The Best 10 Tips for Decluttering and Keeping Your Garage Organized This Winter
As the weather gets colder, we spend more time indoors, and many of us begin to think about decluttering and organizing garages and homes. Unfortunately, our garages tend to be one of the places that get neglected the most, but they can be a great place to start when it comes to decluttering. Your garage storage and organization can be simple when you focus on keeping it tidy and the primary sorting and decluttering of your belongings in your garage this winter.
Winter Garage Storage Tips and Parking Solutions
Often, when we are faced with cleaning our garages, we need more than a DIY garage storage solution. There are several ways you can get started on decluttering a garage this winter. The first thing to consider is if you would benefit from a self-storage locker for your clutter. You can keep your boat, spare cars, and RV at a storage facility throughout the winter. This allows you to create more garage space while keeping your belongings safe at a storage facility near you.
Invest in Self-storage Solutions
Investing in self-storage lockers can be a great solution when it comes to keeping your garage organized this winter. They are perfect for storing seasonal items you do not need all year round, such as holiday decorations and yard tools. You can also store larger items like furniture and appliances if necessary. This will help free up more room for new projects or activities during the winter months. In addition, it will make it easier for you to find what you need when you need it. With self-storage lockers, your garage will stay organized and clutter-free all winter!
Winter Parking and Storage for Boats, Rvs, and Other Vehicles
During the winter, many people have to find a safe place to store their boats, RVs, and other vehicles. Some people keep their cars in their garages, but this can be difficult if you do not have a lot of space. Another option is to rent a storage unit at a storage facility for your vehicle. There are several benefits to storing vehicles and trailers in winter. Storage facilities also have security features like gates and fences to help protect your vehicle from theft or vandalism. They usually have outdoor parking spaces that are big enough to accommodate boats, trailers, RVs, and cars. A storage facility is an excellent option if you want a safe and secure place to store your vehicle this winter.
10 Tips on How to Declutter Your Garage and Keep it Organized This Winter
A well-organized garage can make your life much easier—not to mention safer—this winter and all year round. By following these simple tips, you can get your garage tidied up and ready for whatever winter throws your way.
Tip 1: Create a Garage Decluttering Plan
Before digging through your garage and throwing things away, it is essential to create a plan. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed. You can start by forming a list of all the areas in your garage that will need your attention. Then prioritize each space so you can tackle them one at a time. The tools, equipment, decorations, and freezer in the garage are just some areas you can focus on. Doing this allows you to stay on top of your cleaning and can save you time and energy before your garage is tidy and organized.
Tip 2: Sort Through, Clean, and Organize Each Area in the Garage
As you go through each area of your garage, you will inevitably come across items you have not used in years or no longer need. As you focus on each area, take everything out of the garage, or if you are short on space, you can go through your stuff in a designated clear area. Remember to clean the garage floor and your items, and be sure to repair anything that you want to keep that is broken. Then, sort through it, discarding anything that is not useful or no longer necessary. This includes old paint cans, broken tools, worn-out garden furniture, etc. If items are in good condition, someone else could use them. Consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store.
Tip 3: Install Cabinets, Shelves, Racks and Boxes
If your garage is a catch-all for all the things you do not want in your house, it is time to invest in shelves or cabinets. This will give you a place to store items out of the way and can help you keep them organized. Using clear or transparent boxes can make it easier for you to find what you need without making a giant mess. If you are using regular moving boxes, then ensuring that the contents of your storage boxes are similar can save time.
Tip 4: Use Garage Wall Space and Store Vertically
Most people forget about vertical space when they are trying to organize their garages. But if you make use of vertical space, you can drastically maximize garage space in winter. For example, install hooks on the walls to hang garden hoses, extension cords, bikes or tools. Remember to be careful when installing hooks and shelving in your garage. Also, try to keep heavier items closer to ground level to prevent issues when you need to access them.
Tip 5: Create Clear Labels and a List of Items
Being able to find your belongings easily and then know where to store them afterwards can be a great way to keep your garage organized in the winter. One way you can do this is by clearly labelling all boxes and containers, making sure every item has its own place in the garage with a designated spot – either on shelves or other storage units. This way, you can easily find your stuff quickly when needed.
Tip 6: Keep Hazardous Materials Stored Safely
If you have any hazardous materials stored in your garage, make sure they are kept in a safe place where they will not pose a danger to yourself or your family. For example, if you have chemicals like brake fluid or antifreeze, ensure they are stored in a high cabinet where children and pets cannot reach them. Also, ensure they are marked so there is no confusion about what they are.
Tip 7: Add a Workbench and Create a Space for Tools
Adding a workbench to your garage can be invaluable–it provides extra storage and workspace and gives you a place to focus on projects without having to move them elsewhere. An easy garage organization tool idea is to install pegboards on your garage walls to help store items like screws and bolts.
Tip 8: Store Seasonal Items Carefully
If you have items that you only use during certain times of the year, make sure they are cleaned and stored correctly. For example, if you have a snow blower, make sure it is stored in a place where it will not get in the way but will also be easy to access when the snow starts to fall. The same goes for summer items like lawnmowers and pool supplies.
Tip 9: Winter Garage Cleaning and Maintenance
During the winter, garages can become flooded and damaged by the rain and snow that is tracked in by your vehicles. Adding garage mats and other items to help reduce the risk of slippery garage floors, ice, and water damage. Regularly cleaning garage floors, entryways, and storage spaces can help you maintain a clean, tidy and organized garage. This also provides the perfect opportunity to check for and quickly address any other repairs or problems.
Tip 10: Implement a “One In, One Out” Policy
One of the best ways to keep your garage from becoming cluttered again is to implement a "one in, one out" policy. This means that for every new item you bring into your garage, you must get rid of one thing that you no longer need or use. Doing this will help prevent it from becoming overloaded with stuff over time.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering your garage can seem daunting, but it is doable with some planning and effort. By following these garage storage tips, you will be well on your way to having an organized and clutter-free garage all winter long!
Make Space Storage has several storage solutions to help declutter your garage. We have multiple self-storage facilities across Canada. Our storage solutions include portable storage container rentals, RV and Boat parking spaces, self-storage units, and packing supplies. Contact us today to reserve your storage unit for your garage clutter and household belongings.
