Let’s be honest—most garages are where good intentions go to hibernate. Between sports gear, tools, seasonal decorations, and random “I’ll deal with this later” piles, it’s easy to lose control of the space. But don’t worry—if you’ve got garage questions, we’ve got real-life answers that are easy to follow and even easier to love. Let’s dig in!
1. “Where do I even start with organizing my garage?”
✅ Start with a ‘drop zone’: Create a space just inside the garage where random things land. Label a bin or basket “To Sort Later.”
✅ Choose one category to tackle first—like paint cans, sports gear, or car supplies.
✅ Don’t aim for perfection—aim for progress. Even 30 minutes makes a difference!
2. “What do I do with all the stuff I’m not sure I need?”
✅ Create a ‘Maybe zone’ with a bin labeled “Use it or Lose it.” Revisit it in 6 months.
✅ Ask the 3 W’s: When, Why, and Where—if you don’t have a clear answer, let it go.
✅ Donate! There are lots of local non-profits that need what you have, check around and see where you can give those old items new life. Ask Cut the Clutter RVA if you need ideas – we have a curated list of donations partners.
3. “How do I store all the weird-shaped items?”
✅ Create a “parking zone” for big, awkward items like bikes, scooters, strollers, and ride-on toys. Use painter’s tape to mark designated spots on the floor—like a mini vehicle lot for your family gear. Kids love this and are more likely to park their stuff correctly!
✅ Use wall-mounted hooks to hold folding chairs, hoses, or awkward gear that tends to lean, slide, or fall over.
✅ Hang mesh laundry bags on hooks or pegs for smaller loose items like gloves, balls, water shoes, or swim goggles—basically, the little things that disappear into corners.
4. “How do I keep the garage from becoming a dumping ground again?”
✅ Set a 10-minute Friday sweep rule to reset the space weekly.
✅ Label everything—bins, drawers, and zones. Labels are magic for maintenance.
✅ Use a “one in, one out” rule to avoid overflow, especially with tools and seasonal gear.
5. “How do I organize tools when I don’t have a full tool bench?”
✅ Repurpose a rolling cart or old shelf as a mobile tool station.
✅ Hang a pegboard on the back of a door—instant vertical storage.
✅ Use magnetic strips and mason jars to store hardware and small tools smartly. Label the jars to make maintenance easier.
6. “How do I fit my car(s) in the garage and still have storage space?”
✅ Map out your car’s footprint with painter’s tape on the floor so you know how much space is truly leftover.
✅ Use the wall space forward and upward—install shelves above the hood area or storage rails at chest height.
✅ Think slim and tall—use vertical lockers or stackable bins that hug the walls without crowding the car.
7. “What’s better: open shelving or closed cabinets?”
✅ Open shelving is better for frequent-use items—think everyday tools, cleaning supplies, or sports gear. Easy to grab, easy to put back.
✅ Closed cabinets are great for visual calm—if you hate looking at clutter or want to lock away paints or chemicals.
✅ Use both for balance—shelving for bins, cabinets for messier or seasonal stuff. And label both!
Your garage doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to work for you. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to get creative with storage. You’ve got this—and if you need a boost, your Clutter Cutters are here to help!
Work hard and be kind!
Love,
Your friends at Cut the Clutter RVA