Dear Devorah,
Every year, my garage turns into a disaster zone, and I never know where to start. I want to park my car inside again, but I don’t want to spend weeks drowning in clutter. What’s the best way to tackle it efficiently?
– Lost in the Garage Abyss
Dear Lost,
Organizing a garage can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be. Spring and fall are the best times to tackle this project—not too hot, not too cold—so you’ve already picked a great time to start. The key is to take it step by step and create a system that will help you maintain order long after you’re done.
The first step in any successful garage cleanout is taking everything out. (Note: You can do this area by area if the thought of emptying the entire garage makes you want to cry.) This allows you to see exactly what you have, assess what you actually use, and determine what’s just taking up valuable space. If possible, do this on a dry day so you can temporarily move things onto your driveway while sorting.
As you clear, ask yourself:
✔ Have I used this in the last year?
✔ Is this broken, expired, or no longer needed?
✔ Do I have duplicates I don’t need?
Be honest—if you haven’t used that fourth baby carriage since your first child was born, it’s time to let it go. The same goes for mystery cables, half-empty paint cans, and that treadmill you swore you’d start using.
Once everything is out, start grouping similar items together. Keep your categories broad so they’re easy to maintain:
Cleaning Supplies – Cleaning products, dish soap, detergent.
Food Storage – Bulk pantry items, extra drinks, cases of snack.
Paper Goods – Paper towels, napkins, disposable plates/cups. (Plastic bags and foil can go here, too!)
Sports & Outdoor Gear – Bikes, camp gear, lawn games.
Tools & Hardware – Power tools, nails, screws, gardening supplies.
Avoid getting overly specific—your storage needs will evolve over time, and you don’t want to overcomplicate things. The goal is to create zones that make finding (and putting away) items as simple as possible.
Step 3: Invest in Storage Solutions
Garages often become cluttered because they lack proper storage. Investing in shelving, wall hooks, and bins will help you maximize space. Here are a few ideas:
Shelving – Freestanding or wall-mounted shelves keep things off the floor and optimize the height of your space. (Pro tip: Check the weight limits before loading up a shelving unit with a lifetime supply of soda!)
Wall Hooks – Bike hooks, ladder hooks, and yes—they even make folding chair racks that can clear up valuable floor space. (Because nothing says “garage chaos” like that stack of folding chairs sliding down for the 400th time.)
Bins & Containers – The purpose of containers is to contain, not just to look nice. You don’t need fancy bins—anything uniform or coordinating will make the space look more put together. If your items are already stackable, you may not need bins at all!
Rearrange as needed – Don’t be afraid to move things around. Sometimes, shifting a freezer or extra fridge can open up more space.
Budget-friendly options – You don’t have to break the bank! Walmart, Target, and Amazon often have affordable storage solutions. Just make sure to check dimensions before buying, so you don’t end up with a shelf that won’t fit in your space.
Step 4: Arrange for Easy Access
Now that you’ve sorted and stored, it’s time to put everything back in a way that makes sense.
✔ Keep frequently used items within easy reach. (No one wants to climb a ladder for paper towels.)
✔ Store seasonal or rarely used items up high or in the back.
✔ Make sure you have enough open space to move around—and actually park your car.
A garage cleanup isn’t a one-time event. (Unless you enjoy doing this all over again next year.) Set yourself up for success by maintaining the system you’ve created:
✔ Check inventory before buying more. Avoid stocking up on items you already have hidden in a dusty corner. (Looking at you, 12 extra bottles of Windex.)
✔ Stick to your zones. When everything has a designated spot, it’s easier to put things back where they belong.
✔ Do quick resets. Spend a few minutes every few months doing a mini clean-up to keep clutter from creeping back in.
Choose a timeline that works for you. If an all-day cleanout feels overwhelming, break it up! You can tackle one section per evening or dedicate one day per weekend until it’s done.
Set a time limit and stick to it. If you work in short bursts, you’re more likely to stay motivated. (Think of it as a garage sprint instead of a marathon.) Push too hard, and you might not want to come back to it the next day—so even if you have a burst of energy, sometimes it’s best to stop while you’re ahead.
Take before-and-after pictures. Your garage doesn’t need to look like a showroom, but seeing the transformation will give you a huge sense of accomplishment (and bragging rights to your friends and family).
Reward yourself when you’re done. You put in the work—celebrate it! Get yourself a coffee, enjoy a good piece of chocolate, or just take a moment to admire your now-functional space.
And one last piece of advice—save organizing the car for another day! You’ll thank yourself later.
Happy organizing,
Devorah
The Organizer 