How to Maintain Your Garage During a Renovation

For homeowners in Chicago and Northwest Indiana, learning how to maintain your garage during a renovation can help protect your belongings, maintain order, and ensure the space remains usable throughout the project. A garage renovation can transform a cluttered, underutilized space into a functional and organized part of your home. However, the renovation process often turns the garage into a chaotic construction zone. By planning ahead, you can minimize stress and disruption, making your garage renovation a smoother, more manageable experience. Let’s explore nine tips for garage maintenance during a remodel so you can enjoy the process as much as the final result.

1. Declutter Before You Start

Garages often become a dumping ground for items. Tackling this clutter before the renovation begins will free up valuable space, make it easier to protect your belongings, and simplify the entire remodeling process. Start by sorting everything in your garage into distinct categories using the four-box method:

Keep – The “keep” pile is for items you use regularly and will need to store during the renovation. This includes essential tools, seasonal decorations you’ll need soon, and sports equipment that’s in active use.
Donate – Items that are still in good condition but no longer serve a purpose for you can find a new home. Local charities in the Chicago area, such as The Salvation Army or Goodwill, often seek donations of tools, furniture, and household goods.
Sell – For items that have a higher monetary value, consider selling them. Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay are excellent platforms for selling tools, old furniture, or sporting equipment. A garage sale is another classic option.
Toss – This category is for anything that’s broken, expired, or no longer usable. Be sure to dispose of items responsibly. Check local regulations in Chicago or your Northwestern Indiana town for disposing of hazardous materials, such as old paint, chemicals, or batteries.

2. Set Up a Temporary Workspace

A key aspect of keeping your garage functional during a remodel is to establish a temporary workspace elsewhere. Look for a space that can accommodate your needs. A basement, a spare room, or a covered patio could be suitable options. If your home’s interior isn’t an option, consider renting a small, short-term storage unit for your tools and a workbench. Once you’ve chosen a location, set up your temporary workspace with organization in mind:

Bring Only the Essentials – You likely won’t need every tool you own. Select the tools and materials you use most frequently and move them to your new space.
Use Portable Storage – Mobile tool chests, rolling carts, and portable workbenches allow you to easily move your setup and adapt to a smaller space.
Think Vertically – In a cramped area, use wall space. Install temporary shelving or pegboards to keep tools off the floor and within easy reach.

3. Protect Your Belongings

During a renovation, your garage can quickly fill with dust, debris, and the risk of accidental damage to your belongings. This makes protecting your garage during renovations essential. Even items that stay in the garage need proper shielding from the chaos of construction. For large, immovable items such as freezers, tool chests, or workout equipment, use thick canvas or plastic tarps to fully cover them, securing the tarps with bungee cords or tape for a tight seal against dust. Add a layer of plastic sheeting underneath for extra defense against paint or drywall dust. To prevent scratches or dings, moving blankets or old comforters can provide a cushioned layer of protection.

Smaller items that can be moved out of the main construction zone should be stored securely. Stackable bins with tight lids are ideal for keeping items safe from dust and moisture, while also saving space. Be sure to label each bin for easy access later. If possible, relocate storage bins to a less-affected corner of the garage or a separate area, like a basement or shed, ensuring the space is dry and secure.

4. Organize Tools & Materials

A garage renovation involves numerous tools and materials from you and your contractor, which can quickly lead to a cluttered and unsafe workspace. Implementing a system is key to safety and efficiency. Knowing how to organize your garage during a remodel starts with creating designated zones for different categories.

Establish a “Tool Zone” for all tools, asking contractors to store their equipment here when not in use. Use tool chests or a portable workbench to keep this area consolidated. A separate “Materials Zone” should be used for neatly stacking lumber, drywall, and paint away from high-traffic paths to avoid tripping hazards. Finally, designate a “Debris Zone” with heavy-duty trash cans or a rented dumpster to contain waste, making cleanups faster and maintaining a safer environment.

5. Install Temporary Lighting

Garages, especially in older homes in Chicago and Northwest Indiana, often have inadequate lighting. During a renovation, existing light fixtures might be disconnected or removed, plunging the space into darkness. Good lighting is non-negotiable for safety and for ensuring high-quality work. Types of temporary lighting include portable work lights, heavy-duty string lights, and headlamps. Ensure all temporary lighting is properly secured and that cords are routed along walls or ceilings to prevent them from becoming tripping hazards.

6. Seal Off the Garage

Construction dust has a way of sneaking into every corner of your home, making it essential to seal off the garage from the rest of the house. Start by addressing the door connecting the garage to your living spaces, as it’s the primary entry point for dust. Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to create an airtight seal around the door frame. For easy access, consider adding a self-adhesive zipper to the plastic sheeting. This creates a resealable entryway, allowing you to move between the garage and house without spreading dust. Don’t forget to cover any HVAC vents in the garage to prevent dust from entering your home’s ventilation system.

7. Maintain Ventilation

While you want to contain dust, you also need to ensure proper ventilation in the garage, especially when activities such as painting, sanding, or using chemical solvents are taking place. Fumes from these materials can be hazardous. To maintain ventilation, you should:

Open the Garage Door – Whenever possible, keep the main garage door partially or fully open to allow fresh air to circulate.
Use Fans – Place box fans in windows or doorways, facing outward, to help pull fumes and dust out of the garage. This creates a negative pressure system that helps contain contaminants.
Use Air Purifiers – A portable air purifier with a HEPA filter can help capture fine dust particles and improve the air quality in and around the work area.

8. Plan for Parking

For many homeowners, the garage is the primary spot for parking. Losing this space during a remodel requires some planning. Planning ahead for parking will save you from the daily scramble to find a spot for your vehicle.

First, check your local ordinances regarding street parking, as some municipalities have restrictions on overnight parking or require permits. If street parking is limited, consider discussing the issue with your neighbors. They may be willing to let you use a spot in their driveway, especially if you offer to return the favor. As an alternative, consider nearby lots or garages that offer temporary parking solutions. While it may come at a cost, it can be a convenient alternative.

9. Schedule Regular Cleanups

Regular cleanups are a simple but powerful way to maintain order and safety throughout the renovation. Don’t let debris pile up. Follow these cleanup tips:

Daily Sweep – At the end of each day, take 15 minutes to sweep the floor. This prevents dust and debris from being tracked into the house, making the next day’s work easier to start.
Weekly Deep Clean – Once a week, do a more thorough cleanup. Use a shop vac to remove fine dust from surfaces and corners. Dispose of any accumulated trash.
Involve Contractors – Discuss cleanup expectations with your contractors before the project begins. Professional contractors will typically clean up after themselves daily, but it’s important to confirm this is part of your agreement.

Your Path to a Better Garage

Maintaining your garage during a renovation requires planning and consistent effort, but the payoff is a less stressful and more organized project. By decluttering, protecting your belongings, and implementing systems for organization and cleanliness, you can keep the space functioning and safe from start to finish. These garage renovation tips are designed to empower you through the remodeling process, ensuring you can manage the chaos and keep your home life running smoothly. Contact Better Built Garages & Doors today to get an estimate on your garage renovation project!