Does your garage double as a dumping ground for seasonal decorations, sports equipment, unused exercise machines, or forgotten toys? Do you cringe when you pull your car into its parking space, knowing it’s a project you need to tackle (but struggle to find the motivation for)? Do you wish you could just snap your fingers and the neat, orderly garage of your dreams?
Well, it may not be as simple as snapping your fingers, but you can achieve your ultimate goal without feeling overwhelmed or defeated— even if you have to do it alone!
It all starts with knowing the right decluttering and organizing techniques. In many cases, homeowners become frazzled because they try to take on everything at once, which ultimately leads to giving up. This is especially true for large, often-ignored spaces like a garage.
So, what’s the best approach?
We’ll be sharing our top garage organization tips with you today so you can eliminate feelings of frustration and reclaim the function of this crucial space in your home.
Let’s get to it!
Where to Start When Trying to Organize Garage Clutter
The first step to organizing your garage is to create zones. These zones will serve as a guide to how you ultimately want your space to look and function. You can do this by using masking tape to create designated spaces on the floor of your garage, or you can simply draw a rough map on a piece of paper.
Examples of zones include:
- Seasonal storage
- Tools
- Workbench
- Gardening Supplies
- Sports Equipment
- Bicycles
- Crafting/Hobby Area
- Garbage Cans and Recycling
- Deep Freezer / Cold Food Storage
- Transitional Area (Shoes, Backpacks, etc)
The Next Steps are:
- Sort everything into its category
- Assess which of the items in that category you actually
a.) USE
b.) NEED
c.) WANT - Donate anything that you no longer use, need or want. The LESS you own, the MORE space, time, energy and peace of mind you will have.
- Contain the KEEP items in Bins that will help separate the categories so things don’t get mixed up.
- Label your containers clearly.
What You’ll Need to Organize a Garage
Investing in the right storage solutions upfront will save you a ton of time and hassle in the long run. For this reason, I always advise considering what types of organizational solutions you’ll need before getting started.
I especially recommend the following:
1. Boxes
Cardboard boxes are ideal for sorting clutter you intend to either throw away, donate, or relocate. They aren’t the most durable of garage storage solutions, though, so avoid filling them with items you plan to keep.
2. Plastic Storage Bins
These are the best option for permanent storage when attempting to declutter a garage. They’re durable, long-lasting, and affordable. You can also purchase clear plastic containers, which make it easier to identify the contents of each bin.
3. Shelves
It’s important to utilize all available space within your garage in a practical manner. Shelving units allow you to capitalize on vertical space, keeping items off of floors, countertops, and other surfaces which can be better used for other purposes.
4. Cabinets
If you prefer to keep your items out of sight and out of mind, cabinets are likely the best storage solution for you. There are a wide variety of cabinet types available, including wall-mounted cabinets, modular cabinets, and rolling cabinets. Do your research to determine which option is best for your needs!
5. Pegboard
Pegboard is another fantastic garage organizing solution. It can be installed on any wall and used to hang lightweight items you want to easily access like hand tools, cords, tennis rackets, saw blades, cleaning supplies, and bicycle helmets.
More Ways to Organize Garage Clutter Like a Pro
1. Make a Checklist
You know better than anyone what problems you want to resolve by organizing your garage or how you need your space to function. Write down a list of specific goals or objectives you want to accomplish. These can be as general or as detailed as you like!
Some examples include:
- Maintaining a clear walking path at all times
- Creating a designated area for fishing gear
- Reclaiming your second parking space so both cars can park in the garage
- Storing cleaning supplies in a single, organized area
- Sorting your seasonal decorations and discarding items you no longer use
2. Label Everything
Ask any professional home organizer and they’ll tell you labels are your best friend when it comes to maintaining a tidy space! Searching for misplaced items is one of the greatest sources of frustration associated with a cluttered space. Labeling drawers, containers, baskets, and other storage areas reduces this frustration and makes it easier to navigate your home.
3. Set Rules for the Future
Many people avoid decluttering their homes because they believe “it’ll just get messy again”— but this doesn’t have to be the case. It helps to set rules for a particular space in your home so all members of your family can maintain organization together, reducing the pressure of tidying all on your own.
Some examples of rules you could set for your garage include:
- Shoes must be placed on a rack when removed
- Gardening tools must be hung on the wall when not in use
- Cords must be rolled up and placed on a hook
- Winter decorations must be stored on the top shelf
- When a drawer becomes full, it must be sorted through to make room for new tools
Too Busy to Organize Garage Clutter on Your Own? Hire Our Edmonton Professional Home Organizers
All of our experienced and friendly home organizers are expertly trained and capable of helping you transform your garage into a systemized, usable space. We’re here not only to get the job done but to teach you the techniques necessary to maintain a space you can thrive in.
We’ll never judge you based on the condition of your home! When you hire us, you’re hiring a team of compassionate and empathetic professionals who understand life throws curveballs. We’re not concerned about how your space became cluttered or why it’s in need of a transformation. Our sole focus is getting it back to an optimized state so you can relax, enjoy, and live your best life!
Click here for more information about our services or fill out our online form and we’ll be in touch ASAP. We’re always happy to discuss your options, recommend the best approach, or simply answer any questions you may have!
Or, if you’re ready to Declutter & Organize at your own pace using the exact process our Team of Professional Organizers uses when working with our Clients in their Homes, I’ve created a Workbook for you!
With our thought-provoking declutter coaching questions, detailed step-by-step organizing process, helpful checklists, and annual, monthly & weekly planners you will be equipped to make amazing progress!Click on the images below to Purchase & Download your copy of my 47 page Comprehensive Declutter & Organize Like a Pro Workbook & Planner! Happy Organizing!
