Are you sick of wading through clutter every time you step into your garage? Or maybe you can’t even remember what colour the floor is because it’s been buried under piles of stuff for years? Don’t panic—you’re not alone! Garages so often become the chaotic dumping ground for everything that doesn’t “fit” in the house. But with the new year around the corner, it’s the perfect time to take back control of your garage and turn it into a space that works for you and your family.
This guide will walk you through how to de-clutter, organise, and create a functional garage—one that might just become your happy place (yes, really).
Why Organising Your Garage is a Game-Changer
A tidy garage does more than just look good. It eliminates the stress of constantly searching for tools, sports gear, or the kids’ toys. It creates space for new possibilities—whether that’s parking your car inside for the first time in years or setting up a mini-workshop for your DIY projects. Plus, an organised garage can even increase the overall value of your home. Win-win!
Now, let’s get down to it.
Step 1: Clear Everything Out
It’s impossible to organise things properly when you’re working around piles of clutter. The first step is a daunting one, but trust me, it’s worth it—every single item in your garage needs to come out. That’s right. Take everything outside and give yourself a blank slate to work with.
This purge-and-sort session will make you feel amazing (eventually!). Start creating four piles:
- Keep: Items you use often or truly love.
- Donate: Anything still in good condition that someone else could benefit from.
- Recycle or Dispose: Broken or unusable items that don’t belong in your life anymore.
- Not Sure Yet: Haven’t decided if you’re ready to part ways? Bag it up and revisit in a few months—no pressure.
Step 2: Zone it Out
Once your garage is empty and you’ve done your initial purge, it’s time to think about zones. A functional garage is all about dedicated spaces for different purposes.
- Tools: Hammers, screwdrivers—organise these in a tool-specific area.
- Sports Gear for the Kids: Balls, bikes, and scooters need their own corner.
- Seasonal Storage: Christmas decorations or out-of-season items can go up and out of the way.
- Gardening Supplies: Keep the lawnmower, soil bags, and gardening tools in one neat area for easy access.
Define what you and your family truly need from this space, and map out where each zone should be.
Step 3: Bring in the Big Players—Garage Shelving Units
Here’s the secret of garage organisation pros (yes, that’s a thing): industrial shelving. These bad boys are a goldmine when it comes to maximising vertical space while keeping things safe and accessible.
- Safely store heavy items like power tools or paint cans.
- Declutter the floor and make the space look bigger (hello, car parking space).
- Keep kids’ things out of harm’s way or dedicated to their play zone.
Look for sturdy shelves that can handle weight, and feel free to label them so everyone (even your partner and kids) knows where everything belongs.
Step 4: Create a Storage System
Here’s where we get fancy. It’s not just about chucking everything onto shelves—it’s about creating a system. This is where stackable bins, clear containers, and hooks come into play.
- Bins for Seasonal Items: Sort by theme (e.g., Christmas, Halloween) and stick a clear label on the front.
- Hooks for Tools and Sports Gear: Install hooks along the walls for items like shovels, bikes, and even scooters.
- Transparent Bins Save Lives: Okay, dramatic, but they make finding things so much easier.
Organising your way? Totally fine. Just remember to optimise your storage for accessibility and fit.
Step 5: Don’t Forget the Tasting Notes for Your Projects
While wine lovers get real tasting notes, homeowners can channel that same energy! Feeling crafty? Add fun labels or colour-coded stickers to keep everything in its rightful home. Got gardening tools? Stick a cute tag on your spades or create a clipboard checklist for projects. Organising doesn’t have to be boring!
Step 6: Teach the Kids (and Yourself)
You’ve worked so hard to get organised—don’t ruin it by slipping back into old habits. Get the whole family on board. Teach your kids where their stuff belongs and set expectations for keeping things tidy. Maybe even challenge them with a fun game of “put it back where it belongs.”
If your little ones are notorious for losing interest halfway through a job (relatable), consider assigning them their very own cubbies or racks within the kids’ toys zone. Bring them into the process, and they’ll feel included in the systems you’ve set up.
Step 7: Celebrate Your New Space
Once you’ve conquered the chaos and turned your garage into a functional haven, take a step back and admire it. Doesn’t it feel so much better knowing exactly where your everyday tools are, where the scooter can fit, and (gasp) having actual room to park the car inside?
If you’re considering adding some extra dazzle to your space, why not set up a mini workspace or a cosy DIY corner for those projects you’ve been dreaming about?
Wrap It Up in Style
Don’t wait for another year to roll around before tackling that clutter. Your garage transformation is not just a token nod to tidying up—it’s your chance to reclaim that space as functional, inspiring, and totally YOU.
