Getting Your Garage Organized
Is your garage currently just a dumping ground for all your clutter? Do you cringe every time you open the door, faced with a sea of boxes and jumbled piles of tools? Don't worry, we've got you covered!
With a little planning and some smart organizing, you can transform your chaotic garage into a functional and organized space. Here are some pro tips to help you get started or we can just do it for you 😉:
1. Declutter
Before you begin organizing, it's crucial to declutter and sort through the items in your garage. Start by taking everything out and creating three separate piles: keep, donate/sell, and trash.
Start with easy part: trash. All the cardboard boxes, literal trash, empty containers, extra packaging, etc. should go in the trash/ recycling immediately. Just seeing that space open up will motivate you to keep going.
With what remains, be honest with yourself and only keep what you and your family genuinely need or use regularly. Consider selling or donating items that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose in your life.
Pro tip: If you’ve got a lot of stuff to get rid of, schedule a donation pick up or junk hauler to motivate you. Knowing you’ve got a deadline is an excellent way to get an unpleasant task finished. Plus you’ll be rewarded with open space once everything is hauled away.
2. Categorize & Create Zones
Once you've decluttered, it's time to categorize and create specific zones in your garage. This step is essential for efficient organization. Here are some common categories:
🚗 car tools & supplies
🌷garden & yard supplies
🐜 pest control
🧻 extra food/ drinks/ paper towels/ cleaning supplies
🚲 bikes
🏀 toys & sports
🛠 tools
♻️ recycling & trash
Determine what categories are most relevant to your household and assign a specific area or zone for each.
3. Maximize Storage Space
Now that you have categorized your items, it's time to maximize your storage space. The problem with garages is that they are empty boxes with zero structure. So it’s up to you to create that structure with shelves, racks, pegboards, tracks and hooks.
We’ve installed a few Elfa systems into garages with great success and rolling metal shelves do wonders as well. We can certainly help you decide the best option for your space and needs.
4. Contain
You’ll need to contain your zones to help them stay organized. There’s a variety of garage- specific containers we use on repeat and have linked below. Typically you want garage containers to be larger and sturdier than what you have inside your home.
Remember garages are dusty so if you’re storing something you want to keep clean there, it needs to have a lid. I love this line of lidded containers.
5. Label and Maintain
Proper labeling is a game-changer when it comes to garage organization. Take the time to label the shelves, containers, and bins. This simple step will save you from the frustration of searching for items later on. Additionally, make maintaining the organization of your garage a priority. Return items to their designated zones after use and periodically reassess the need for items you no longer use.
6. Safety First
Lastly, don't forget about safety when organizing your garage. Store hazardous materials and chemicals or sharp tools in locked cabinets or in a high, unreachable area if you have children or pets. Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible and ensure that all heavy items are stored securely to prevent accidents.
A Transformed Garage = Transformed Life
Did you know that 1 in 4 homes with a garage can't put their car in it because it is full of stuff?
Did you also know that you car, next to your house, is your most expensive asset?
For most people who drive cars and have homes with garages, it is the first space you see when you come home. Let it be a vision of calm and beauty that’s not overwhelming or a packed dumping ground.
We can help you get there!
