Summer Garage Clean‑Out: Why July Is Prime Time to Declutter
- Kate Coleman
- Aug 11
- 4 min read
The sun is high, the days are long and the rain clouds have (mostly) disappeared—at least here in Tacoma, where July sees an average of just 0.7 inches of rain weatherspark.com.
If you’ve been using the garage as a catch‑all for broken bikes, holiday decorations and that treadmill you swore you’d use, this is your sign: summer is the perfect time to clean it out. We know you’re busy grilling and hitting the water, but a few hours of sweaty work now will pay off when the pumpkin‑spice lattes return.
At Junk Pluckers we’re not about waiting until fall. Business is booming in July because savvy homeowners know it’s easier to drag junk into the driveway on a warm, dry day than in the pouring rain. Plus, you might even make a few bucks selling treasures you find along the way. Read on for reasons to tackle your garage now, and grab some practical tips to make it happen without losing your mind (or your sense of humor).
Longer days and better weather – Warmer temperatures and extra daylight provide the perfect backdrop for hauling everything out of your garage azjunkbutlers.com. You’re less likely to be interrupted by rain, and you can see what you’re doing without a flashlight.
Swapping gear – As Junk Butlers points out, summer activities require easy access to bikes, beach chairs and coolers azjunkbutlers.com. Clearing the clutter now frees up space for the fun stuff and makes the transition to fall gear smoother azjunkbutlers.com.
Avoiding the holiday crunch – Winter often leaves garages in disarray azjunkbutlers.com. Tackle the mess now so you’re not digging through dusty boxes when it’s time to hang holiday lights.
Prime yard‑sale season – Summer weekends are ideal for garage sales azjunkbutlers.com. Pull out items you no longer want and host a sale while the neighborhood is out and about. Fewer rainy interruptions mean more shoppers and more cash in your pocket.
Safer and easier – Piles of boxes and poorly stored tools can be a safety hazard. Cleaning the garage reduces the risk of accidents azjunkbutlers.com and makes room to fix any issues, like a malfunctioning garage door, before winter azjunkbutlers.com.
Get Started: Tips for a Successful Summer Clean‑Out
Pick a cool time of day – Heat exhaustion isn’t a joke. Junk Butlers recommends wearing breathable clothes, staying hydrated and working in the morning or late afternoon azjunkbutlers.com. Keep water handy and take breaks when you need them.
Gather supplies first – Professional organizer Laurie Martin from House in Order suggests prepping dust rags, brooms, a blower, a Shop‑Vac, cleaners, heavy‑duty paper towels, trash bags and donation boxes before you begin houseinorder.com. This keeps you focused and minimizes back‑and‑forth trips.
Divide and conquer – Don’t try to do the entire garage at once. Start with one section or category. Use the classic three‑box method (keep, donate/sell, toss) as recommended by decluttering pros azjunkbutlers.com. Focus on accessible items first—holiday decorations and sentimental boxes can wait until you’re closer to using them houseinorder.com.
Empty it out (yes, really) – House in Order advises pulling everything out onto a tarp or driveway so you can see what you’re working with houseinorder.com. Don’t sort on the garage floor; you need space to move around. If you’re ready to part with a bulky couch or mattress, schedule a pick‑up or dumpster ahead of time houseinorder.com.
Move the car and shelves – It seems obvious, but don’t try to organize around a parked vehicle houseinorder.com. Move cars out and roll shelving units (if they’re on wheels) to sweep behind them houseinorder.com. You’ll be shocked at how much dust and spider web build‑up hides back there.
Sort like with like – After purging, group similar items together—garden tools, camping gear, holiday decorations houseinorder.com. This helps you see how much storage you need and prevents buying unnecessary shelves houseinorder.com.
Host that yard sale – With your driveway already full of stuff, set up a quick sale. Summer weekends attract bargain hunters azjunkbutlers.com. Price items to move; the goal is to clear space, not retire on garage‑sale proceeds. Whatever doesn’t sell can be donated or hauled away.
Recycle and donate responsibly – Old paint cans, batteries and electronics shouldn’t go in the trash azjunkbutlers.com. Check local recycling programs. Usable tools, sports equipment and furniture can be donated to charities azjunkbutlers.com, giving you extra karma points.
Why Call Junk Pluckers?
Even if you’re motivated, a full garage clean‑out can be overwhelming. Here’s why our clients call us:
We haul the heavy stuff – That broken treadmill isn’t going to move itself. We have the gear and muscle to remove bulky items safely.
We handle the heat – No need to sweat through July when we can do it for you.
We dispose of waste responsibly – From recycling hazardous materials to donating usable goods, we make sure your junk doesn’t just end up in a landfill azjunkbutlers.com.
We work on your schedule – Need a same‑day pick‑up after your yard sale? We’ve got you.
Bottom Line
If you’re waiting for a sign to clean out your garage, this is it. The dry weather and long days make July the ideal time to roll up your sleeves and reclaim your space. Follow the tips above, have fun with it and call Junk Pluckers when you’re ready to say goodbye to the rest. You’ll thank yourself when autumn rolls around and your garage is already spotless.
Ready to turn that chaotic catch‑all into a functional space? Contact Junk Pluckers today and let’s make your summer garage clean‑out a success.




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