Tips For Decluttering and Organizing Your Garage

Organizing your garage may seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of creativity and the willingness to clear out unnecessary items, your garage can transform into a functional and welcoming space. A tidy garage not only boosts the overall appeal of your home but also leaves a great impression on potential buyers when selling. Here’s how you can quickly get your garage organized, reduce clutter, and make it a safer, more accessible space for everyone.

Plan Ahead and Set a Time

Instead of diving into the chaos and rearranging things haphazardly, set a specific date and time for the project—perhaps a weekend morning when the weather is moderate. Create a plan with a list of tasks and goals, and assign responsibilities to anyone helping you. Don’t forget to set aside time for cleaning before you start putting everything back in its place. Plan for at least half a day (or more) to complete the project.

Clear Everything Out

Organizing your garage requires a clean slate, so pull everything out onto the driveway. This allows you to sweep the space, clean it thoroughly, and get a clearer idea of the scope of the job. If you’re planning to apply a protective coating or sealant to the floor, this is the perfect time. Just make sure you have a temporary storage solution, as it may take a few sections to complete the floor project. As you sort through your items, decide what to keep, donate, or throw away. Create an inventory of the items you're keeping and begin grouping them based on function.

Get Organized

With your inventory list, start organizing your garage efficiently. Place frequently used items in easily accessible areas—at or below eye level to minimize accidents. Consider installing wall shelves, hooks for bikes, or pegboards to maximize vertical space and free up room on the floor. Label containers and boxes for easy identification and quicker access.

Declutter and Store Items Smartly

Before organizing, declutter the garage. One simple method is the "three basket rule": get three baskets labeled "Keep," "Discard," and "Donate." Sort through everything in the garage and place items into the appropriate category.

If you want to stay on budget, use what you already have for storage. Old shoe boxes are great for organizing small items like screws, tools, or old notebooks. You can also repurpose old drawers, jars, and cans to store and organize other items.

By following these tips, you can create a well-organized, clutter-free garage. Not only will it improve the safety and functionality of the space, but it’ll also be a space you’ll be proud to show off.