5 Simple Tips for an Organized, Clutter-Free Garage

From holiday decorations to camping equipment, your possessions can quickly overwhelm your garage. A few easy strategies can keep you organized and in control of this space.

1. Create An Easily Accessible Workspace

Designate a worktable or bench for DIY projects. Underneath this table, place two sturdy containers or heavy-duty bags with handles (that can be easily carried or moved when filled) and label them as follows:  

Storage: Make a quick lap to return these items to the bins, shelves, closets, or sheds where they belong.

Donations: Keep this empty by posting items on your local online “Buy Nothing” group. Or toss the container in the back seat the next time a charitable organization drop-off is on your route.

Try emptying your storage and donation containers on your usual trash and recycling schedule. These bite-sized cleanings will keep your workspace clean and functional.

2. Create Storage Zones

Group similar items together into zones. For example:

• Tools & Hardware
• Lawn & Garden Equipment
• Sporting Goods
• Holiday Decorations
• Pet Supplies

Store everyday items at eye level and seasonal items up high or in overhead storage. Keep chemicals, hazardous solutions, and dangerous tools out of reach of children or pets.

3. Use Wall & Ceiling Storage

Don’t let vertical space go to waste. Try these garage storage ideas:

• Wall-mounted shelves
• Pegboards for tools
• Bike hooks or ceiling-mounted racks
• Overhead bins for seasonal items

Keeping things off the floor makes cleaning easier and prevents clutter buildup.

4. Label Bins for Easy Access

Family heirlooms, including clothing, photos, quilts, or important papers, should be stored with extreme care.  Consider alternate climate-controlled storage options for items that won’t withstand exposure to high heat, humidity, or extreme cold.

Use clear plastic storage bins so you can see what’s inside them. Large, legible labels with itemized lists can help you avoid re-purchasing something you already own and make items easy to find when you need access to them.

QR code labels are a modern alternative for tracking what is inside your storage bins. A quick scan using your mobile device generates a list of what is inside the corresponding box.

5. Do Quick Monthly Cleanups

Set a reminder to do a 15-minute garage sweep each month.

Re-home misplaced items, sweep the floor, and check if anything needs reorganizing. If you haven’t used items for over a year, consider donating or throwing them away.

For fresh oil spills on a concrete garage floor, cover with clay cat litter, sawdust, sand, or cornstarch. Leave to absorb for a few hours or overnight and then sweep up. Try specialty degreasers, dish soap, laundry detergent, or baking soda for tougher stains that require scrubbing and rinsing.

Food sources, including birdseed or pet foods, should be stored in containers that cannot be easily chewed through. Mice, rats, spiders, termites, roaches, and other unwelcome guests are often attracted to the food sources, debris, and nesting spots that offer protection inside your garage. Animals can quickly build nests in your car engine or grills! Look for signs of pests that may have moved in and take steps to evict them.