10 Essential Tips for Decluttering the Garage
Follow this advice to reclaim your garage as a functional space.
The garage is a place to keep our vehicles—and things would be a lot easier if we just stopped there. But, for many, this ultimate utilitarian space is clutter’s final graveyard. Jamie Hord, professional organizer and founder of Horderly, says, "The garage can easily be treated as a dumping zone since it's not part of the living space and you can close the door and forget about it."
It morphs into a space to store all the things we don't have a clear home for and the clutter can build and build until sometimes, there's not even room for a car. Use our tips below to declutter your garage and start transforming it back into a truly functional space.
Meet Our Expert
Jamie Hord, professional organizer and founder of Horderly
Pick a Nice Day
The weather is the first thing you should consider before you roll up your sleeves! Here's why according to Hord: "Try to pick a day that isn't too hot, but also keep an eye on the weather and make sure it's not going to rain so that you can really pull things out to give yourself space with sorting and going through stuff."
Clear Everything Out
The garage is one space that absolutely benefits from being cleared of every single item. Carry everything out to the driveway or, better yet, to a tarp spread on the lawn. Touching and moving items quickly reveals damage or if something is just too cumbersome to regularly use. Sort like with like as you bring out the items. Review duplicates rigorously. Can you edit down to just the best one? Do you have all the attachments?
Tips
Tackling garage organization will be a messy project. "Wear gloves and a mask if you need to and have large black trash bags ready to go," Hord advises.
Related: 6 Steps for Cleaning Out the Garage Properly and Thoroughly
Focus On What You Currently Use
Garages are filled with the remains of past projects and things you used to do (trampoline aerobics or tilling the garden every summer). As you consider items, remind yourself that you can easily rent or borrow recreation and gardening equipment if inspired.
Map Out Your Available Space
With your garage emptied, park all vehicles in their ideal spots. Open the doors and trunks and mark how far each swings out with masking tape applied to the floor. Consider any space beyond the tape marks available for storage.
Make Everything Visible
Refill shelves and wall hooks as if you’re working in a store: tallest items in the back, all items turned so labels are visible, and dividers to ensure separation (pieces of cardboard work amazingly well). As your budget allows, opt for wire mesh containers for kids toys and recreation gear and see-through plastic for gardening, DIY, and decorating projects. Hord also advises keeping one wall with very tight and slim storage by using utility tracks or slatwall with hooks.
Turn to Your Ceiling for More Storage
Maximize your storage space by looking to the ceiling— Hord says, "Think past the walls. Is there ceiling space that you can also utilize to hang bikes or larger items not used often?" There are plenty of overhead options you can install on your garage's ceiling that are perfect for storing seasonal items you don't need to access regularly.
Find New Homes for Delicate Items
Read labels on all chemicals and liquids. Many are temperature-sensitive and are best stored indoors. Fabric, paper, and cardboard are easily damaged by moisture, so reconsider where you store school mementos, family heirlooms, and some holiday decorations.
Don't Store Paint in The Garage
Your garage is almost certainly not a good place to store paint. The ideal storage temperature is between 60 F and 80 F. High humidity tends to rust metal cans faster; low humidity speeds up drying.
Set Up a Proper Trash System
According to Hord, "The garage can also be a dumping ground for trash and recycling, especially with how easy online shopping is these days." She advises making sure you have the proper system set up for your trash and recycling so that you're not trucking through boxes every morning when you leave for work.
Address Your Electronics
In an effort to declutter rooms, we tend to stash old technology in the garage. Be laser-focused looking at this technology graveyard. Separate technology that’s donatable versus what’s a candidate for responsible disposal. Then schedule a donation pickup or drop off your donations immediately.
Be Realistic With Your Time
Hord says this is important because you need to schedule enough time to fully complete the project. "Organizing properly usually takes longer than you think. Have a helping hand if possible to keep you motivated and help carry larger or heavy items with you so you aren't exhausting yourself too quickly."
Related: Throwing a Garage Sale? Use This Handy Pricing Guide
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