When it comes to clutter, the garage often becomes the unsung hero of chaos in our homes.
Over the years, it accumulates a mishmash of tools, old furniture, sports equipment, and boxes that are in dire need of sorting. In turn, our garages can become not only disorganized but also progressively dirtier as more and more of our belongings cover the available floor and wall spaces.
If the mere thought of tackling your cluttered garage seems overwhelming, fear not! This article is here to guide you through how to transform your cluttered garage into an organized and functional space. From starting the decluttering process to explaining the different organizational systems you can install in your garage, we have you covered.
Keep reading to discover the best ways to declutter your garage and keep it that way!
Decluttering Your Garage: Where to Start
Beginning the decluttering process in your garage starts with assessing the current damage.
Take a moment to look at your garage and everything in it, making an inventory of the items kept in the space. This can help you determine what can stay and what needs to go, as well as what garage storage needs you have to achieve a more organized and clean environment.
The best first step at this point is to begin sorting everything into three categories:
- Keep: Your keep pile should include all of the items you need to keep that are most important within your garage. This can include everything from personal items to automobile care supplies. Once you have your keep pile created, sort this pile into two separate piles — items that will stay in the garage and items that need to be moved elsewhere.
- Donate or Sell: The second group of items to create is a donate and/or sell pile. This pile will include items that are in good condition that you no longer have use for. Donating these types of items is a great way to declutter while also giving back to the community, while selling these items can be a good method for earning a bit of extra cash during the garage cleaning process.
- Discard: Some items in your garage may be in a state where the only good solution is to discard them. Make sure you have plenty of trash bags on hand to put these items into and stick to your guns when it comes to choosing items to throw away — lingering too long on unused, damaged, or otherwise worthless items can only make you second-guess your decisions.
Being ruthless in your decision-making during this process is key. If you haven’t used an item in over a year, chances are you won’t miss it (or even notice it’s gone).
For larger decluttering projects, consider renting a dumpster.
A dumpster provides a convenient and efficient way to dispose of bulky items and large amounts of junk. Old furniture, broken appliances, and piles of cardboard boxes can quickly fill up your dumpster, leaving you with a much clearer space to work with. Dumpster rental services are widely available and can save you the hassle of making multiple trips to your local disposal center.
How to Clean Your Garage
Once you’ve decluttered your garage, it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning.
Start by sweeping the floors to remove dust, dirt, and cobwebs. If your garage floor has seen better days, you might want to consider a new garage floor coating. Epoxy flooring, in particular, is an excellent option as it not only protects the floor but also gives your garage a fresh and polished look. Epoxy is resistant to stains, chemicals, and moisture, making it perfect for a high-traffic area like the garage.
Next, clean the walls and any shelving units or cabinets that are staying in the garage. Wipe down surfaces, remove any built-up grime, and consider applying a fresh coat of paint to brighten up the space.
A clean and visually appealing environment can significantly impact your garage’s overall functionality. Moreover, cleaning your garage is crucial for keeping your belongings safe and preventing unhygienic build-up of dirt, debris, mold, and other substances that may threaten your health.
6 Garage Storage Solutions to Use for Organization
Now that your garage is clean and clutter-free, it’s time to implement some storage solutions that will keep it organized and looking great long-term. Most garages need a combination of different organizational systems, so take the time to do your research and plan out the best layout of storage solutions to install within your garage.
Here are six effective storage solutions to consider:
1. Garage Cabinets
Installing garage cabinets is an excellent way to store tools, gardening supplies, and other items neatly. Cabinets keep things hidden from view and protect them from dust and moisture.
Plus, installing garage cabinets is the best method for making use of empty wall space and keeping the floor of your garage uncluttered. Cabinets can come in a few different styles and varieties, including both standing and wall-mounted versions.
Using a mix of both standing and wall-mounted garage cabinets is often the most beneficial.
2. Garage Ceiling Storage
Don’t let the overhead space in your garage go to waste. Utilize ceiling storage racks to keep seasonal items, like holiday decorations, out of the way until they’re needed.
Garage ceiling storage is also great for storing items that you only use once in a blue moon, such as camping or hiking gear during the winter. Just make sure to install your ceiling storage solutions in a manner that does not cause a safety hazard for you or your vehicle.
3. Garage Slat Walls
Garage slat walls are made from wooden panels with spaces in between each panel for hanging shelves, hooks, and other organizational items. Slat walls are versatile and allow you to hang various belongings, from hardware and tools to hats and shoes.
This customization enables you to adjust the layout as your storage needs change. Plus, slat walls can give your garage a more aesthetically pleasing appeal as well.
4. Garage Shelving Installation
Sturdy shelves are essential for keeping items off the floor and organized.
Adjustable shelving units provide flexibility in accommodating items of different sizes and keeping these items sorted properly. Any time you install hanging shelf units, make sure they are installed properly using the correct equipment, materials, and adhesives.
5. Custom Garage Cabinets
If you have specific storage needs, consider investing in custom garage cabinets.
These can be tailored to fit your space perfectly and cater to your unique organizational requirements. Additionally, companies that offer custom garage cabinet construction often also offer installation services to ensure your cabinets are properly fixated within your garage space.
6. Garage Floor Coating
As mentioned earlier, a new garage floor coating can help to better protect your flooring and give your garage’s overall appearance a much-needed facelift.
Epoxy flooring is great for this purpose, as it enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garage while also protecting the floor from stains and damage. Installing an epoxy floor can be a DIY project or you can hire epoxy experts to assess your garage needs and install this flooring solution for you.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Garage Storage Solutions for Your Needs
Transforming a cluttered garage into an organized and functional space requires a combination of decluttering, cleaning, and strategic storage solutions.
To quickly recap, here are the 3 steps to take to effectively and efficiently declutter your garage:
- Start by decluttering and getting rid of items you no longer need. For larger projects, renting a dumpster can make the process smoother.
- Once the clutter is gone, thoroughly clean your garage and consider applying an epoxy floor coating for a polished finish.
- Install a combination of different garage storage solutions including garage cabinets, ceiling storage, slat walls, shelving units, and custom cabinets. Each solution offers its unique advantages, so choose the ones that best fit your needs and available space.
Remember, the goal is not just to create a tidy garage but also to establish a system that will help you maintain the organization over time. Regular maintenance and periodic decluttering will prevent your garage from slipping back into chaos. So, roll up your sleeves, follow these steps, and say goodbye to garage clutter once and for all!
At Garage Experience, our expert team provides you with everything you need to create a functional and well-organized garage space. We offer all types of garage organization systems including pre-made cabinets, custom cabinets, ceiling storage, slat walls, and epoxy floor coatings.
With a little effort and the right approach — and with the expert support of the Garage Experience team — you can transform your garage from a cluttered headache into an incredibly useful space for storage and other key purposes. Based in Darien, Connecticut, Garage Experience services many of the surrounding areas including Fairfield County, Westchester County, Stamford, Norwalk, and Greenwich. Get in touch with Garage Experience today to learn more and get started.
