Is your garage a dumping ground for everything that doesn’t fit inside your house? You’re not alone! But with a little planning, some strategic organizing, and a few tools, your garage can go from chaotic to functional this spring.

Whether your goal is to finally park two cars in the garage or simply stop tripping over bikes and bins, this guide will walk you through a practical and effective garage clean-out process.

Step 1: Project Prep – Plan for a Big Declutter

Before you even touch a box, schedule a donation pickup and/or a bulk trash pickup. Doing this early keeps you accountable and prevents you from organizing items you don’t even need.

💡 Pro Tip: Mark a specific weekend on your calendar for your garage overhaul, and treat it like an important appointment—because it is!

Step 2: Clear Out & Sort

Start by removing large items like bikes, strollers, and lawn equipment. This gives you room to move and sort everything else. Then sort all of your items into broad categories – use this list of typical garage categories to get you started:

• Auto Care
• Yard Tools
• Gardening
• Tools
• Sports Equipment/Toys
• Holiday Decor
• Camping/Travel
• Household Overstock

💡 Decluttering Rule of Thumb: If you don’t use it regularly, need it for a specific task, or absolutely love it—it’s time to donate or discard.

Step 3: Contain, Organize & Label

Now that you’ve sorted & decluttered, it’s time to organize what is left!

✔ Use bins to contain and group similar items together
✔ Stackable, lidded bins are ideal to ensure your items stay protected & you maximize space
✔ Invest in adjustable shelving to make your systems flexible over time.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure each bin is labeled appropriately so you can quickly find what you need!

Step 4: Maximize Vertical & Ceiling Space

Most garages have more vertical potential than homeowners realize. Utilizing walls and ceilings helps keep the floor clear, which is key if your goal is to park your cars in there again!

Here are a few ideas:

• Wall-mounted shelving: for bins with household overstock, home decor, travel supplies, sports equipment, etc.
• Hanging track System: for lawn tools, ladders, chairs, etc.
• Strategic Hooks: for hoses, wheelbarrows, yard games, etc.
• Ceiling Storage: for bikes, seasonal or infrequently used items.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid placing bulky items near car door openings. Choose slim-profile storage for these zones.

Make Maintenance Easy

Once your garage is organized, build in small seasonal routines to keep it that way. A 15-minute tidy-up every month or after each season change can make a huge difference in long-term maintenance.

Garage Favorites

Looking for product recommendations to help you get started? Check out my Garage Favorites post for links to bins, shelving, ceiling racks, and even pulley systems for bikes.

Garage organization doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a plan, a few tools, and some determination, you can reclaim this often-forgotten space. Imagine how good it will feel to walk into your garage and find exactly what you need, without tripping over a pile of clutter!

Ready to get started? Let’s make your garage a space that works for you, not against you.