How to Declutter and Organize Your Garage

When it comes to storage space in your home, there are few places better than the garage. However, the biggest problem with most garages is simply this; they’re an absolute mess. Many American families can’t even park in their garage; it’s so stuffed with their things. If that’s you, stick around! This article, How to Declutter and Organize Your Garage, has fantastic tips and advice just for you! It’ll help you turn your garage into the most organized area of the house! Enjoy!

Get Rid Of Everything You Don’t Use

A lot of the stuff that’s cluttering your garage is, frankly, junk. Your son’s old bicycle that he’s grown out of. Your daughter’s old, broken toys. That lamp the dog knocked over and smashed last Thanksgiving. Decluttering means getting rid of all that junk, which will free up a lot of extra garage space. A good rule of thumb is this; if you don’t need it, want it, or use it regularly, chuck it. There are a few ways to do that, including:

  • Have a garage sale. Sell your used stuff and make a few extra bucks.
  • Donate gently-used things to charity, like Goodwill.
  • Take a car or truck-load of junk to your local dump.
  • Put a ‘curb alert’ on Craigslist. Then, put all your unwanted stuff on the curb. (People will come and take it away, almost like magic, we promise.)
  • Give things that still work (but you don’t want) away to neighbors and friends.

Don’t Toss Your Spouse’s Things

How to declutter and organize your garage is one thing. It’s necessary and can give you a garage you love to use! On the other hand, getting rid of stuff that belongs to your spouse is a real ‘no-no.’ People keep things for different reasons. What may look like junk to you may be a treasure to them or have significant sentimental value. So, organizing or not, wait to throw or give away something that belongs to your spouse. (It will almost certainly prevent hurt feelings and arguments.)

Organize Your Garage with Shelving

Did you ever notice how a shelf helps you keep things organized inside your home? Well, they can do the very same thing in your garage too! Your local big-box home store sells heavy-duty metal and plastic shelving that can take a beating. Better still, shelves help you use vertical space rather than floor space. You’ll instantly be able to move around more freely in your garage! 

If you don’t want to buy a shelf unit, you can purchase shelf brackets and make shelves out of wood. This can allow you to go higher and put things nicely out of the way. You can also hang one long frame that spans the length of your garage’s wall. No matter which shelving you choose, it will instantly declutter your garage and leave it more organized!

Declutter and Organize Your Garage with Bins

Clear plastic bins are, in a word, awesome. They hold all sorts of stuff and have closing lids that don’t need tape like a box. You can see what’s in them, too, making finding something a breeze. They’re also very affordable. The fact is, most big-box retailers put clear, plastic bins on sale regularly! You could wait until they have a deal and then stock up!

How To Declutter and Organize Your Garage use bins

Declutter and Organize a Garage with Labels

No matter what you store your things in, using labels is a must. That’s especially true for plain boxes and colored bins. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to look through all your containers or boxes to find something. (That’s especially true if you’re in a hurry!) Labels make it much easier to find what you need and help keep your garage well organized.

Plan Garage Space Like a Department Store

Have you ever noticed that in large department stores, they organize items into zones? You have your automotive zone, your grocery zone, a tool zone, and an automotive zone. All of the zones make it much easier for you to find a specific item. That’s why planning your garage like a department store is a great idea. You’ll have convenient areas where you can find sports equipment, tools, and more. (Our fave- the beach gear zone!)

Rent a Storage Unit While You Organize

Some families have so much stuff in their garage; it’s hard to do anything with them. If that’s you, renting a local storage unit might be a good solution. That way, you can store a lot of stuff while you declutter and organize your garage. Frankly, it’s also a great idea in general. By renting a storage unit, you free up valuable and convenient garage space at home. Storing seasonal items like holiday decorations is perfect with a storage unit.

Use Garbage Cans For Sports Equipment

Sports equipment like balls, frisbees, bats, rackets, and hockey sticks can make a real mess. The best way to keep them organized? Purchase a huge garbage can and keep them all inside! It’s easy, cheap, and will keep all your equipment dry, so it doesn’t rot.

After You’re Organized, Maintain

There’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishment after you’ve organized your garage. The trick now is to maintain your organization. Follow your plan, keep things neat, and make sure the rest of the fam does the same. We suggest reorganizing your garage at least twice a year so that it stays in great shape! By the way, we also wrote a blog about how to organize your garage on a budget. Be sure to check that out!

Start to Declutter and Organize Your Garage!

We hope this information helps you get your garage into tip-top shape! Once you have it organized, you’ll be so happy with all that extra space! Best of luck with the entire process and with your awesome garage!


More organization tips on the blog!

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