Garages are meant to store cars—but for many homeowners, they end up storing everything but cars. Over time, unused furniture, seasonal decorations, and forgotten boxes can pile up, leaving you with little to no room to park or move around. If your garage has turned into a catch-all space, don’t worry—you can reclaim it. With the right plan, tools, and mindset, you can transform your cluttered garage into a functional and organized extension of your home.
Here are some practical garage clean-out tips to help you take back your space:
1. Start With a Plan
A successful clean-out starts with a strategy. Decide on a day (or weekend) to dedicate to the project and recruit help if possible. Break the process into steps: sorting, decluttering, organizing, and disposing of unwanted items. Having a clear plan keeps you from feeling overwhelmed.
Pro Tip: Renting a dumpster early in the process gives you an easy place to toss junk, so you don’t have to pause for endless trash runs.
2. Empty It Out
It’s nearly impossible to organize a cluttered garage without seeing everything you’re working with. Start by taking everything out. This allows you to assess what you actually own and gives you a clean slate to work with.
3. Sort Into Categories
As you go through your belongings, create four piles:
- Keep – Items you use often or truly need.
- Donate – Things still in good condition that someone else could use.
- Sell – Higher-value items worth listing online or holding a garage sale for.
- Trash – Broken, outdated, or unusable items.
Pro Tip: Renting a dumpster makes tossing junk quick and easy, especially for larger items like old furniture, appliances, or stacks of damaged boxes.
4. Organize What You Keep
Once you’ve decided what stays, it’s time to organize:
- Use shelving units to keep items off the floor.
- Clear storage bins make it easy to see what’s inside.
- Label everything to save time later.
- Hang tools and sports gear with wall hooks or pegboards.
Keeping things visible and accessible will prevent your garage from becoming cluttered again.
4. Think Seasonally
Organize items by how often you use them. Keep lawn tools, bikes, and everyday gear within reach, while holiday decorations or rarely used items can go on higher shelves.
4. Maintain Your Space
The best way to keep your garage from filling up again is regular upkeep. Do a quick sweep-through every few months to get rid of things you no longer need. Consistency is the secret to keeping your garage functional long-term.