5 Simple Steps to Achieve a Highly Organized Garage

With warm weather approaching, it’s time to get our homes in order. For me, this means decluttering several spaces within my home. Typically, I start my decluttering process on the inside of my home, and then I move to the garage. With my interior decluttering efforts almost complete, I am devising a plan on how I can tackle my three-car garage. In particular, I have some garage storage ideas and inspiration along with some products to take my garage to the next level.

In all fairness, I have made great strides to contain the mess within my garage. Over the past year, I had four of the overhead garage storage racks installed for my fall and holiday decor.

My decor grew exponentially this year, so having a place to store it safely was very essential.

As you can see from the below photos, the attempts at a garage declutter have been somewhat fruitful. Furthermore, I really need to have garage storage that is not only practical but can adapt to our family’s needs.

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In this blog post, I will discuss the five steps necessary to achieve a garage organization for the typical homeowner. By typical, I mean the majority of us who possess tons of stuff. I’m referring to seasonal decor, toys, camping and fishing equipment, and tools. Let’s not forget all of the other essential tools needed to maintain your home. In addition, we need a place to potentially store all of our bulk grocery and household items. Finally, our ability to protect our vehicles from the elements is one of most crucial reasons we need garage organization.

Step 1: Declutter the Garage

As with any decluttering project, the first step is to take all of your belongings out and go through them. I recommend that you create an area in your garage or in the driveway where you can sort and group the items into three categories:

• Things You’re Going to Keep
• Items You Would Like to Donate or Sell
• Stuff to Throw Away

Certainly, this is a crucial step in the decluttering process. I highly encourage everyone to start here so you can set yourself up for success in future steps.

Step 2: Get Rid of Items You No Longer Need

My advice is to always throw out items that are damaged or in need of repair. Not only will this help in the decluttering process, but it will also limit the number of items that you need to contain and organize later on.

Donate Items After Your Garage Declutter

I recommend you consider donating items that you no longer want or use. Certainly, this is a personal choice and should be made based on your situation. If you decide to donate your items, please make sure you get a receipt for tax purposes. Likewise, it’s a good idea to keep an inventory of the items you are donating. A lot of charitable organizations do not provide itemized receipts for your donated items.

Sell Items You No Longer Need

Conversely, you can always opt to sell unused or gently used items. This strategy is always great, and it helps with letting go of your belongings (especially if you’re compensated for them). In addition, you can always use the proceeds to purchase some garage storage. What a novel idea!

Some of the options you can use to sell your unwanted items are Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist and Offerup. Even your local Facebook Garage Sale groups are a good place to start. There are a plethora of options, so make sure you assess which is best for your items.

Discard the Junk

Finally, the time has come for you to let go of things that no longer have value to you or anyone else. This is the stuff that we label trash, basura, or junk! That’s right, we need to either place it in the r trash bin, take it to the dump or hire a junk removal company. Depending on the amount of junk you have, it could be free or cost a nominal fee to discard it. Either way, the junk must go in order to declutter and organize your garage!

Step 3: Purchase Garage Storage Solutions

In this step, the goal is to purchase all of the garage storage items. This includes clear storage bins, pegboards, overhead garage storage, wall storage, workbench, and open/closed storage cabinets.

To assist you with a plan for your own garage organization and spring declutter project, I have curated some items from Wayfair. These items work for a garage of any size. For example, I envision utilizing all wall space and the ceiling to maximize all storage options and solutions.

Step 4: Store Seasonal Items in Plastic Totes

Once you assess the number of items remaining after the declutter process, purchase bins that include lids. In particular, clear totes are useful in storing seasonal decor and clothing (or other oversized items). Furthermore, the seasonal items are easily accessible when placed in overhead garage storage or on open shelves. Don’t forget to sort and store these items by type and season for easy access.

Step 5: Build Out Garage Storage

Now the fun begins! If you like building and constructing things, this is a fun step. This is also where the garage storage project begins to

Install Overhead Garage Storage Systems

A few of the Wayfair items that I inserted above will require some type of build and/or installation.

The overhead garage storage will require at least a stud finder and some power tools to install properly. Also, the garage storage system and cabinet will require assembly. Keep in mind that expert installation via Wayfair is available should you require it.

Assemble and Install Heavy Duty Racks, Pegboard and Garage Hooks

Every garage needs a place to store garden tools, bulk household supplies, and sporting equipment. A simple garage hook and garage storage racks can easily get the job done.

Unlike the bigger items, the pegboard and the accessory kit can be an easier install. These items provide great ways to declutter the small tools and keep them organized. I do highly recommend a dedicated area for tools and the workbench, especially if you have small children.

In conclusion, I have provided garage organization ideas for us to get our garages in tip-top shape. Likewise, the list of recommended products provided from Wayfair will have our garages organized and looking amazing.

Are you ready to join me in the decluttering and organizing of our garages this spring? I am issuing a challenge to everyone, so let’s get started.

To see my interior decluttering and organization projects, click on the below links:

• Kids/Guest Bath’s Linen Closet Organization
• Master Bath Linen Closet Transformation
• Practical Pantry Organization Tips
• Girl’s Walk-In Closet Organization
• Boy’s Reach-in Closet Organization