If you have owned a portable shelter for several years, it may have accumulated quite a bit of clutter. This spring is an excellent time to sort through it all, figure out what to keep and what to get rid of, and organize the rest.

Empty out Your Portable Shelter and Sort Your Belongings

The best way to take stock of what you have in your portable garage is to take everything out and sort it on your lawn or driveway. Create separate piles for items you plan to keep and for things that you want to throw away, sell, or donate. If you have a few items that you would like to sell, you may want to advertise them online. If you have a large pile of things to sell, hosting a garage sale may be a better option.

Clean the Shelter

Wash the walls, both inside and out, to remove any dirt, dust, animal and insect waste, and other forms of grime. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions so you don’t accidentally damage the cover. While you’re cleaning, inspect the cover and frame on the portable building for any tears, frayed areas, or other forms of damage. Sweep the floor to get rid of any loose debris.

Figure out How to Reorganize Your Portable Shelter

Many people who purchase a storage building intend to keep their belongings well organized, but then they shove items into the garage and wind up with a mess. Look at all the things that you decided to keep and figure out how to organize them so you will be able to find them when you need them. Create a system that will make objects and tools you use often easily accessible. That way, you won’t have to move a lot of other things to get to something you need.

Depending on what you keep in the portable shelter, you may want to use one or more shelving units, hooks, boxes, or some combination of these. If your building has a high ceiling, it makes sense to think vertically when it comes to storage.

You don’t want to bring dirt and grime into the portable shelter you just worked so hard to clean. Rinse or wipe down your belongings before you put them back into the garage. 

Order a Replacement Cover, If Necessary

The covers used on portable shelters are built with durability in mind, but a cover can get damaged by a severe storm or a determined animal. If you notice any large holes or tears in your portable shelter’s cover, it may need to be replaced. Shelters of America sells replacement covers in a wide range of sizes and colors. Order one today.