Make Peace with Your Garage in 7 Steps

Cleaning out your garage can feel like a daunting task, but with some organization and a clear plan, it can be manageable and even satisfying! Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Set aside dedicated time

• Block out a specific timeframe to focus solely on cleaning out your garage.
• Depending on the size and level of clutter, it might take a few hours or even a whole day

2. Plan and prioritize

• Before you begin, make a plan of attack.
• Decide which areas of the garage you want to tackle first and prioritize accordingly.
• It's often helpful to start with the most cluttered or least organized areas.

3. Declutter

• Go through everything in your garage and sort items into categories such as keep, donate/sell, and throw away.
• Be ruthless! If you haven't used something in over a year, consider whether you really need to keep it.

4. Organize

• Once you've decluttered, it's time to organize what's left.
• Invest in shelving, cabinets, pegboards, or other storage solutions to maximize space and keep things tidy.
• Group similar items together and label containers or shelves for easy identification.
• Don't forget about the walls and ceiling! Install hooks, racks, or overhead storage to make use of vertical space and keep the floor clear.

5. Create zones

• Divide your garage into different zones based on functionality (e.g., gardening, tools, sports equipment).
• This will make it easier to find what you need and keep everything organized.

6. Regular maintenance

• Make it a habit to periodically tidy up your garage to prevent clutter from accumulating again.
• Schedule regular cleanouts or maintenance sessions to keep things in order.

7. Safety first

• As you clean and organize, be mindful of safety hazards such as sharp objects, chemicals, or heavy items.
• Store these items properly and ensure that pathways are clear to prevent accidents.