Clear the Clutter: A Fresh Start for Your Garage This Season

It’s that time of year when our tidying thoughts may move to different areas of the home. Ahhh – the garage! For many of us, the garage is less a place for parking cars and more a default storage zone—an overflow room where tools, sports gear, seasonal decorations, and forgotten boxes pile up year after year. Over time, it can become overwhelming, even unusable. But with thoughtful intention and a structured approach, this space can be transformed into one of your home’s most functional and satisfying areas.

As a professional organizer and certified KonMari Consultant, I’ve helped clients reclaim their garages using a balance of practical systems and mindful decision-making. Here’s how to tackle your garage with confidence, clarity, and maybe even a bit of joy.

Step 1: Set a Clear Intention

Tidying your garage isn’t just about clearing cobwebs and stacking bins. It’s about reclaiming a part of your home that has long been neglected. Before you begin, ask yourself: What do I want this space to become? A clean and organized parking area? A streamlined workshop? A home gym or creative studio?

When you begin with a vision, the process becomes less about what you're discarding and more about what you're making room for.

Step 2: Take Everything Out

Yes—everything. One of the foundational principles of the KonMari Method is to tidy by category, not by location. But for the garage, it often makes sense to work by zone, especially when space is tight. Start by removing all items from one section and laying them out in the driveway or yard. Group similar items together: gardening tools, sports equipment, holiday decor, hardware, etc.

Seeing everything in one place creates a powerful visual impact—and often reveals just how much you've been holding onto.

Step 3: Choose What to Keep

Now comes the heart of the process: deciding what stays. Ask yourself the essential KonMari question: Does this spark joy? For practical items, consider whether they are useful, in good condition, and truly serve your life today—not just in theory or in the past.

Be honest. Do you need three broken rakes? Are you ever going to use those five half-empty cans of paint from two homes ago? What about the treadmill buried under boxes?

If it doesn’t serve a purpose or bring joy, thank it for its service—and let it go.

Step 4: Organize by Category and Frequency

Once you’ve narrowed down what to keep, it’s time to assign homes for your items. Categories are key here. Use clear bins, shelves, pegboards, and hooks to group similar items together. Label everything—clearly and consistently.

Place frequently used items (like tools or bikes) at eye level and near the front. Seasonal or infrequently used items (like holiday lights or camping gear) can be stored higher up or deeper into the space.

Vertical space is your friend. Wall-mounted systems, overhead storage, and modular shelving can dramatically increase your storage capacity without sacrificing floor space.

Step 5: Create Zones and Maintain

Once everything has a place, your garage should function like a well-organized store: every item grouped, labeled, and easy to find. Consider dividing the garage into clear zones—such as “Garden,” “Sports,” “Tools,” and “Storage.” These zones help you and your family maintain the system in the long term.

Make it a habit to do a quick reset every season. Garages are prone to accumulation, especially during home projects or holiday prep. A 10-minute tidy every few months can prevent a backslide into chaos.

A Mindful Mindset

Garage organizing might seem like an unglamorous task, but it’s deeply transformative. When you clear the clutter, you’re not just making space in your garage—you’re lightening the mental load that comes with disorganization. You're creating a home that supports your lifestyle and reflects your values.

I've seen clients reconnect with hobbies, rediscover forgotten treasures, and even shed emotional weight during the process. One client unearthed a dusty box of fishing gear and rekindled weekend outings with his kids. Another finally let go of moving boxes from a divorce five years past and found peace in creating a serene garden shed.

The garage, like any part of your home, holds emotional energy. Treat it with respect, care, and vision.

And a final, important thought - If your garage currently feels like the Bermuda Triangle of your home, know that you're not alone—and that it's absolutely possible to transform it. Start small, be intentional, and trust the process. Whether you're aiming to park your car indoors again or just want to stop tripping over old sports gear, your garage can become a functional and even joyful extension of your home.

As with any tidying journey, the key isn't perfection—it's progress with purpose.