Barn Clean Out Tips: How to Thoroughly Clean, Repair, and Organize an Old Barn

Preparing for a Barn Clean Out Project

Cleaning out an old barn can be a major undertaking, but also an extremely rewarding one if done properly. Before you begin your barn clean out, it's important to plan ahead and be prepared for the scope of the work.

Assemble Your Barn Clean Out Team

Don't try to tackle a barn clean out alone. These projects require a team of helpers. Call on friends and family members who can assist. If possible, have a minimum of four people for the work. More hands make less work.

Make sure everyone wears appropriate clothing and footwear. Gloves, protective eyewear, dust masks, and steel-toe boots are essential for safety during debris removal and demolition. Have first aid kits on hand too.

Gather Barn Clean Out Supplies

Having the right barn clean out tools is also key. must-have items include:

• Wheelbarrows, dollies, and carts for hauling debris
• Shovels, rakes, brooms, and pitchforks for removal work
• Hammer, pry bar, sawhorses, and plywood to dismantle fixtures
• Box cutter, utility knife, or reciprocating saw to cut down materials
• Shop vacuums, garbage bags, and waste receptacles for debris
• Ladders or scaffolding to reach high areas safely

Make a full supply list and stock up well in advance so equipment is ready when it's time to start the clean out.

Executing a Productive Barn Clean Out

Sort and Categorize Barn Contents

Before removing items, sort everything stored in the barn into categories:

• Keep - Valuable antiques, usable supplies, sentimental keepsakes
• Sell - Old equipment or fixtures that can be sold for profit
• Donate/Recycle - Items that are still usable or recyclable
• Discard - Broken equipment or fixtures and general debris

This makes it easier to designate removal methods during the clean out process.

Start Clearing Out Debris

The most intense portion is hauling out all old debris. Systematically work from one area to the next. It helps to establish an assembly line system where team members hand off loaded wheelbarrows.

Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. Break down larger debris into more manageable sizes using saws, hammers, and pry bars. Place debris into waste receptacles as you go.

Remove Fixtures and Shelving

Dismantling old shelving units, workbenches, and fixtures is also key. Start by clearing off all items, then disassembling components. Salvage what you can for reuse or sale. Cut down larger assemblies and load the debris out of the barn in pieces.

Cleaning and Protecting the Barn

Thoroughly Clean Interior Surfaces

With all debris out, thoroughly sweep floors and wipe down walls and other interior surfaces. Use shop vacuums, brooms, mops and dust masks to handle dust and cobwebs.

For ground-in dirt, use all-purpose cleaners or degreasers. Power wash the floor and walls if needed. Let surfaces dry completely before doing any other work.

Make Minor Repairs

Inspect the barn carefully after cleaning for any areas in need of minor repairs, including:

• Loose boards, damaged walls, holes in floor or roof
• Corroded or damaged hardware and metal fixtures
• Warped doors and windows that need replacing

Seal any cracks and paint raw wood to protect it from future deterioration. Replace hardware and fixtures that are beyond salvage.

Prepare for Future Use

To prevent future messes, think about how you intend to use the clean barn going forward. Install shelving, hooks, racks, bins and other organizational systems. Repair and replace electrical, lighting, and plumbing systems as needed.

The key is keeping everything structured so all tools, equipment and supplies can be returned back to designated storage spots after each use.

Maintaining a Clean and Organized Barn

An intensive deep clean lays the groundwork, but diligence is required to keep your barn organized long-term. Make sure everyone agrees to commit to some basic barn maintenance rules. Simple habits like sweeping regularly, putting supplies away promptly, and taking out the garbage help tremendously.

Check in periodically to tidy work spaces and return items back into their proper storage locations. Do a thorough ceiling to floor clean out at least once or twice a year as well. Following these basic guidelines will help preserve your clean barn!

FAQs

How long does a barn clean out take?

A thorough barn clean out can take multiple days or even weeks depending on the building's size and condition. Set aside adequate time to sort contents, haul debris, make repairs, and add organizational systems. Rushing usually makes things messier.

What equipment is needed?

Must-have items include wheelbarrows, carts, dollies, shovels, rakes, pitchforks, hammers, saws, utility knives, shop vacuums, garbage cans, bags, gloves, and protective gear.

How should items be sorted before removing?

Establish keep, sell, donate, and discard categories before removing barn contents. This ensures valuables are preserved and unneeded items disposed of properly.

What are key organizing principles?

Install hooks, racks, shelves, bins, cabinets, and other organizational systems so everything has a designated storage space for easy access and tidiness.