The garage is often used for long-term storage of stuff we think we want but don't know what to do with. Broken gadgets waiting for repair, books we swear we'll one day read, and things handed down from loved ones. This time around get the necessary tips from Peter Walsh, author of Cut the Clutter Drop the Pounds, on how to focus on a few primary projects that will help you get and stay organized and love your garage space again. Walsh's first suggestion is to stop focusing on the "stuff" and instead lay out your vision for the garage.
- Why do you want to change your space or get more organized?
- What are you making space for?
- How will your garage look, feel and function when you’re finished?
Perhaps you said you want your parking spot back, or actually need more storage. Maybe even a woodworking area? Using the tips below you will learn to make every area its own zone, and keep the things based on use that fit in each zone.
Anticipate and Remove Your Obstacles
Before sharing Peter's top pointers to organizing the garage, let's first talk about the obstacles of letting go and deciding how much is enough before it becomes clutter.
You don't have to be a hoarder or have OCD to know that throwing away things makes you feel bad, so to be prepared for this, prior to even entering the garage think about which items will be easy to let go of and which will be a challenge.
- List the items you anticipate will be difficult to let go and why.
- Decide which belongings in your garage are most important?
- Which activities in your life do you want more time or space for?
Belongings hold a nostalgic value, so for the stuff that has a strong emotional or sentimental pull on you, list two or three treasures that remind you of a particular person or memory. "Find two items in the stuff that give you huge joy and pleasure and bring them out of the dark, frame them or display them in a way that treats them with honor or respect," Walsh suggests. "You'll be amazed at how it takes the power out of the rest of the stuff."
Ready to tackle the stuff? Follow Peter’s top 10–minutes-a-day garage tips:
Trash Bag Tango.
For 10 minutes a day, set a timer and grab two trash bags. During the 10 minutes, fill one bag with recyclables or things that need to go in the trash, like broken toys. Fill the other bag with things you want to donate. If you and another person do this for a week, you'll have 14 bags of trash/recyclables and 14 bags for Goodwill at the end of the week, Walsh says.
Labeling is also key for decluttering.
Since these spots are often used for seasonal items, sporting equipment, and holiday decorations, be sure to clearly label boxes and containers. Walsh suggests using different colored labels, boxes, or containers to organize. For example, orange for Halloween decorations and white for holiday lights.
Think Vertical and Store Smart.
Walsh believes that nothing should be kept on the garage floor. Instead, he recommends creating vertical storage. The less often a bin is used, the higher up it goes.
Common Excuse Traps
You have diligently restored some garage space for crafting, framed sentimental items, but there are still items lingering that you’re indecisive about, like the expensive gym equipment. Below are the top reason Walsh hears people tell themselves on why they keep items.
"I might need it someday."
Have you said this about items you haven’t even seen in five years? It’s time to ask yourself realistically when will I need this. Let say you have had an injury that needs recovery, in this case give the gym equipment up to 8-12 months. Write the date on it, and if you have used it in this time there is a huge chance you never will.
"I paid a good amount of money for it."
We have all made an expensive purchase we have later regretted but for some reason can’t let go of its constant negative reminder. The money is gone and no amount of hanging on will bring it back. These items assign a lot of guilt—every time you look at them, the emotions return. Cut your losses and you will feel lighter when you do give it away.
MORE: 4 Simple Ways To Spring Clean Your Kitchen
"I could make money selling these items."
Chances are if you're having a tough time decluttering you're procrastinating the process by bargaining with yourself about becoming an eBay expert or having the ultimate garage sale. The best way to rid yourself of this situation is have a charity or recycling center come pick up your items. Your will feel better and happier for having the garage space you want.
Energized by your quick and easy results, just keep moving in the direction of your goals. Set aside only ten minutes a day for tackling a corner, shelf or that random drawer. Once you've started to declutter your home, you'll have more time to actually enjoy life.
