Organizing the Garage
The garage often becomes the catch-all for everything that doesn’t have a clear home inside the house. From holiday decorations and tools, to sports gear and "projects" we’ll get to eventually, it’s easy for this space to become overflowing. It is estimated that 25% to 37% of homeowners do not use their garage for storing their car. Some of that is by choice but I have a feeling that in a good portion of those situations it is because there is not enough room for the “stuff” and the car.
Here is a guide to reclaiming your garage and creating a storage system that works for you.
1. Empty it Out
The first step in any organizing project is to see exactly what you’re working with. Pull everything out onto the driveway. We have definitely seen garages that contained so much that this isn’t possible, but do it if you can. It’s much easier to evaluate your space when it’s empty and inspirational to see the possibilities of the empty space. Sweep out the cobwebs, dust off the shelves, and start with a clean slate.
2. Edit with Intent
As you go through your items, categorize them into three piles: Keep, Donate, and Toss. Ask yourself:
Have I used this in the last year?
Is it in good working condition?
Do I have multiples of the same item?
Be honest about those half-finished projects or broken tools. If you haven't touched it in twelve months, it’s likely time to let it go.
3. Categorize and Zone
Once you know what’s staying, group like items together. Common categories for the garage include:
Tools & Hardware: Hand tools, power tools, and fasteners.
Lawn & Garden: Shovels, rakes, hoses, and potting soil.
Sports & Recreation: Bikes, camping gear, and balls.
Holiday & Seasonal: Decorations and seasonal clothing.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Cleaning supplies, light bulbs, and filters.
Automotive: Car washing supplies, scrapers, and automotive fluids
House Parts: Cans of paint, pieces of flooring from the house, extra knobs and pulls.
4. Find a Home for Each Category
When deciding what category will live where, think about how and where you will use the items in the category. For example cleaning products and household supplies will be used inside so they should be stored close to the door into the house. Lawn and garden will be used outside so they should be close to the garage doors. The house parts category will often be very rarely used so that would be a good candidate for somewhere hard to get to. Also keep in mind that paint should not be stored in your garage if the space is not temperature controlled.
Once you know where the item should be, figure out how to store them. It is often our goal to get as much as possible off the floor of the garage. That makes it easy to blow or sweep out the garage and keeps things tidy.
Some Possible Storage Tools to Add:
Heavy-Duty Shelving: Steel shelving units are perfect for holding large, heavy bins.
Overhead Racks: Ideal for items you only need once or twice a year, like holiday bins or camping equipment.
Slatwalls or Pegboard: Excellent for hanging frequently used tools and keeping them within reach.
Generic Garage Hooks: I use these all over the garage to store items off the floor in their zones. One additional thing you can do is mount a board on studs and mount the hooks to the board. That gives you a little more freedom in where you place things because each individual hook does not need to be in a stud,
Preferably Clear Tubs: We always label tubs but it is very nice to be able to see things at a glance. Not everything needs a tub but if you have a lot of small loose items it is very helpful. For example Sprinklers, nozzles, hose washers, etc. may all be together in a tub in the garden section.
5. Label
For the garage bins I like to insert an index card into clear plastic sticky protectors. That makes it easy to relabel as categories change.
6. Some additional features:
Drop Zone: If you enter your home through the garage and don't have a mudroom it can be nice to create a small zone near the door for daily essentials. A few hooks for bags, a small shoe rack, or a dedicated spot for the recycling bin can prevent garage clutter from creeping into your living space.
Donate Zone: I always try to set up clients with a designated spot for donations. A kitchen size trash can lined with a kitchen bag works well for this. Once it is full it can be loaded directly into your car for drop-off.
Maintenance is Key
A garage is a high-traffic area, so it requires regular maintenance. Set aside one weekend every spring and fall to quickly "reset" the space—put away stray tools, sweep the floor, and ensure your systems are still meeting your needs.
When everything has a home, you’ll spend less time searching for your screwdriver and maybe even be able to park in your garage!!
