The weather has warmed up and many of us are spending more time outside, whether it’s working on DIY projects, gardening, or simply enjoying the fresh air. An organized garage makes it easier to access the items you need for these activities, so you can spend less time searching for tools or seasonal equipment. It also ensures that your vehicles, bikes, and outdoor gear are safely stored, protecting them from damage.
Additionally, an organized garage can improve safety. When items are cluttered and stacked haphazardly, they can become tripping hazards or cause accidents. Organizing your garage creates a safer, more efficient space that works for you, whether it’s for parking, storage, or hobbies.
June is the perfect time to give your garage the attention it deserves. With a little effort and some smart organizing strategies, you can transform this often-overlooked space into a safe, accessible environment for everything you need.
Top 7 Garage Organizing Tips for June
1. Declutter First: The Power of Purging
The first and most important step in organizing your garage is decluttering. Start by removing everything from the garage and sorting through the items one by one. Create three piles:
- Keep: Items that are used regularly or are in good condition and have a clear purpose.
- Donate: Items that are in good condition but no longer serve you, such as tools you no longer use, old sporting equipment, or outgrown kids’ toys.
- Toss/Recycle: Items that are broken, damaged, or expired, such as empty paint cans, old chemicals, or worn-out tires.
Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use. It’s easy for things to accumulate in the garage, but clearing out the clutter will immediately make the space feel larger and more manageable.
2. Sort and Categorize Items
Once you’ve purged what you don’t need, it’s time to categorize the items you’re keeping. Group similar items together—tools, seasonal decorations, outdoor equipment, gardening supplies, sporting goods, etc. Categorizing items will make it easier to figure out where everything should go and help you identify which items need additional storage solutions.
For example, consider grouping all of your gardening supplies (shovels, pots, soil, etc.) together in one corner of the garage. Keep your seasonal decorations in labeled bins, so they’re easy to access when needed but also neatly stored away. Organizing by category will save you time when you’re looking for something specific in the future.
3. Maximize Vertical Space with Shelving and Hooks
A common mistake people make when organizing their garages is failing to utilize vertical space. Garage walls often have untapped potential for storage. By installing shelves, pegboards, or hooks on the walls, you can store items off the floor, creating a more spacious and organized area. Shelving units are perfect for storing boxes, tools, and small equipment that might otherwise clutter the floor.
Consider installing ceiling-mounted racks for larger items like ladders, tires, or seasonal bins. Wall-mounted hooks are ideal for hanging items like hoses, rakes, garden tools and even bikes, keeping them easily accessible but out of the way. Using vertical storage not only makes the most of your space but also helps you create more room for vehicles or other activities in the garage.
4. Use Clear Containers and Labels
When it comes to storing small items like screws, nails, paint cans, or gardening tools, it’s important to use clear containers or bins so that you can easily see what’s inside. Transparent plastic bins are a great option because they keep your items contained but also make it easy to identify what’s in each one.
Label each bin with a clear description of its contents, whether it’s “Christmas Decorations,” “Tools,” or “Gardening Supplies.” This simple step will help you avoid the frustration of hunting through bins in search of a specific item. If you’re using clear containers, labels still help you quickly identify which ones need to be accessed.
5. Create Zones for Different Categories
To make your garage truly functional, create distinct zones for each category of items. This will help you access everything quickly and efficiently. For example, if you use your garage for both parking your car and working on home projects, create a parking zone and a work zone. Store tools, paints, and other supplies in the work zone and keep the parking area clear for your vehicle.
Having a designated zone for each category will make it easier to maintain organization and prevent your garage from becoming a dumping ground again. Consider using coloured tape or signage to mark different sections, so everyone in your household knows where to store things.
6. Don’t Forget About Seasonal Items
If you’re like most people, your garage likely stores a lot of seasonal items, from holiday decorations to outdoor furniture. When organizing your garage, make sure you have a system in place for easily rotating these items in and out based on the season.
For example, store winter gear and holiday decorations in bins that are easily accessible during the colder months, and swap them out for summer sports equipment and outdoor tools once the weather warms up. Label the bins clearly so that you can grab what you need without having to dig through piles of things.
7. Keep Safety in Mind
As you organize your garage, always keep safety in mind. Store hazardous materials, such as chemicals, cleaning supplies, or power tools, in a safe and secure place—preferably in locked cabinets or high shelves where children and pets can’t access them. Install proper lighting so you can see what you’re doing, and ensure that shelves are securely mounted to the wall to prevent accidents.
Ready to Say Goodbye to Clutter and Chaos? We’ll Help Get Your Garage Ready for Summer.
Organizing your garage can feel like a huge and overwhelming task due to the sheer volume of items typically stored there, especially when life gets busy. That’s where Rose City Professional Organizing comes in! Our team of Expert Organizers is here to help you declutter, sort, and create custom storage solutions that will work for you.
By sorting all the items, coaching you through deciding what to keep, and then implementing storage solutions like shelving, bins, and hooks, our Professional Organizers will ensure your garage is not only organized but also functional and easy to maintain.
We’ll physically help you through the entire process of sorting, categorizing and purging unnecessary items that no longer belong in your space (yes – we even remove and drop off the donations to charity for you, too!). We will create zones for different types of items—tools, gardening supplies, sports equipment, and seasonal decorations—so that everything has a dedicated spot. We shop for and implement storage solutions like shelving, bins, and hooks, and then we’ll label everything for you, which will make maintaining your garage a breeze.
Don’t spend another summer digging through clutter or struggling to find what you need. Let us help you create a space that works for you. Schedule your Free Virtual Assessment today, and let’s get started on transforming your garage into a functional, organized space you can enjoy year-round!
Get Our Team’s Help Today!!Or If you’re ready to Declutter & Organize DIY 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!
