If you live in a place that gets cold in the winter, then you know how easy it is to let exterior home maintenance take a backseat. However, this time of year is actually great for assessing and organizing your garage.
From reworking your storage system to clearing out space for warmer months ahead, we turned to two professional organizers and home experts to find out her top garage decluttering tips.
Meet the Expert
- Laura Ascher is the home expert and DIY influencer behind Our Oily House natural home blog.
- Diane N. Quintana is a professional organizer and founder of DNQ Solutions organizing services.
Stop Using the Garage as a Dumping Ground
Much like basements and attics, home influencer Laura Ascher says garages are major clutter magnets because people often treat them as dumping grounds. If this is you, now is a great time to take a look at what seasonal items you’ve stashed in your garage and may want to clear out.
Look for things like holiday decorations and outdoor gear, as these are two major clutter culprits in the garage. Make sure they are neatly set aside for when their appropriate season comes again.
“Not only does this lead to unnecessary clutter, but it also makes it hard to find what you need when you need it,” Ascher says.
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Move Winter Gear to the Front
If your garage is already beautifully organized, there still might be work to do ahead of the winter. One mistake professional organizer Diane N. Quintana says she sees is when people store items where they fit, but not necessarily where they’re the most useful.
“For example, you want to store your snow shovel and de-icing pellets, sand, or other substances you use to prevent slipping on the ice where you can access them,” she says.
This might be in the garage, but it also might be in an exterior shed or your mudroom; be sure to optimize all of these spaces for easy use.
Make Space in Your Indoor Utility Closet
Before you dive into decluttering your garage, take a look at your alternative solutions inside. As Quintana points out, your utility closet might be a great option—with some tweaks.
“I recommend installing a set of small shelves at the back of the utility closet for [things like] paint cans,” she says.
By creating an alternative space indoors, you can ensure you’re not storing things in the garage that shouldn’t be, such as old files and photos and out-of-season clothing.
Optimize Vertical Storage Options
As you try to clear out your garage mess, try assessing your vertical storage space. If you’re keeping a lot of items on the floor, the winter is a great time to create a storage system to resolve this potential disaster.
“Storing items directly on the floor only increases the risk of water damage as well as contributes to unnecessary items on the ground,” Ascher says. “This can give the garage an unorganized, cluttered look.”
Look for shelving units, simple wall cabinets, and wall hooks, which are especially great for everyday use items like cleaning and gardening tools.
Keep Things Off the Floor
Whether you use wall shelving units, ceiling-mounted storage, or rolling racks, Ascher says the most critical thing you can do in the winter is keep items off the floor of your garage. Even raised platforms might be worth considering to get you through the season.
“Protect your things from water exposure caused by snowmelt or leaks,” she says. “By taking these steps, you can ensure that your stored items remain safe, organized, and in good condition all season long.”
Make the Most of Any Ceiling Space
Along with shelving units, the garage is a great spot for a ceiling-mounted storage system.
“[These] can be great for infrequently used items like camping gear while not taking up any usable space,” says Ascher.
Use Watertight Bins
If you’re short on space and moving things inside isn’t an option, it might be time to invest in waterproof, airtight bins. These will protect your items from moisture, fluctuations in temperature, and pests.
“For added protection, you could consider using silica gel packets to absorb moisture inside the bins,” says Ascher.
These are far more preferable to cardboard, which can easily become damp and attract pests. As you declutter and organize, it’s also incredibly important to label each bin. This way, you can more easily locate things moving forward.
