Garage Organizing: A Step-by-step Guide

If you’ve been putting off cleaning out your garage, you’re not the only one. A study by Harris Interactive revealed that 38% of individuals consider their garage the messiest space in their home. Most of us could benefit from a garage organizing session, and the lazy days of summer are the perfect time to finally tackle it. I know that getting started can sometimes be the most challenging part, so I’ve created a simple step-by-step guide to break down the process for you. Whether you're clearing clutter or making room for your vehicle during the cold winter months, this guide will help you stay focused through your organizing efforts, so that you can make the most of your garage space. 

Step 1: Plan Your Space

Before diving into the cleanup, you should create a plan for your garage layout. Consider what items you want to store in each area. This might include things like: 

• Recreational items

• Seasonal decorations

• Lawn equipment

• Gardening tools

• Trash receptacles

• Vehicles

If you have a large two- or three-car garage, dividing the spaces can make the task of organizing more manageable. This approach will help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed, especially if you only have the weekend or a few hours here and there to work on garage organizing. 

Step 2: Clear and Clean

With a plan in place, you are ready to get to work clearing and cleaning. If possible, remove all items from the area that you plan to tackle first. Try to take out any shelving units, too. Then, sweep the space thoroughly. You might also consider power washing the floor, especially if you’ve been parking your vehicle there during the winter. Cars tend to track salt or dirt from snowy roads into your garage, which can damage concrete over time. 

Step 3: Sort and Decide

For many of you, parking your car in the garage might seem like a luxury that is not possible for you, due to lack of space. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25% of people with a two-car garage don’t park any cars in it, and 32% park only one. Now that you have a clean blank canvas and all of your belongings laid out in front of you, you have the opportunity to make space for the items that you frequently need and use - including your car.

You can free up space by eliminating unnecessary clutter, such as duplicates and broken items that cannot be repaired. For example, when going through recreational items, ask yourself how many basketballs or soccer balls you really need. Many of my clients don’t realize just how many duplicates they have, taking up space that could be used for more important items!

Unused items that are still in good condition should be set aside in a donation pile. Donating items is a great way to help others, prevent waste, and extend the life of an item that has served you well. Perhaps a neighbor can use your lawn mower to maintain their yard if you have replaced yours with xeriscaping, or their kids can enjoy the sporting equipment that your family has outgrown. You might also consider donating tools and building materials to Habitat for Humanity Restore, which resells gently used items needed for home improvement. Each sale helps Habitat for Humanity build affordable homes for those in need. There are locations across the country, so check out their website to find a Restore near you. 

Step 4: Optimize Storage

Once you have decided what to keep, you should implement systems to keep it organized. Thoughtfully selected storage solutions will make it so much easier to find what you need in your garage, saving you time and making outdoor chores much more efficient. 

If you can, install shelving at the end of the garage for small items. Even if they are just hanging shelves, they will be useful in keeping items safe and protected from any critters or water damage on the floor. You can also use hooks for small outdoor tools to keep them off the floor. For shovels, rakes, and other tools with long handles, I recommend purchasing a hanging rack that stacks the tools instead of hanging them individually.  This will give you more wall space for other storage solutions. If you prefer items to be out of sight, try cabinets instead. You can find a variety of different styles to suit your taste at most large box stores.

During the winter, items that are used seasonally, such as bikes, can be hung from the ceiling to make room for your car. Check The Container Store, Lowe’s, Home Depot, or your local hardware store for hanging storage options.

Step 5: Consider Alternative Storage

If your garage space still feels very limited after sorting and organizing, consider storing some items in an alternate location. A basement works well for storage if you have one. This will help you make more space in your garage for the items that you use often, and it might even allow you to free up enough space to park your car in a tiny garage. 

You should also evaluate whether outdoor furniture really needs to be stored in the garage during the winter months. Can it just be covered instead? Furniture covers are a great space-saving solution in a garage. There is a wide selection of options available in stores and online to match nearly any aesthetic. 

By following these steps for garage organizing, you can transform your space into an efficient utilitarian area, making it easier to access your belongings and keep your car protected inside. However, if you still find the process overwhelming or need expert guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can provide personalized solutions and strategies to help you achieve and maintain a clutter-free garage.