How to Declutter the Garage

Declutter Your Garage: Easy and Simple Ways

Decluttering your garage can be an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. As someone who has successfully decluttered their own garage, I can tell you that it’s possible to turn your cluttered garage into an organized space with a few simple steps.

With a little bit of planning, some easy steps, and a commitment to keeping things organized, you can transform your garage.

The first step to decluttering your garage is to make a plan. This might involve setting aside a day or two to tackle the job or breaking it up into smaller tasks that you can accomplish over time.

Whatever approach you choose, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish and how you’re going to do it. This might involve creating a list of items you want to keep, donate, or throw away, or mapping out a plan for how you want to organize your entire garage.

Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to start decluttering. This might involve taking everything out of your garage and sorting it into piles, or simply going through your belongings and deciding what to keep and what to get rid of.

As you go through your items, it’s important to be honest with yourself about what you really need and what you can do without.

By keeping only the things that you use and love, you can create more space and make it easier to stay organized in the future.

Our main goal was to avoid the garage floor becoming a dumping ground again!

How to Declutter the Garage!

Step 1: Pull Everything Out

The first step in decluttering your garage is to pull everything out. Yes, everything! It might seem overwhelming, but trust me, it’s worth it. By taking everything out, you can see exactly what you have and sort through it more easily.

We decided to do this bin by bin. Because there wasn’t enough space to pull everything out at one time.

Before you start, plan ahead and set a deadline for yourself. This will help you stay focused and motivated. Make a checklist of what you want to accomplish and stick to it.

Our goal was to avoid a bigger mess by getting rid of the obvious stuff first aka trash!

Special Decluttering the Garage Outtakes:

The Best Option when decluttering:

When you’re ready, start by taking out all the boxes, tools, and other items from your garage. Sort them into similar items and put them in piles. This will help you see what you have and make it easier to decide what to keep and what to get rid of.

As you’re sorting, think about garage storage ideas that will work for you. Do you need shelves, hooks, or cabinets? Make a list of what you need and plan to get them before you start putting things back in.

Once everything is out, take a good look at your garage space. Is there anything you can do to maximize the space? Maybe you can install overhead storage or use the walls for hanging items. Think creatively and make the most of the space you have.

By pulling everything out, you’ve taken the first step in decluttering and organizing your garage. Next, it’s time to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. We’ll cover that in the next step.

Before we decluttered our garage!

Step 2: Categorize Your Items

Now that I have gotten rid of any obvious trash, it’s time to start categorizing the items in my garage. This step is crucial in decluttering my garage because it helps me to see exactly what I have and what I need to keep or get rid of.

Our big goal was to have a place for my husband to put all of his tools. This seemed like a daunting task, but once we had some shelving built it was really easy.

To start, I am going to sort everything into categories. I will create piles for tools, sports equipment, holiday decorations, gardening supplies, and anything else that I come across. I will also create a pile for items that I am unsure about, which I will revisit later.

Once I have everything sorted into categories, I will start to go through each pile and decide what I need to keep and what I can get rid of. This process will be much easier now that everything is organized and I can see exactly what I have.

You can make a list of things that you are keeping and where it will be stored. I opted to add labels to my drawers and containers.

Another helpful tip is to group similar items together. For example, I will group all of my power tools together and all of my hand tools together. This will make it easier to find what I need when I am working on a project.

Overall, categorizing my items is an essential step in decluttering my garage. It helps me to see exactly what I have and what I need to keep or get rid of.

Our garage after decluttering =)

Step 3: Purge and Donate

Now that I have sorted my garage items into piles, it’s time to purge and donate. This step is crucial to decluttering your garage, as it helps you get rid of unused or unwanted items that are taking up valuable space.

First, I will tackle the pile of items that I want to throw away. I will use a dumpster to dispose of any broken or unusable items. I will also recycle any empty boxes or cardboard boxes that are taking up space in my garage.

Next, I will move on to the pile of items that I want to donate. Donating items is a great way to give back to the community while also decluttering your garage. Research local charities or organizations that accept donations and find out where to drop these items off. Then donate any items that are in good condition and hopefully, they can be used by someone else.

It’s important to note that sentimental items can be difficult to part with. However, if I haven’t used or looked at an item in years, it’s time to let it go. I can take a picture of the item to keep the memory and then donate it to someone who will use and appreciate it.

Overall, purging and donating is a necessary step in decluttering your garage. It helps you get rid of unnecessary items and gives you more space to store the items you actually need and use.

Let’s Organize the Garage Part One

Let’s FINISH THE GARAGE Part 2

Step 4: Create Storage Solutions

When it comes to decluttering your garage, creating proper storage solutions is key. It only took us a couple of hours to build 2 shelves and get them secured to the wall. This open shelving makes it really easy for my husband to find everything.

Here are some garage storage ideas to help you get started.

Shelves and Cabinets

Shelves and cabinets are a great way to keep your garage organized and clutter-free. You can use them to store everything from tools and gardening supplies to sports equipment and holiday decorations. When choosing shelves and cabinets, make sure they are sturdy and can hold the weight of your items.

Consider installing adjustable shelves so you can customize the space to fit your needs. You can also use stackable storage bins to keep smaller items organized within the shelves or cabinets.

When we added the shelves to the system we bought I made sure to measure the bin first. This way I knew everything would fit.

Pegboards and Racks

Pegboards and racks are another great option for garage storage. They allow you to easily hang and organize your tools and equipment, keeping them off the floor and out of the way.

When installing pegboards and racks, make sure to use heavy-duty hardware and anchors to ensure they can hold the weight of your items. You can also use hooks and baskets to further organize your items on the pegboards and racks.

Overhead and Vertical Storage

Overhead and vertical storage solutions are perfect for items that are used less frequently or that take up a lot of floor space. You can install overhead racks or shelves to store items such as bikes, kayaks, and camping gear. Vertical storage solutions such as tall cabinets or shelving units can also help maximize your storage space.

When installing overhead or vertical storage, make sure to leave plenty of room for your vehicles and to use proper hardware and anchors to ensure safety.

By using these garage organization tips, you can create a clutter-free and functional space in your garage.

Step 5: Clean and Paint

After decluttering your garage, it’s time to give it a deep clean and maybe even a fresh coat of paint. This will not only make your garage look nicer but also create a more pleasant and healthier environment.

We are currently focused on storage options and the garage declutter at this point in our journey. Hopefully finished and painted walls will be next.

First, start by sweeping and vacuuming the floor to remove any dust, debris, or spider webs. You can use a pressure washer or a heavy-duty cleaner to remove any stubborn stains or oil spills. Don’t forget to clean the walls, ceiling, and windows as well. If you have a lot of grease or oil stains, you may need to use a degreaser or a solvent.

Once your garage is clean, you can consider painting it. A fresh coat of paint can transform your garage and make it look brighter and more spacious. Choose a light color that reflects natural light, such as white, beige, or light gray. Avoid dark colors that can make your garage look smaller and gloomier.

Before painting, make sure to prepare the surfaces properly. Fill any cracks or holes with spackling compound or caulk. Sand the walls and ceiling to remove any rough spots or peeling paint. Use painter’s tape to protect any areas you don’t want to paint, such as light fixtures, outlets, or switches.

When painting, use high-quality paint that is suitable for garage floors and walls. Apply at least two coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Use a roller or a brush for larger areas and a small brush for corners and edges.

In conclusion, cleaning and painting your garage can be a fun and rewarding project that will make your garage look and feel much better.

Step 6: Organize Your Tools

Now that you have decluttered your garage, it’s time to organize your tools. This step is crucial if you want to keep your garage clean and tidy in the long run. Here are some simple ways to organize your tools:

Workbench

If you have a workbench, make sure it’s clean and clutter-free. Use drawer organizers or small containers to store small items like screws, nails, and bolts. Hang your tools on a pegboard or a magnetic strip to keep them within reach. Label the drawers and containers so that you can easily find what you need.

To label our drawers I used white tape and a permanent marker. It’s easy to see and that way we can get things into their proper place.

Yard and Gardening Tools

If you have yard and gardening tools, store them in a corner or on a wall-mounted rack. Use a garden hose reel to keep your hose organized. If you have small items like pruning shears or gardening gloves, store them in a bucket or a small container.

Sporting Goods and Equipment

If you have sporting goods and equipment, store them in a designated area. Use a ball rack to store balls and a bike rack to store bikes. Hang your sports equipment on a wall-mounted rack or a pegboard.

My children have 2 plastic containers that hold their toys and balls.

Lawn Equipment

If you have lawn equipment like a lawnmower or a weed eater, store them in a corner or on a wall-mounted rack. Use a gas can rack to store your gas cans. Label the containers so that you can easily find what you need.

Toolbox

If you have a toolbox, make sure it’s organized. Use drawer organizers or small containers to store small items like screws, nails, and bolts. Label the drawers and containers so that you can easily find what you need. Use a magnetic strip to store your screwdrivers and pliers.

By following these simple steps, you can easily organize your tools and keep your garage clean and clutter-free.

Step 7: Store Chemicals and Hazardous Materials Safely

As I declutter my garage, I always make sure to store chemicals and hazardous materials safely. This is important not only for my safety but also for the environment. Here are some simple tips I follow to ensure safe storage:

Use Proper Containers

I always store chemicals and hazardous materials in their original containers, as they are designed to hold these substances safely. If the label is damaged or missing, I make sure to label it properly with the name of the substance and any necessary warnings.

Store Them in a Dry, Cool Place

Most chemicals and hazardous materials should be stored in a dry, cool place. This helps to prevent them from degrading or reacting with other substances. I avoid storing them near sources of heat, such as water heaters or furnaces, as this can increase the risk of fire.

Dispose of Them Properly

When I no longer need a chemical or hazardous material, I make sure to dispose of it properly. This may involve taking it to a hazardous waste disposal facility or contacting my local government for guidance. I never pour chemicals down the drain or throw them in the trash, as this can harm the environment.

By following these simple tips, I can store chemicals and hazardous materials safely and reduce the risk of accidents or harm to the environment.

Step 8: Store Seasonal and Holiday Items

I always find that seasonal and holiday items can take up a lot of space in the garage. That’s why it’s important to have a plan for storing them. Here are some tips that I’ve found helpful:

Sort through your items: Before storing seasonal and holiday items, take the time to sort through them. Decide what you want to keep and what you can get rid of. Consider donating items that are in good condition but that you no longer want or need.
Store them in a place that is out of the way. Since we only use these items once a year I like to store them high up on the shelf.

How to Organize the Garage Conclusion

I hope some of these tips were helpful. With every project, I think it’s important to have one big goal. Our goal was to get everything off the floor and have a place for everything we decided to keep. As you can see from the photos we achieved our goal and we now have a functional organized garage!