Five Tips to (Finally) Get your Garage Organized

Let’s be honest—the garage often becomes the catch-all space for everything you don’t know what to do with. Boxes of old holiday decorations, half-used paint cans, broken tools, sports gear no one uses anymore... you name it, it’s probably out there.

If you're constantly squeezing your car between stacks of stuff or searching endlessly for that one missing box—it might be time to take control of the clutter.

Here’s how to turn your garage from a frustrating mess into a space that works for you.


Start with a Simple Plan

No need to have every detail figured out before you begin. But don’t just start tearing open boxes, either. Begin by creating broad categories—like tools, garden gear, car supplies, seasonal decorations, sports equipment, donation items, and trash.

As you start pulling things out, assign each item to its appropriate “zone.” Even if it's just a pile on the floor for now, this step will make it much easier when you're ready to organize permanently.

Take It One Box at a Time

Feeling overwhelmed already? That’s normal. But remember—you don’t have to do everything at once.

Start small. Choose one box, go through it, and decide what to keep, toss, or donate. Then place those items in the zones you created earlier. Tomorrow, do another box. Or next weekend. The key is consistent progress, no matter how slow.


Don’t Skip the "Mystery Boxes"

We all have them—the boxes you haven’t opened in years because you “know what’s inside.” But if you’ve ever spent an hour looking for your Halloween lights and came up empty, you know the truth: you probably don’t actually know what’s in there.

So go through everything. Yes, everything. Evaluate each item and sort it into the correct category. You’ll probably be surprised at what you find—and what you don’t need anymore.


Find a Permanent Home for Everything

Once you've sorted your belongings, it's time to decide where everything should live. Items you use often—like your drill, gardening gloves, or bike pump—should be easy to access. Seasonal stuff and rarely used items can go in higher or more tucked-away spots.

And please—label your boxes or bins. Clear labels save you from digging through everything next time you need that string of lights or cooler.

Now’s also the time to invest in better storage options. Stacking bins on the floor might work short-term, but eventually you’ll need something in the bottom one. Instead, consider:

  • Wall-mounted shelving
  • Pegboards for tools
  • Overhead ceiling racks
  • Freestanding storage units

Want to go a step further? Sketch out your garage layout and decide where each category fits best.


Keep It Clean and Stay Consistent

Once you’ve finished organizing, don’t let the clutter creep back in.

 Make it a habit:

  • Always return items to their proper place
  • Avoid using the garage as a “temporary” dumping zone
  • Do a seasonal cleanup to stay on track


Enjoy the Space You Reclaimed

It may take time, but the result is worth it. Your car fits. You know exactly where your snow shovel is. And best of all, you’re no longer spending your weekends tearing through boxes looking for one tiny thing.

Now that your garage is in order, you’ve not only gained a clean space—you’ve gained time, peace of mind, and maybe even a little pride in your handiwork.




Contact us today for a review of your home insurance coverage. (540) 775‑7070

www.oldetowneins.com


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