A garage offers plenty of storage space. That can be both a blessing and a curse. A garage can turn into a cluttered and disorganized mess as it gradually becomes filled with things that people don’t really need, but don’t want to get rid of. Here are some tips to help you declutter and organize your garage.
Sell, Donate, or Throw Away Items You Don’t Need or Want
Your garage is probably filled with things that you haven’t used or thought of in years. Make piles of items that you can get rid of.
If you want to make some money, consider selling your belongings online or organizing a garage sale. Getting other families in your neighborhood to participate in a garage sale can help you draw more people, which can benefit everyone.
You might want to give some of your old possessions to family and friends or donate them to an organization that serves people in need. If you would prefer to make a charitable donation, contact a local organization to find out when and where to drop off your belongings or to arrange to have someone pick them up.
When you go through your garage, you might find things that are damaged or that no longer work. You can put those in the trash, get a dumpster, or take them to the dump.
Be careful when disposing of oil, antifreeze, paint and other hazardous substances. You might have to take them to a specific location so they can be disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly way.
Organize Your Garage
After you’ve gotten rid of what you don’t need or want, look at what’s left and figure out how to organize it. If you don’t currently have shelves in your garage, get some. They’ll help you keep things organized without using up too much precious floor space. Installing hooks and pegboard on the walls can also help you keep the floor as clear as possible.
Divide your belongings into categories before you start stacking them on shelves. Depending on what you’re storing, you might need plastic bins, jars, or other types of containers. Clearly label each container so it will be easy to find what you need.
Put things that you use regularly in places where they’ll be easy to get to. Items that you use less often can get stored on top or bottom shelves, in corners, or in other places where they’ll be out of the way, but still accessible.
Consider Moving Some Items Out of the Garage
If your goal is to free up enough space to park another vehicle or work on a hobby, you might need to put some of your belongings in another location, such as your attic, basement, or shed. Another option is to rent a storage unit. The cost can add up, but it might be a worthwhile investment if it allows you to have the clean and organized garage you want.
