Craig PornoreyNo matter how big your garage is, it never seems to have enough space. One day it’s a functional workspace, the next it’s a maze of mystery boxes, tangled cords, and items you haven’t used in years. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
The garage is one of the most commonly cluttered spaces in the home, and for good reason — it ends up as a catch-all for everything that doesn’t have a clear place. But the good news? A few small tweaks can make a big difference. If you’re ready to reclaim your garage, here’s how to do it step by step.
Garages often become cluttered because we use them as a dumping ground. Seasonal decorations, half-finished DIY supplies, old sports gear — it all gets shoved in there with the idea of “I’ll deal with it later.”
The first step is to face the chaos head-on. Walk through your garage and make note of what you’re storing. You’ll likely spot a lot of “I might need this someday” items. This mindset is exactly what keeps clutter building.
Instead, group items into clear categories: keep, donate, toss, or relocate. From there, you can decide what storage method works best — especially for bulky or odd-shaped items. This is where options like pallet cages can come in handy.
They’re great for organizing heavier items that would otherwise eat up floor space or pile up in corners.
You Don’t Need Fancy Systems — Just a Bit of Structure
It’s easy to get sucked into fancy garage makeover videos online, but you don’t need a full renovation to get organized. A simple, consistent system is usually all it takes.
Try These Simple Fixes:
- Clear bins with labels: See-through storage lets you quickly identify what’s inside.
- Vertical storage: Think shelves, wall hooks, or pegboards to free up floor space.
- Zoning: Give each type of item its own section — sports gear in one corner and tools in another.
And don’t forget to make use of the ceiling. Overhead racks or ceiling-mounted storage can take the pressure off your walls and floor.
Make It Easy to Maintain
The best organizing system is one you’ll actually keep up with. Once you’ve got your garage in shape, make it easy to stay that way.
Here are a few habits that help:
- Limit the “just for now” pile: This is how clutter begins. Try to deal with new items right away.
- Quarterly cleanouts: Set a reminder every few months to do a quick sweep of your space.
- Label everything: If someone else needs to find (or put away) something, make it easy.
Bonus: Make It a Space You Enjoy
A clean garage isn’t just more functional — it can actually become a space you like spending time in. Whether it’s a mini-home gym, a DIY workshop, or just a peaceful storage zone, giving your garage a bit of care can pay off in surprising ways.
Add some lighting, a Bluetooth speaker, or a folding workbench. When your garage feels like an extension of your home — not a dusty dumping ground — you’re more likely to keep it that way.
