How to Organize Your Garage

Most of us have the same problem when it comes to our garage. It has too much stuff in it and we often can’t find what we are looking for very quickly if at all. There are countless boxes and containers of all shapes and size, the contents of which are in no particular order and you can’t bear the thought of tackling it all –besides it’s not even yours it’s mainly ‘his!’ Well there is hope and it isn’t as bad as you think it will be. You will feel great after you do finally clear out the garage  – literally lighter getting rid of junk you don’t need taking up valuable space and reorganizing things so you can put your hands on what you need when you need it.

Plan and Prepare to get started

Set aside, then Plan and Prepare for a day or two to organize your garage. Really give some thought to how you want the end result to look and how you are going to re- categorize your things into groups for easy future access.  You will obviously need to take your budget into account as well. If you have the funds getting the professionals in to fit out the space good for you it will be worth it. If not get yourselves some containers – big see through matching ones from your local hardware preferably. As a guide we have about 20. Then again my hubby is a builder so we need a lot for all his work materials. At the very least ten though.

Take some happy snaps

It’s a great idea to take some before and after garage photos – you won’t believe the difference. It’s too hard to remember just how cluttered and overflowing it was before hand and when you occasionally look at the photos it will hopefully remind you not to ever let it get that bad again1

Do you need boxes or stackable plastic containers?

Otherwise stock up on some empty boxes from your local supermarket that are usually more than happy to give their boxes away. Also buy heaps of large strong plastic bags, some labels and markers and if things are really serious, a trailer or mini skip.

Boxes within boxes

Fishing tackle clear lidded boxes – found in craft shops and hardware stores are also are great for all the small screws and washers. Pull out drawer units can also be handy and keeps the little bits handy on the bench top ice cream containers are great in the garage too for holding all sorts of oddments. These can be placed in their boxes within bigger boxes.  NB: I also use fishing tackle boxes for my small jewellery and homeopathic containers – in alphabetical order of course! They save soooo much time believe me.

Create Your Plan

Give some thought to what is being moved?  Consider what the advantages of moving it will be? Think about how often you use something and position it accordingly – the most used item most accessible and the least used higher up and further to the back.  Don’t double handle things unless you really need to.

Make use of wall space for all types of storage

Some wall mounted storage solutions include:-

Peg boards & Hooks and racks – for garden tools, bike, hoses etc.

The ceiling can be great place for storage especially if you have rafters to utilise

Skis and fishing rods can be balanced across rafters

Ropes and pulleys can be used to hang a kayak or roof racks.

Plenty of sturdy shelving – Just be aware of weight ratings to be sure what you put on them will be held securely.

Call in the Troops

If you have someone you can get to help you call them up and book them in! Many hands make light work. Just make sure you return the favour. Garages often contain heavy, awkward items so another pair of hands can really make a difference. Your ‘friend’ can also help you cull those maybe items that really should find another home too! Be ruthless!

Dress the part

On the big day equip yourself with sturdy shoes and old clothes including gloves (even just rubber kitchen gloves) and maybe a mask if you have to deal with lots of dust/sawdust/cobwebs or chemical fumes.

Set the mood

Get some favourite music going to motivate you and keep you going.

Remember it may look worse before it looks better!

To get started sometimes we need to make a larger mess to clean up so don’t be upset if after your first half hour attempting to get organized it looks worse than when you started!

• Take some before photos
• Walk around in the shed if you can (!) & visualise it clean, tidy and orderly
• Make some decisions on the big stuff, bin / op shop, a new space, or use it more effectively if you are going to keep it – i.e. the lawnmower and garden tools, power tools, hand tools, etc

Sentimental items

You will need to get rid of what you don’t need use or love. This may be hard, but is worth it. Take photos of things that have been special if that helps. Is there really any use keeping hold of all those family heirlooms if they are just gathering dust in the garage?
Donate | Sell | Ditch?

Allocate an area for going to the charity shop, to be given to friends, local club/charity Auction event etc.  You can get good prices for scrap metal, especially for the copper, stainless steel, bronze and Aluminium so look into this if you have any lying around.  Also make piles to sell of you have the time and inclination – you may not have enough for a garage sale but still a few products good enough to sell on eBay for example.

Get rid of the excess ASAP!

Getting rid of your unwanted items as soon as humanly possible is advised before you can change you mind and go backwards in your de-cluttering mission! A friend may be able to help with this also.

Keep your garage organized after your big declutter

Make a monthly note in your diary to assess the stuff in the odds and ends box in the shed/garage and take it to the op shop – recyclers etc. This is an easy system that keeps you on track and you will enjoy the satisfaction of ticking it off your monthly to do list.

Garage Sale?

At some point you might have decided you have enough for a garage sale. If you are interested in organizing a garage sale you can read our related article on how to do just that. Best of luck!