Tips for De-Cluttering Your Garage

Are you shocked at how fast your garage gets cluttered? If you’re left scratching your head trying to find the most efficient way of decluttering your garage, then you’ve come to the right place. A clutter-free garage is more than just looks. It improves the functionality, safety, and maximizes your space. Imagine being able to find something in your garage without having to dig through dozens of boxes. Follow these tips for decluttering your garage and take control over your precious space.

#1: Assess the Situation

Welcome to the first exciting step on your journey to reclaiming your garage! Take a deep breath and know that you’re about to transform this cluttered space into an organized masterpiece. Before you move a single item, decide how you want your garage to function. Do you need to create space for another car or are you looking to clear away space for a hobby? This will guide your decluttering efforts.

Now, set achievable goals that align with your vision for the garage. Break them down into manageable tasks to make the process feel less overwhelming. Write this down on a piece of paper. This will be your “to do” list.

#2: Gather Supplies Ahead of Time

Gather your decluttering supplies ahead of time. This includes boxes, garbage bags, labeling materials, and your favorite playlist to keep your energy high. You’re gearing up for a mission! Having everything on hand streamlines the process and keeps you in the zone, so you’re not constantly interrupted.

#3: Pull Everything Out of the Space

Choose a section of the garage and pull everything out of it. Put it in the driveway so you can see it. Remove everything, even the tools inside of the drawers. It should be placed in an open area so you can take inventory of it.

#4: Create Two Categories

You’ll have two categories – things you keep and things you donate. For each item, ask yourself these questions:

·        When was the last time you used the item? If you haven’t used the item in over a year, then that’s a sign you should probably get rid of it.

·        Do you have another item that serves the same purpose as this item? If the answer is yes, then you don’t really need this item.

·        Will you actually repair the item? Our garage is usually the place where we put things that we plan to repair later. But most of the time, we never actually repair the item. If you don’t plan to repair it, then it’s time to get rid of it.

·        Will you use this item in the next year? If the answer is no, then get rid of it.

Once you’ve done this for every item, you’ll be shocked at how much stuff you actually don’t need.

#5: Clean the Space While it’s Empty

Since the space in your garage is already empty, you might as well clean it. Thoroughly sweep the area. Dust off the shelves and wipe out any drawers. Remove cobwebs. Also, use this opportunity to inspect the area for potential damage. This is a great time to take care of those pesky preventative maintenance issues. 

#6: Give Every Item a Home

Every item you place back in the garage should be given a specific home. Tools will go into the toolbox. All storage containers go onto the top shelves. This makes it easy to find items you need later.

It is recommended that you label everything so that you don’t have to manually go through every box when you need something.

If you have the extra money, invest in some clear storage bins. These are much better than cardboard boxes. There are also affordable garage cabinets that work great for adding organization to your garage.

Tip: If, after you perform all the above tasks, and you still don’t have enough room, it may be time to start researching storage shed kits.  Even a small outdoor storage shed can make a big difference in the overall tidiness and organization of your garage. Also, they are a great place to store things that get dirty such as your lawnmower, shovel, and other landscaping tools.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations on transforming your garage into a well-organized space. But don’t stop here! Make sure you are proactive in keeping your garage organized. Don’t just throw stuff anywhere. Put it with similar items. If you do this long enough, it becomes a habit. Be sure you involve your family so that they aren’t just throwing stuff randomly in your newly organized garage.