Metro Atlantans Declutter Your Garage Before Winter — Here Are 3 Reasons Why

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Declutter Your Garage Before Winter

Atlanta has unpredictable winters. The weather is cold one day and hot the next. Prepare for the winter — declutter your garage before winter. Don’t let Atlanta’s erratic winter sneak up on you and catch you with a cluttered garage. Your car, your home, and your health can pay the price.

Reason #1 To Declutter Your Garage Before Winter — Vehicle Shelter

Twenty-five percent of Americans admit their garage is too cluttered to store their car. That means approximately 24,500 homeowners can’t use their garage for their vehicle. You may think it is no big deal to have your car outside in the elements, but here are some things you might want to consider:

  • It keeps your car from getting scratches. Scratches plus moisture equals rust. Keeping your car in your garage minimizes the chances of getting your dings on your car. It also keeps your vehicle from resembling a tin can!
  • It keeps your car warm and warm cars run better.
  • Your car “keeps” better. The UV rays aren’t good for your vehicle and cold weather does not shield your car from its effects.
  • You don’t have to de-ice your windshield or shovel your vehicle out of last night’s snow.

The garage is a safe haven for your vehicle. It is not a place to hold unwanted junk. If you are overwhelmed, use a junk removal service to either rent a dumpster or to clear out your garage.

Reason #2 To Declutter Your Garage Before Winter — Keep Those Rats and Mice Out

Rats and mice look for shelter from the harsh weather. Your cluttered garage is the ideal place for it. They have plenty of places to hide.  It is easy to miss the signs if your garage is cluttered. Vermins are cute, but they cause major damage. They can eat away at your electrical wiring, your drywall, and even your structure.  If you clear your clutter:

  • You will be able to tell if you have rodents living in your garage.
  • You can spot where the rats or mice are getting in and seal those areas.
  • You can minimize the damage rodents cause in your home.

In one survey, 29% of Americans admitted to having a rodent infestation problem. Not surprisingly,  about 50% of infestations occur during winter.  So get rid of the junk and keep the mice away!

Reason #3 To Declutter Your Garage Before Winter — It Keeps You From Getting Sick

It’s ironic that while 33% of the participants in one survey reported they suffered an injury in their garage and 60% of them were not worried about garage safety. The winter may not raise your chances of tripping over a ladder, but there are other risks.  You are less prone to open the windows to let fresh air in during the winter months.  With that in mind, decluttering can reduce the chances of you and your family getting sick.

  • Clean out old paint and chemicals out of your garage.
  • Decluttering will allow you to check for leaks.
  • If you clean, declutter, and organize your garage, you can easily inspect for any signs of mold on your garage floor or walls.

Winterize your home before the cold sets in. Just remember to include your garage in those plans. Your car and your family will thank you.

Feature Image via Flickr by Elsie esq.