It’s easy to treat your shed or garage space like a dumping ground. A few cardboard boxes here, a stack of yard tools there... and suddenly, you're out of storage space and can’t find anything.
If your garage organization plans have failed before, you're not alone. (Hi!) From mismatched storage bins to lost labels, even the most well-intentioned systems can fall apart.
The good news? A few simple fixes can save you time, money, and space. Rachel Rosenthal, Post-it Brand partner and professional organizer shared ideas to help you rethink your setup, and avoid the common mistakes that make shed and garage organizing harder than it needs to be.
1. You Skipped the Edit
Mistake: You dove right into bins and labels without first decluttering the space.
Fix: Start by clearing everything out and making decisions about what actually belongs in the space. If you're like us, it's a mix of automotive supplies, garden tools, and plenty of unnecessary items.
"Before you even think about organizing, take everything out of the space and sort it into five piles: Keep, Donate, Trash, Recycle, and Sell," recommended Rosenthal. This applies to power tools you no longer need, seasonal decorations you used to put out every year, and random items that were long forgotten. "This isn’t just a helpful step, it’s the step that makes the rest possible. You can't create order on top of chaos."
"Be honest with yourself. If something’s broken, rusted, or hasn’t been touched in over two years, it’s probably not worth keeping. Think of editing as reclaiming space for what actually supports your life now." — Rachel Rosenthal
2. You Thought You Wouldn't Need Labels
Mistake: You set up beautiful bins or drawers, assuming you’ll “just remember” where everything is stored.
Fix: A label makes your system usable not just today, but months from now. "Labeling is key to keeping your system functional long-term," noted Rosenthal. "For temporary labels or work-in-progress areas, I love using Post-it® Super Sticky Notes from the Supernova Neons Collection. They’re bright, durable, and easy to move around as you refine the layout."
"During the organizing process, use color-coded Post-it® Notes to show which areas are still in progress and which are finalized. It takes the pressure off and gives you a visual map of your progress." — Rachel Rosenthal
3. You Didn't Create Clear Zones
Mistake: You allowed the shed or garage to become a catchall, and now it's hampering floor space.
Fix: Notice how items can close in on areas that used to be clear? Or, how piles can begin to obstruct walkways and doorways? Treat the space like a store, with each section serving a clear purpose. "Think in categories," recommended Rosenthal. "For example, like a well-run hardware store. Designate specific areas for groups like Lawn & Garden, Electric Tools, Sports Equipment, Seasonal Decor, and so on. This helps everyone in the house know where to look (and where to return things)."
"Use visual cues to reinforce the zones. Bins, shelves, or even tape outlines on the floor can help signal what belongs where, especially in shared spaces." — Rachel Rosenthal
4. You Didn't Maximize Vertical Space
Mistake: It's easy to let things pile up on the garage floor.
Fix: Make use of your walls and ceiling to open up space and keep things within view. Team Corner Shelves! "Go vertical. Use wall-mounted shelving, pegboards, magnetic strips for sharp tools, and even ceiling-mounted storage for seasonal items," suggested Rosenthal. "Think of the walls as valuable real estate, not just empty space."
For what it's worth, we love overhead racks as a form of storage solution. Bike hooks or ceiling-mounted racks keep bicycles and scooters off the floor. If you need more storage, consider wall-mounted shelves. Adjustable shelves with labeled, organized plastic storage bins are easier for me to manage than cabinet storage. Storage cabinets are always more 'out of sight, out of mind.'
"Safety and accessibility matter. Frequently used or bulky items should stay low. Reserve the higher shelves or ceiling racks for lightweight items or things you use a few times a year (like holiday decorations or beach gear)." — Rachel Rosenthal
5. You Tried to Do It All in One Day
Mistake: You turned the organization project into an exhausting sprint. This is a marathon!
Fix: Tackle one section at a time so you can stay motivated and actually finish. "Break the project into smaller, manageable chunks," shared Rosenthal. "Start with one category or zone like just gardening tools or just sports gear and finish that before moving on. This keeps your momentum up and your stress down."
"Write out your task list using Post-it® Super Sticky Notes and stick it somewhere you’ll see it often—like the garage wall or a cabinet door. They stay put, even in busy, high-traffic areas, so your to-dos stay front and center. It becomes your roadmap for the project and feels great when you start moving items from “to-do” to “done.” Small wins lead to big results." — Rachel Rosenthal
