The garage is the spot in our house where we store all our extra "stuff." You know, the things that we don't have a specific home for and don't use regularly. But what do you do when it is overflowing with clutter and you can't park your car inside? Check out these tips to help get it organized once and for all.

1. Create a Plan

Before you start rummaging through boxes and bins, take a moment to consider what you want to accomplish. You need to figure out what you want to store and how you want to store it. That will help you determine what kind of storage solutions you need to purchase or build. Make a list of the items you need to store and what kind of access you need to them. For example, if you need to get to your gardening tools regularly, you'll want them stored in an easily accessible location. Once you have a clear idea of your goals, you can start developing a storage strategy to help you achieve them.

2. Purge the Clutter

Any good organizational strategy starts with a purge. Go through everything and eliminate anything you don't need, want, or use. That can be difficult, but it's important to be ruthless. If you haven't used something in a year, you never will. Donate unwanted items to charity or have a sale to earn extra cash. Once you've pared down your belongings, you'll be surprised at how much space you have. And it will be much easier to keep clean when there's less stuff in it.

3. Invest in Storage Solutions

Now that you've decluttered, it's time to invest in some storage solutions. Various options are available, from shelving units to cabinets to overhead storage or installing a pegboard to hang smaller items. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for garage organization. Choose the products that will work best for your needs. For example, if you have a lot of small items, consider investing in some plastic bins with lids. If you need easy access to your garden tools, hanging them on pegboards or hooks might be the best solution. Whatever you choose, make sure it's sturdy and will hold up against the wear and tear of everyday life.

4. Label Everything

Once you have a plan and some storage solutions, it's time to label everything. That will help you keep track of where everything is and make it easy to find what you need. You can use labels, tags, or markers to label everything. Make sure to use a system that works for you and everyone in the family can understand.

5. Put Things Back in Their Place

Once you've sorted, purged, and labeled everything, it's time to put things back in their place. That is where having a plan comes in handy. Please make sure everyone in the family knows where things go and take the time to put things back where they belong after each use. A little upfront effort will save you time and frustration later.

6. Keep It Clean

The key to maintaining a tidy garage is to keep it clean regularly. Schedule some time each week to sweep and organize. And be sure to put away any items you take out so they don't end up in the cluttered mess.

Conclusion

Organizing your garage doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a little planning and effort, you can finish it in no time. By following these simple tips, you'll be able to enjoy a clean and organized garage that will make your life much easier.