Don’t Be Afraid To Organize Your Garage
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your garage? You’re definitely not the only one. A lot of folks hesitate when it comes to garage organizing—and for good reason. It is often dusty, cluttered, and it can feel like a completely different world compared to the rest of your home. But here’s the truth: your garage is just another space with a different purpose, and it can be transformed with many of the same tools and you’d use anywhere else in your house.
Let’s start with the obvious: it can get grimy out there. There might be dust, oil stains, POLLEN or random odds and ends piled high. That’s totally normal. The trick? Dress for the job. Throw on comfy clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, wear strudy shoes, slip on some protective gloves, and consider a mask as well as a hat or head scarf.
One of the biggest roadblocks people run into is not knowing what to do with everything in the space—especially if you’re not the one using most of it. If that’s the case, include the people who use the garage in your organizing process. Whether it's your partner, kids, or roommates, you’ll want their input to make sure the storage solutions you create actually work for everyone.
Now here’s a common myth: that garages need a completely different approach than the rest of your home. Not true! Professional organizing follows a few tried-and-true steps, no matter the room. the jey is to create a system and select the products that best fit the inventory and the users’ needs.
◈ Declutter – Let go of anything you’re not using, don’t love, or that no longer serves a purpose.
◈ Assess your infrastructure – Look at your current setup. Do you need shelving, bins, or hooks? Would stackable containers or a workbench make the space more usable?
◈ Group like with like – Keep similar items together and create clear zones (think: gardening, sports gear, tools, seasonal storage).
◈ Use the right materials – Garages can be tough environments. Skip lightweight plastic, fabric and wicker containers and go for durable solutions like metal shelves, industrial-strength totes,
and weather- resistant bins.
The end goal? A functional, organized, and easy-to-maintain space that works for you. Just like your closet or pantry, your garage deserves systems that support your life—not stress you out.
So, don’t let fear keep you from creating the space you want. With a little strategy (and maybe some teamwork), garage organizing can be a surprisingly empowering project. And if it still feels like too much to tackle alone, I’d be honored to help you!
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go topinkyjackson.com
Photo: Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. @3dottawa