According to a 2022 survey by Craftsman, 62% of Americans feel their garage is the most cluttered space in their home. And as a professional organizer, I must say that I agree! (The remaining 38% are likely reserving the honor for their attic or basement. 😉)
For some people, the garage is a place to tinker and create. But for many, the garage functions as a liminal staging area for unfinished projects, items that need repair, seasonal decor and objects that are simply awaiting a verdict as to whether they’ll stay or go.
Moving and relocation and downsizing projects add to garage build-up, whether the owners are staying or going. It’s a place where postponed decisions go to hang out and multiply! And it’s no wonder really - our lives are busy and boy, sometimes we just need a place to stash it all!
The first order of business is to DITCH THE SHAME! We have all been there, myself included. The most important thing is to remember that it doesn’t have to stay that way. Garage clearouts are one of my favorite high-impact ways to help people move forward into more organized lives.
In honor of the fall season which is, in my opinion, the very BEST time to clear out the garage, here are my top five favorite garage clearout tips!
1. Create Zones. Creating zones in the garage is by far the best way to keep things organized. Picture a kindergarten classroom. Each activity is given a dedicated space, and expectations for how to use the space are communicated clearly. The same should hold true in the garage! When the whole family knows the zones, it’s much easier to find and put things away. Some examples might be: Costco overflow, holiday decor, cleaning supplies, sports gear, etc.
2. Create a dedicated spot for donations and outgoing items. Without a dedicated spot, outgoing clutter never fails to end up in the middle of the garage, creating chaos. Adding a drop zone for donations, returns and consignment avoids that build-up. If you have young kids, consider putting it out of reach or adding a lid. IFKYK! My Boston-Area resources page is full of top-notch donation sites in the Massachusetts area.
3. As you are placing your zones, consider the “point of use.” If you have an attached garage, canned food and overflow supplies should go nearest to the door for quick grab. Same with your donation bin. Seasonal decor is used less frequently and can be stored up high further from the entrance.
4. Don’t forget to evaluate your vertical storage space. Are you using the full capacity of the walls and ceiling? If your garage feels full to the brim, adding storage might be the solution. When you are done decluttering and organizing, you should have room to grow as well.
5. Clever bin storage. When selecting bins for the garage, I like clear plastic totes so you can see what is inside. Regardless of the containers you choose, labeling the outside is the most important piece. I love these index card sleeves because you can easily change out or flip the label whenever the box contents change, and they stay protected.
6. Schedule garage maintenance sessions regularly! The more frequently you review, declutter and maintain, the faster you can do it, plus you benefit from a garage that stays organized all year. Organizing weekly or monthly means you only have to dedicate 30 mins to an hour to this task, whereas quarterly or yearly requires a much bigger time investment, usually 6-8 hours.
If you are ready to organize the garage, please reach out! I offer a complimentary consultation to anyone interested in working with us. You can also contact me directly with questions!
Happy organizing,
