With these easy steps, you’ll discover how to organize your garage so that everything fits – including your valuable car.
Does this sound like you? It’s raining and you’re grumbling, because you could be nice and dry, but your garage is so full of stuff that you have to park in your driveway and get drenched. Or maybe you can park in the garage, technically, but you choose not to because getting in and out of your car is a game of “dodge the boxes.”
A cluttered garage is more than just a nuisance. It’s dangerous, too. When you have too much stuff in your garage – and none of it is organized – you’ll never be able to find what you’re holding onto. Plus, all those boxes and chemicals are fire hazard.
But the good news is that it’s possible to clean it all up and even park in your garage. All you need is a systematic approach! That’s where I come in. When you follow this guide, you’ll protect your car from the elements, discover more functional space, feel less stressed, and even increase the value of your home.
So, are you ready to reclaim your space? Let’s get started!
Preparation & Mindset
Before we get into how to organize your garage, we have to refocus our mindset. When we understand the why and how behind what we do, we’re more likely to do it right and stick to it! So, let’s look closer at why we need to organize the garage, and what tools you need before you begin.
Why Organize Your Garage
Your car is essential and it’s important to protect it from bad weather (and potentially bad people). If you store you car in the garage, it will last longer and run better, too!
But did you know that parking your car in the garage also increases your home’s value? It really does! When you have an empty driveway, you have a better curb appeal, which makes your home look better from the street.
Even if you don’t really care about the curb appeal, having an organized garage has one more benefit too – it can give you space for projects and hobbies.
The Declutter Before You Organize Rule
Take control of your thoughts and restructure how you view what’s in your garage. We aren’t going to just organize everything. When you organize clutter, you end up with organized clutter.
No! It’s important to be ruthless. When you’re making space for your car, get rid of anything that isn’t useful or deeply meaningful. This isn’t the time to keep something that you might use someday or you can’t remember why you have it. And anything that’s broke or unusable has to go.
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Gather Your Tools & Supplies
What do you need before you start to declutter and organize your garage? Get the following items:
- Large Trash Bags
- Recycling Bins
- Donation Boxes
- Cleaning Supplies
- Label Maker or Markers
- Measuring Tape
That’s just a starter list. You might also need a dolly to move heavy things or you might need to rent a large trash bin. Also consider how you’re going to donate larger items like bikes or yard tools.
Empty, Sort, Decide
Now that you know why you’re cleaning it out and you’re completely dedicated to the idea, it’s time to get started! The first step is to declutter your garage. Let’s break this step down into smaller steps that are easier to follow. Don’t get overwhelmed – it’s simpler than you might think. I also covered this in my guide to decluttering your garage – so check that out too!
1. Empty It Out
If possible, pull everything out of the garage. This allows for a fresh start and deep clean. You might have to dedicate an entire weekend (with good weather) for this. But if you can’t pull everything out at once, at least work in zones. Whether you do it all at once or in sections, aim for a full purge.
2. Create Sorting Zones
After everything is out of the garage, begin to sort it. This is where the boxes and bins will come in handy. Place your stuff into one of these four categories.
- Keep: Items that genuinely belong in the garage and are used.
- Relocate: Items that belong elsewhere in the house or yard.
- Donate/Sell: Usable items you no longer need.
- Trash/Recycle: Broken, expired, or truly useless items.
3. Decision-Making Strategies
Sorting everything can be really tough! To make it easier, use the following strategies:
- The “When Was It Last Used?” Test: If it’s been years, reconsider.
- The “Does It Belong Here?” Test: Is the garage the best place for this item?
- The “Duplicate” Test: Do you have multiple of the same item?
- Sentimental Items: Direct to another storage area or a designated box.
Using these strategies and placing your things in the mentioned categories, you should be able to get rid of at least half of what you own. This will free up so much space!
Cleaning & Planning Your Layout
After decluttering your garage, it’s time to clean it thoroughly and set it up for long-term use. Don’t skip this step! Proper planning makes all the difference when you’ve got a big project like this.
Deep Clean Your Empty Garage
With all your stuff outside on your driveway, you can give it a deep clean. Either sweep, vacuum or use a leaf blower. No matter how you do it, get all that dirt and dust out of there.
While you’re cleaning, remove oil stains, cobwebs, and dust. Look for pests and deal with them too. The idea at this step is to create a clean and safe place to store your valuable things.
Measure Your Space and Car
This step is crucial. You need to know how much space you need for your vehicle(s). And Google is your best friend here. Just type in the make and model of your car with “length and width” in the search bar. You’ll find your answer instantly.
Once you have the measurements, mark out the car’s footprint on the floor with painter’s tape. Now you can start adding storage around the car.
Plan Your Zones
What are zones? They are sections of your garage where you will store specific items. Setting up zones will help you find what you need instantly! And it helps you maintain your organized garage long-term, too.
Here are some of the most common garage storage zones and where to put them. But feel free to use different ones.
- Car Parking Zone: This is your priority!
- Tool Zone: Near a workbench, accessible.
- Gardening Zone: Near the door to the yard.
- Sports/Outdoor Gear Zone: Easy access.
- Bulk Storage/Seldom Used Zone: High shelves, back corners.
Storage Solutions To Reclaim Your Space
You’ve got the right mindset, and now you’ve got a completely clean garage with a winning plan! Let’s put it into action. This is where we will get deep into how to organize your garage.
Embrace Vertical Storage
This is the most important area of all in your garage. Use it wisely. Here are some of my must-have vertical storage products.
- Shelving Units: Make sure they are durable, heavy-duty, and adjustable. I found some with solid shelves, because I like how my stuff won’t fall through.
- Wall-Mounted Hooks & Racks: Use them to store your bikes, ladders, tools, and sports equipment.
- Pegboards: For hand tools, small items.
- Slatwall Systems: This is versatile and customizable.
Smart Overhead Storage
After creating organization on your walls, consider the ceiling area, too. Install ceiling-mounted racks to store seasonal items – like Christmas trees – and rarely used bins. Since this area is more difficult to reach, keep things that you don’t use very often.
Stay safe. Make sure you install it properly and follow the weight limits.
Containers, Bins, and Drawers
When you buy containers and bins, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s best to use clear bins. Even though labeling will tell you what is inside, a clear bins shows you what’s inside too.
I also recommend getting stackable bins. It will make them easier to store and create a more efficient space.
Finally, use smaller drawer units for tiny items like screws and nails. When you match the size of the container to your stuff, you’ll be more likely to keep it organized.
Rubbermaid Cleverstore 95 Quart Clear Stackable Large Plastic Storage Containers with Lids
Akro-Mils 24-Drawer Plastic Drawer Storage Cabinet for Garage Organization
Keeping It Tidy
Congratulations! If you followed all of these steps, you have an organized garage with enough space to easily park your car. What a difference that makes, right? After all that work, let’s keep it that way. Follow these tips so you can keep it as neat and tidy as day one.
The Everyday Tidy Routine
As soon as you get something out and use it, put it where it goes. If you discover that it’s home is too difficult to reach or get to, move it so it’s easier to access. If you use something a lot, it should be easy to put away.
Make a goal of sweeping or tidying your garage at least once every other week. But once a week would be better. Tidying up a clean room is so much easier than a really messy one.
Annual Purge/Check Up
Once a year, schedule a time to review how your garage system is working. Go through and declutter and reorganize any areas that became a magnet for messy piles. While you’re doing this, look for expired items, broken tools, or bins that are tough to reach.
Labeling Is Key
One of the most important parts of organizing is to label everything! When you label your bins, shelves, and totes, it makes it easier for the entire family to put things away, too. Plus, the labeled bins take all the thinking and stressing out of keeping the garage clean. You’ll know exactly where everything goes.
This is why I suggest buying a label maker or using your home printer and some packing tape. Make sure the labels are easy to read.
Finally, Park Your Car Where It Belongs – In The Garage
There you go! You can literally transform your garage from a hazardous maze of boxes and broken tools to a glistening paradise with room for your car. Remember, this will help your car last longer, your stuff easier to find, and your home more valuable.
Yes, it’s a huge project, but the results are worth it! Set a date, clean out the garage, and finally enjoy parking your car inside, where it belongs.
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