If you’re ready to clean and declutter your garage, here are some tried and true steps for getting it done quickly and easily.
More than vehicles can get stored in your garage, which is a good reason to declutter it before it gets out of hand. Not to mention, the bigger the garage, the more stuff seems to make its way out there.
5 Easy Steps to Declutter Your Garage
Before jumping into decluttering your garage, be sure to take into consideration the size of your garage and how much stuff you have. Then, decide a time frame it may take you to get it done.
Most jobs could probably be tackled in a day, but again, you’ll have to make the final call. If you have family members (or friends) that could help, make it a family project. With these ideas in mind, let’s look at how to declutter your garage the easy way.
Step 1: Set up clean piles.
Before removing anything from your garage, set up a few piles. You’ll need a pile for things you plan to put back into your garage, another for things you want to sell, and two more for donating and throwing unused or unwanted items away. Establishing these piles first will make the next step much easier (and quicker).
Step 2: Remove everything from your garage.
Everything has to go so you can start with a clean slate. Take out one item at a time, auditing it along the way. Ask yourself if you plan to use it again and if so, how often? If the answer is yes and frequent, place it in the keep pile.
Go through each item asking yourself those questions and put the things in their rightful piles until everything has been removed – even your vehicles (which we’re sure you plan on keeping).
Step 3: Clean the garage.
Before putting anything back in the garage make sure to give it a good cleaning. Sweep the floor, wipe off shelves, mop, and anything else you want to do. Now is also a good time to add any storage solutions if you want to keep things organized.
Industrial shelves, totes, and cabinets are perfect pieces to add to any size garage. This provides plenty of space while keeping everything nice and tidy.
Step 4: Replace the items you want to keep.
Now is the time to put things back in the garage that you plan on keeping (and using). There are several ways for storing items, but here are some ideas for keeping things organized:
- Create zones for like items (gardening supplies, tools, auto care, etc.).
- Keep frequently used items in easy to access spots.
- Store less used products up (or back) and away.
- Use corners for keeping bulkier items.
- Consider using racks for items such as bicycles and tools.
Remember to give everything a place and aim to put it back after you’re done using it.
Step 5: Get rid of the other stuff.
Once you’ve got everything put back in your garage, continue following through by getting rid of the things in the other piles.
Set a time limit on how long you want to hang onto items that you’re selling, take other items to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army, and throw everything else away. The longer you hang on to items the least likely you are to get rid of them.
Keeping your garage clean is the easy part, but first, you’ll want to make sure it’s decluttered and rid of unwanted or unused items.
Once you’ve gone through the decluttering process one good time, it will be easier to keep your garage clutter-free.
Just make sure you are intentional about keeping it clean and putting everything back in its rightful place.
More Decluttering Help
- Declutter Your Bathroom: 5 Things to Declutter
- 5 Storage Solutions to Declutter Your Home
- 3 Steps to Easily Declutter Any Room
I’m a freelance writer with a passion for home organization and home decor! I’ve written extensively about the best ways to make your house truly feel like home.