It's garage season, y'all! Ready for a full garage declutter or upgrade?
In this episode, I share the essential steps to transform your garage from a chaotic catch-all into a functional, organized space. I'll guide you through setting a clear purpose for your garage, decluttering with intention, and choosing the right storage solutions that make sense for your life.
I'll also dive into how to properly and responsibly dispose of items, like hazardous chemicals and old electronics. Plus, I'll share tips on how to capitalize on every inch of space, including those often-forgotten walls and ceilings.
Tune in to learn how to optimize every inch of your garage and make it a true asset to your home.
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Intro: Welcome to A Pleasant Solution, Embracing An Organized Life. I'm your host, certified life coach, professional organizer, and home life expert, Amelia Pleasant Kennedy and I help folks permanently eliminate clutter in their homes and lives. On this podcast will go beyond the basics of home organization to talk about why a clutter-free mindset is essential to an aligned and sustainable lifestyle. If you're someone with a to-do list, if you're managing a household and if you're caring for others, this podcast is for you. Let's dive in.
Amelia: Welcome to Episode 69, “It’s Garage Season!” Hey y’all! Alright. So professional organizers seem to fall into one of two categories, either they love decluttering and organizing garages, or… they don’t. They do their best to not mention garages, lest clients think that this potentially is a service they may offer. And for good reason. First off, there’s only a short window of time that it’s truly comfortable to work in a garage. Most garages aren’t insulated, so they’re either too cold or way too hot most of the year. Decluttering and organizing a garage require lots of physical labor and therefore the temperature and humidity levels make an impact. You’re not alone if you avoid working in your garage, so please be understanding if you reach out to a pro organizer and they recommend a different time of year for your project.
As of this recording it’s mid-May, so it’s garage season… somewhere. So, in today’s episode, I’m going to cover a few garage organization essentials. This will be a practical episode. One to get you thinking about what’s in your garage, to get you thinking about what you’re going to do with those items, and how best to store the most common items kept there. Now, if you don’t have a garage, consider yourself lucky, in my opinion. They’re amazing for protecting your car, yet they often become a repository for many, many unwanted things. Most Americans think of their garage as a storage area, and this leads to an overabundance of unused items. If this is you, take a deep breath, and know that undertaking a garage project will lighten both your physical and mental load. You’ll feel tremendous relief when it’s complete, and then, because of the efforts involved, you’ll be motivated to maintain it once it’s done.
So, the first thing I want you to consider is the purpose of your garage. Ignore the items that are in your garage at the moment, and think for a moment, for you, for your family, what would you like the primary purpose of your garage to be? Despite what I’m about to share next, I want you to answer this question for you. What I think or say doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are honest with yourself. If its purpose is to store lawn decorations, own it. If its purpose is to hold drinks and beverages, own it. My place isn’t to judge, it’s simply to get you to consciously evaluate what you want the function of your garage to be.
Naturally, I Googled the question, “What percentage of Americans can’t park their cars in their garage due to too much stuff?” Well, the statistics came back that at least a third, if not more, Americans couldn’t park their car in their garage due to excess items. I’m sure the statistic increases depending on the area of the country you’re surveying. More rural areas have more space per person; therefore, I imagine that number is higher. (Remember, I’m from West Virginia y’all, so no shade is being thrown here.) My point is, if this is you – if you can’t park your car in your garage due to excess items or poor organizational systems – you’re not alone. Awareness of where you are right now, with the number of objects you own, is always the first step. Most folks have absolutely no idea how to dispose of things kept in a garage, so that’s part of the issue. You keep what you don’t know how to dispose of properly.
Let’s start there. Once you’ve identified the purpose of your garage, you’ve gotten started. No excuses. You’ve started. The next step is to declutter, and this will be done best in a series of sessions. Breaking your project down into reasonable steps is essential. I think the most accessible way is wall-by-wall or by quadrant of the garage.
Now, I want to pause here for a moment and remind you, that with any decluttering project, you’ll want to identify your top priority, as well. Ask yourself, “Do I want to save money, the environment, or time when it comes to this specific project?” You may think you can do all three, but you’ll be most successful if you identify which is your priority. Saving money looks like reselling items or donating them for a tax receipt. Saving the environment means taking the time to do the research to figure out the most environmentally responsible solution for the items contained within. Earth911.com is a great starting place for this category, but beware. Don’t drag the process out or use “the environment” as an excuse for lack of action on decluttering. I often choose saving time when it comes to projects; because in my mind, it’s my most valuable resource, and I find value in hiring professionals to help me move heavy items and dispose of them in an environmentally responsible manner. I’m actually excited to spend money, in order to save time and the environment. You’re more organized than you think, so I trust that you’ll choose the approach that will serve you best in the time frame you have available.
Let’s get sweaty y’all. Start by clearing out any items that are damaged, unused, no longer needed, or have been languishing and taking up space. I’ll go through a sample list here in a moment. Double check your local waste disposal guidelines because many damaged items may be welcome directly into the waste stream weekly pick up. For items needing to go to the dump, you could rent a truck for a day or a weekend to haul items, so that you’re not putting wear and tear on your own vehicle. Your local waste department may allow you to call and schedule bulk disposal pickup of large lawn equipment, broken appliances, etc. Or they may be able to drop off a small to medium dumpster as well. Swallow any pride that comes up and get it done. Don’t worry about your neighbors and thinking they may give you the side-eye. Know that deep down, they’re actually going to be jealous and wish they were brave enough to do the same. Don’t let the HOW of removal become an obstacle. You’re a brilliant problem solver, and I’m confident there are solutions in your community if you’re willing to research or ask.
Here are a few examples:
Sports or camping equipment and lawn care tools that are in good working order can be donated or posted on your local buy-nothing site or marketplace.
Hazardous items like paint, cleaners, batteries, and chemicals need to be disposed of safely and with intention. Check your local waste management and recycling guidelines as many communities have specialized donation days for hazardous disposal drop off. This is the best, most freeing task, y’all. Put it on your schedule. Pay the fee. Get the chemicals and old paint out of your basement and your garage. It’s the best gift you can give yourself.
Make sure to wrap or pad any rusted or sharp tools before placing them in the trash to keep your local waste workers safe. Tech stores like Best Buy and Staples also take back and offer recycling for electronics and appliances. Earth911 offers suggestions for how best to recycle or dispose of lots of different items. Search the word “e-cycle” and your zip code to gather more data in this category.
If you’d like a “done for you” decluttering solution, contact a junk hauler or bulk removal service which will remove your unwanted items in one visit. I’ve used this approach several times. When we sold our home and downsized 60% of our belongings, the haulers took the large soccer goals that were in our backyard, our treadmill, y’all so many things. They donate what’s usable first and foremost, and they typically charge based on cubic square feet used in their hauling truck, not by individual items.
Alright. Let’s switch gears to talk a bit about how to get creative with your garage space once you’ve disposed of items you no longer need or want. Think of your garage as a blank slate (even though there are items still in there). There are 3 usable walls for storage, plus there’s the ceiling!
Depending on the height of your garage, you may be able to install racks or hooks above to hang or hold items. These overhead garage storage racks are heavy-duty and hang from the garage ceiling and optimize the space over your car. Store seasonal or less used items here in airtight, waterproof bins. Look for systems that can be anchored to your existing studs and be mindful of the total weight capacity and clearance. You can always ask a retailer for an estimate or design to get your creative juices flowing.
For the side walls, know that there are lots of specialized hangers available for hanging equipment and tools, and these specialized hangers are game changers. Bikes can be hung from the ceiling using hooks, hung flat against the wall, or hung vertically. Be sure to anchor any hanging solution via a stud in the wall or use the recommended reinforcement for stability. Skis and snowboards can be nestled together and staggered to save space and ensure easy accessibility. For gardening and hardware equipment, many major brands offer wall-mounted tool and utility systems. The key is to measure your space and take stock of the items you want easily accessible. Getting as much up off the garage floor as possible will make your garage easier to navigate and give a spacious feel. Even items like wheelbarrows, chainsaws, and leaf blowers can be wall-mounted!
The goal is to make the space functional and have items be easily accessible. My good friend recently went through this process and now her family members are able to maintain their own equipment and belongings because each item in the garage has a dedicated spot. There’s no confusion about what goes where. All of the items can be seen, and the garage is no longer a hazard zone of things leaning against the wall or getting dusty and rusty from not being used.
You’ll want to consider the seasonal temperature and humidity fluctuations of your environment when planning garage storage solutions. Keeping things organized also means protecting them against the elements. I’d suggest selecting heavy-duty, all-weather stackable plastic tubs for loose items. If you like to see what you own, choose a clear bin with a secure lid. If you prefer a uniform opaque look, select a bin that’s light proof. Be sure to clearly label the contents of either style on two sides of the bin using an all-weather tape. Be careful not to overstuff bins as larger bins can get quite heavy. Your back will thank you.
Cabinets are another great way to keep a garage neat and clutter-free. Be sure to optimize the space within a cabinet by containing items in bins. If you tend to think “out-of-sight, out-of-mind,” though, cabinets might not be the best solution. Always start your planning process from what makes sense for your brain, your family, and your home rather than what’s primarily suggested as the “right way” to organize. Smaller parts like nails and screws can be organized in a cabinet or on shelving using a compartmentalized drawer system or storage case.
Peg boards are another great way to see items like handheld tools. Aim to select a system that’s epoxy coated steel so that it withstands the elements. Peg boards are customizable and often offer modular solutions to hold a variety of different sized items. Utilize a large open-air bin or multi-sport organizer to keep balls off the floor, safely contained, and easily accessible. Start by looking at what you own first, then consider what storage solution might work for the shape of item you have.
The last area I want to cover in today’s episode is the whole garage upgrade. Once you’ve decluttered, some of you may desire to make your garage a more habitable, pleasant place to be. Taking this route is an investment and it’s a selling feature for a home. Just like custom closets, a customized garage stands out. For example, floor protection such as epoxy coating or floor mats will help to keep the elements from damaging your floor. If you plan to spend time working in the garage, adding additional lighting overhead or task-specific lighting will brighten the space and make it more comfortable.
Several closet and shelving companies make garage-specific systems that will create a uniform and attractive look for your space. The key is to plan out what you want where, before investing. Partner directly with a custom design company or professional organizer to ensure the measurements and products selected meet your needs. You can add fold-out tables and work surfaces, drawers, hooks, and specialized containers.
Whatever you decide to invest in however, remember you’ll be responsible for maintaining it. When evaluating the cost of a system, I’d advise evaluating it from this perspective, “How easy will this system be to maintain?” That will give you lots of information. You’ll be most successful in the long run by thinking about your garage as a living space, not as a static storage space that’s a dumping ground for whatever doesn’t fit or belong inside. That’s the true, underlying purpose that brings the project full circle. Your efforts can align with the specific purpose you outlined at the beginning of the episode. Or you can simply reach out to a pro. It’s garage season, y’all. Get dirty, sweat a little, and get ‘er done. Talk to y’all soon.
Outro: Don’t go! Leaving a review is quick and easy, and it keeps this podcast at the top of the charts. On your listening platform, click the 5-star rating. Head to Apple podcasts and add your feedback or share what you’d like to hear on future episodes. I'll then share your review on a future episode, and we’ll celebrate together! Talk to y'all soon and remember, you’re more organized than you think.
