December 28, 2023

Reclaim Your Sanity – Garage Declutter Checklist Your garage is more than just a place to park your car—it’s a versatile space that can double as a workshop, a home gym, and a storage haven for all your essentials, from outdoor gear and tools to garden supplies and birdseed. However, an eye-opening survey by the […]

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Reclaim Your Sanity – Garage Declutter Checklist

Your garage is more than just a place to park your car—it’s a versatile space that can double as a workshop, a home gym, and a storage haven for all your essentials, from outdoor gear and tools to garden supplies and birdseed. However, an eye-opening survey by the Craftsman brand reveals that over one-third of American garages are so disorganized that parking a car inside is no longer an option. So, you may be wondering, are self storage units a good investment? The answer is yes -more than 62% of American adults consider their garage the most cluttered space in their homes. Storage units are a cost-effective way to keep your belongings safe and accessible, while freeing up space for more important uses like parking your car or creating a workspace.

Fortunately, Total Storage Solutions is here to lend a helping hand, offering personal storage solutions and practical decluttering tips to assist you in organizing the garage (and your sanity). Let’s turn that chaotic space into an organized and functional part of your home!

Throw Away the Trash

Let’s kick-start the decluttering journey in your garage! First, grab a trash bag and the recycling bin, because it’s decision time. You will likely not use those empty cardboard boxes, so they go into the recycling bin. Recycle any paper, cardboard, aluminum, and plastic products you don’t need.

Clear out excess belongings that don’t add value to your garage or daily life. Say goodbye to items that are broken or beyond repair. As tempting as it may be to keep tossing until the bag is full, be mindful. Toxic materials, paint cans, and household cleaners need special attention, so set them aside for proper disposal.

Create Manageable Zones

Now that the trash and recycling are no longer in the way, you must break up the garage into small, manageable zones. For example, the workbench, standing toolbox, and power tools can be considered the Workshop Zone. The lawn mower, garden tools, leaf blower, and other lawn care items can be the Lawn and Garden Zone.

Breaking down your garage into these smaller sections makes the job less overwhelming and boosts your confidence in conquering the clutter.

Map Out Available Space

Once you’ve established your zones, the next step is to plan out the space in your garage. Utilize masking or painter’s tape, as it’s easily removable and won’t leave a mess. Use the tape to outline where your car will be parked, how wide a door swings open into the space, and designate spots for your snowblower and lawn mower. Anything beyond the taped markings can be considered fair game for storage.

Group Similar Items

Now, you can really begin organizing and streamlining your items by grouping them together. Like the zones, this method helps keep your garage sorted by type, especially by grouping them into specific categories. Take everything off your shelves, out of the toolbox, cabinets, and closets—expose it all to the light. If you find items you no longer need, consider tossing them or donating them.

This system is excellent for identifying duplicates or broken items that require replacement. Bringing everything out into the open also makes you more aware of what you own, expediting the decluttering process.

Focus on What You Actually Use

With everything visible, this is an excellent opportunity to pare down your possessions and make some tough choices. Take a closer look at what you truly need and actively use compared to what occupies precious garage space. Garages often become a graveyard for forgotten items and abandoned projects, so grab a box for donations or consider a yard sale to part ways with things you no longer need.

Resist the temptation to stroll down memory lane while decluttering. Sometimes, sentimentality can lead you to repack items you’re trying to let go of, only to rediscover them on the shelf 15 years later. Instead, focus on creating space for things that add value to your life now. Be mindful of the garage environment. Moisture and weather fluctuations can affect sentimental items. Consider relocating these precious items to a more suitable indoor space to ensure their preservation.

Garage Wall Organization

After you’ve tackled the clutter in your garage, it’s time to give each item a designated home and bring order to the chaos. Install sturdy wall hooks or pegboards to hang tools like rakes, shovels, and brooms, freeing up valuable floor space. Group items by function or size—gardening tools in one area, sports gear in another. Use shelving with clear bins or labeled containers for smaller items like screws, nails, or spray cans. The choice is yours!

For larger equipment, wall-mounted racks can help you keep things off the ground and accessible. Mesh bags or wire baskets are ideal for storing odd-shaped items like balls or hoses, while pegboards offer flexible options for frequently used tools. By utilizing your garage walls, you create a clutter-free environment where everything has its place, making it easy to maintain order and locate what you need at a glance.

The ultimate goal is a clutter-free space where everything is in sight, making it a breeze to keep track of your belongings and prevent them from overflowing into the areas you require to stay clean.

Begin Your Garage Declutter Project With Total Storage Solutions

It is remarkable to transform your garage into a well-organized space, and we want to help you elevate it even further. Offload extra boxes, bins, and bags in a self storage unit at one of our Total Storage Solutions facilities. Our storage facility is not just a place to stash items—it’s a place of convenience. With various-sized units tailored to your needs, you can say goodbye to the worry of finding a spot for miscellaneous items. Our hassle-free approach ensures that your belongings are in good hands.

Contact us today or find a storage location near you! Our friendly team is here to assist you every step of the way. And if you ever need a space to store your car or other vehicle, explore our vehicle storage options. Your garage’s flawless aesthetic extends beyond just items. We’ve got your vehicles covered too! Uncover the possibilities of seamless organization with Total Storage Solutions!