserve the things that are awaiting a new owner. But beware – don’t fall into the old rut and lose control of your basement or garage. Otherwise, next spring the motto will still be: clean up the mess with the Evo Boxes from Rotho.