How to Re-Organize Your Garage This Spring

“Honey, where should this extra box go? And what about these old books?”

“Ah, just put them in the garage! We’ll figure it out later.”

Does this exchange sound familiar? Many homeowners can relate. In fact, for the great majority of us, garages can quickly become a space for hoarding things we don’t truly need.

Using our garage for storage isn’t always a bad thing, but it has the potential to get out of hand. So, let’s be smart about it! This spring, we want to help you declutter your garage with these spring organization and cleaning tips.

Purge Time!

It’s time to get down to the nitty gritty and sort through your things. Create piles, determining what you still want to store, what you will donate, what you’ll sell, and what you’ll toss or recycle.

All of those art supplies you haven’t used in 5 years? Extra clothes you’ve been hanging onto since your 20s? Books you didn’t have room for on your bookshelf? Whatever you’re storing in your garage, you’ll want to sift through it and determine if it’s something you really need.

When you get rid of things you no longer need, you’ll end up feeling lighter and have a lot more space to work with. Plus, if you’re donating, you’re really helping others in the process. While it is a great idea to have some surplus and emergency back-up supplies, keeping too many extra things can just add clutter without the practical benefits.

Design a Map

Designate specific areas of your garage where you will be storing things. Decide what goes where, create categories or ‘stations,’ and stick to your plan. Having a plan from the get-go always helps save time in the future!

Have Fun with Your Layout!

Planning can be fun! When designing the storage layout of your garage, devise a plan that’s functional and considers your day-to-day, season-to-season behaviors. Like, shoes and jackets being stored right by the doorway. Or, cleaning supplies and chemicals being stored in a safe place away from a child’s reach. Pinterest offers great garage organization tips and hacks, and we love this DIY garage organization list.

Keep it Off the Floor

To make the most of your garage storage space, invest in vertical storage. When you store things on the floor, they risk getting damaged or may invite pests. Invest in sturdy shelving instead. If something is on the floor, you’ll want it to be safely boxed up. Clearly label any storage boxes and shelves so that you stick to the storage map you’ve designed. This will help you navigate your garage storage system quickly and efficiently.

Happy Spring!

Should you have any questions or concerns about your garage, we’re here to help. As your garage door experts in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA, we’re just a phone call away. Happy spring cleaning; until next time!