How to Prep Your Garage for a Graduation Party

If this is what your garage looks like, it is time to start decluttering. How are you supposed to fit a bunch of teenagers in your garage if there is barely room to walk around? Split your items into three piles: keep, donate and trash and use accordingly. This is probably the hardest step, but it is definitely the most worth it!

After you have finished decluttering, it is time to organize and store the items in your garage. Having everything in one place is ideal because it makes it easier to drape decorations later. Cabinets are also ideal because they are lockable, so sticky fingers will not be walking off with any of your stuff after the party.

Lets face it, the garage floor is usually gross. For this step you have roughly three options. 1. Deep clean your existing garage floor. It probably still won't look that great (concrete never does) but at least it won't be as dirty! 2. Invest in some epoxy flooring. This stuff is strong, easy to clean (you just have to spray it down) and makes your floor look beautiful. This is especially helpful since there are sure to be some party bumps and spills. 3. Snag some Swisstrax flooring. Swisstrax is also easy to clean, you can take it with you if you ever move and it is slip resistant, helping save you from some party fouls.

Standard garage lighting is not the best. Consider this as you are planning your party, especially if you are planning on covering up your ceiling. Having another light source is essential. Whether it is getting some bistro lights to hang up, adding in some lanterns or grabbing some globe lights, plan on an alternative light source to help with the atmosphere of the party.

As I have already mentioned, the garage is usually pretty dirty. If you are planning on hanging up any decorations, you will probably need to clean your walls. Tape and other sticky substances are not going to stick if the garage walls are full of dust and dirt.

The garage attracts undesirable smells. Garbage, gas and must are all common garage stenches, with other smells also being thrown into the mix. There are a couple of steps to get rid of this problem. 1. Eliminate the source. Move the trash can outside, throw away any smelly items, etc. 2. Air out the garage. 3. Open a bag of charcoal briquettes. This helps to absorb the bad smells, just leave it somewhere out of the way. 4. Set out some bowls of vinegar. Vinegar helps neutralize the smell. Set a bowl in each corner of the garage and change the bowls out every three days until the smell is gone. 5. Replace the bad smell with a good one. Once the smell is gone, add some potpourri, an air freshener or another great smelling product to make your garage a place people will want to spend time in.