Turn a Cramped, Cluttered Garage Into a Neat, Organized Space

If there’s one area that can collect clutter faster than any other, it’s the garage. For most homes, the garage is the repository for all the various tools, knick-knacks, and other miscellaneous items you collect over the years. Because you probably don’t use the garage as living space, it becomes a monument to clutter.

But that doesn’t have to happen.

Here are five steps to turn even the most crowded and cramped garage into a functional, organized space.

Step One: Come Up With a Plan

One reason why garages become so cluttered is that there aren’t designated spaces for every item. So, it’s easy for boxes and junk to collect in corners and on surfaces. One of the best ways to alleviate this problem is to create a place for everything. For example, if you have loose tools, you can buy a rolling toolbox or a pegboard to hang them.

Your organization plan should include what tools and equipment you need, where groups of items should go, and how many days to budget for the project. The last part is crucial because it’s easy to give up when the job takes longer than expected.

Step Two: Clear Everything Out

If your garage is so packed with stuff that it’s hard to move around, you can use your driveway as a holding area for everything while you sort and organize. That said, do it on a warm and clear day, and be aware that passersby may think you’re having a garage sale. Alternatively, you can create a “clean” section that you’ll use for staging and cleaning before putting items away.

Step Three: Organize by Sections

Trying to clear the whole garage at once can seem impossible. However, starting with one section (i.e., the west wall), it’s easier to get that done and move on to the next. If necessary, you can do one section on one day and then move to the next on another day. Another point to consider is cleaning your items as you put them away. This way, you don’t have to worry about cleaning them later.

Step Four: Consider Access Needs

A big reason to clean and organize your garage is so that it’s easier to access everything as needed. However, if you have limited space, you must prioritize which items you’ll need regularly and put them in front of others. Also, you can figure out ways to access the objects behind the ones in front. For example, you could use rolling bins or drawers in front and fixed shelves behind to move things out of the way as necessary.

Step Five: Set a Cleaning Schedule

The trick to having a clean and organized garage is staying on top of the clutter as it happens. Unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible to always remain vigilant, so it’s often better to set a schedule where you can focus on re-organizing and cleaning as needed. For example, you can choose one day a month to go through the garage or do it just a few times a year, depending on how often you use things.

Get Help With Moving and Storage

Sometimes, the best way to clean your garage is to get rid of junk or put items in storage. Our safe self-storage and mini-storage facilities have the ideal storage units, whether you need to store a few pieces of furniture, the contents of a five-bedroom house, or miscellaneous items from your garage. We have what it takes to store and protect your belongings.

Contact us if you need storage options or moving help; we can make the job easier for you.