We're not saying it's a fun chore, but an organized garage sure makes you feel accomplished. This is the best time of the year to focus on the prize. Before you get overwhelmed, just remember: this exercise is a combination of decluttering and cleaning.
"The holiday season is a magical time, but as the decorations come down and the new year begins, many of us are left with a garage that feels more chaotic than celebratory," notes Aaron Cash, President & Co-Founder of Garage Living. Before you resort to getting a storage unit for all that holiday decor, there's a more straightforward solution. To get things back in order, he recommends the following practices that'll help you reclaim and reorganize your garage:
1. Start with a Clean Slate
"Post-holiday cleanup is the perfect opportunity to reset your garage space. Take the time to clear out what you don’t need and create a fresh foundation for organization."
He recommends removing everything from your garage. Yes, everything. This is a great way to re-evaluate each item’s necessity and clean the garage floor before reassembling.
2. Store Decorations Smartly
"Holiday decorations bring joy, but only if they’re easy to access and store. Invest in durable, labeled storage solutions to make the process seamless."
He suggests using clear, stackable storage bins for easy identification. Better yet, consider color-coding by holiday or season and store fragile items in protective containers to prevent damage.
3. Maximize Vertical and Overhead Space
"The floor space of your garage is valuable real estate. By utilizing vertical wall spaces and overhead storage, you’ll keep the area organized and functional."
Using vertical space is important if you have a lot of stuff. Installing overhead racks for seasonal items like holiday lights and ornaments is a real space-saver. Slatwall panels or hooks are perfect for hanging wreaths, extension cords, and other decorations. We use wall hooks for our snow shovels that only get used a few times each year. Ceiling hooks are great for storing bicycles.
4. Designate Zones for Easy Access
"A well-organized garage is one where everything has its place. Designating specific zones for different items ensures you’ll always know where to find what you need."
Create a “holiday zone” for decorations, a “sports zone” for sports equipment, space for camping gear, and “tools zone” for gardening tools and other household projects. Grouping items by purpose makes staying organized a little bit easier throughout the year. While you're at it, make sure bulky items like snow blowers and other winter equipment are left in a place where you can easily get to them during the winter months.
5. Dispose of Unused Items Thoughtfully
"The post-holiday season is a great time to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose. Donate, recycle, or discard thoughtfully."
Let practicality be your guide. If you didn’t use certain decorations or tools this year, consider whether they’re worth storing. Clearing out a cluttered garage now will save you space and effort in the future.
6. Keep Safety Top of Mind
"Safety in the garage is just as important as organization. Ensure heavy items are stored securely and walkways remain clear."
He recommends using sturdy shelves and secure bins to prevent tipping. Also, do your future self a favor and keep walkways unobstructed to maintain a functional space.
7. Future-Proof Your Organization
"An organized garage is one that can grow with your needs. Planning ahead ensures you’ll avoid future clutter."
You might not think you need special wall panels or vertical storage spaces now, but it's still the perfect time to scheme of a day when you will. Leave usable space in your storage containers for new items you may acquire next holiday season and throughout the year. A little foresight goes a long way.
8. Take Stock of Your Power Tools, Yard Tools and Related Supplies
"While reorganizing, inventory your tools and supplies to ensure you’re fully equipped for any projects that arise in the coming year."
Ah, the special time of the year when we ask ourselves why we have 17 cordless drills, and none of them are in the tool rack. Group tools together and create an easily accessible workstation for home repairs or DIY projects.
9. Make It a Family Effort
"Garage organization doesn’t have to be a solo task. Involve your family to make the process quicker and more enjoyable."
Plus, it makes it a lot easier to declutter when you learn what toys and accessories your family isn't playing with anymore. Assign roles to each family member, such as sorting, cleaning, or labeling. It’s a great way to teach kids the value of organization.
10. Commit to Maintaining the Space
"The key to a stress-free garage is regular upkeep. Commit to small, consistent efforts throughout the year."
Schedule periodic check-ins to declutter and reorganize. The first of the month! The first weekend of every new season! Making a schedule that works for you will help your garage remain functional and stress-free year-round.
