Garage organization: the right time to get started

Spring is the perfect time to open the windows, breathe in some fresh air... and tackle garage organization. We often think of spring-cleaning the house, but the garage often comes last (if at all). Yet it's a key room in the house where you store a ton of stuff... and where clutter quickly sets in. Your garage can also be a valuable ally in decluttering your home. Take advantage of spring cleaning to move some less-used items that are taking up too much space elsewhere.

So this year, why not include the garage in your spring cleaning? I've put together a complete guide to decluttering, improving organization and rediscovering the pleasure of a functional garage.

Why organize your garage in spring?

Spring is the season of renewal. And it's also the time when we start bringing out the bikes, gardening tools, sports equipment... All these items are often stored in the garage. If this space is cluttered, everything becomes a chore. Time is wasted, searches are made and people become discouraged.

Organizing your garage means making life easier for yourself in the months ahead. It saves time, frustration and a sense of calm in a room that's often neglected. And frankly, it's SO satisfying to see your garage transformed!

Step 1: Sort and declutter

Before thinking about organizing everything, we start with a good sorting. Take the time to go through what you have, section by section. 

• What you still use
• What's broken or useless
• What you can donate or recycle

We accumulate so much stuff in the garage without realizing it... duplicate tools, "just in case" items, things that have been lying dormant for years. Spring is the perfect time to make space and start afresh. 

💡 A word of adviceIf you need a refresher on the basics of sorting, I invite you to read the blog StéZen presents: Decluttering 101. You'll find clear reference points to help you make choices more easily.

And if you're short on time or don't know where to start, I'm here to help. I'll help you sort and organize... and I'll even make the trips to the ecocenter or drop off donations to charities. It's a great way to lighten your to-do list.

Step 2: Organize tools and hardware

Garage organization often starts with tools. And as we all know, a good handyman or handywoman always has a good collection of screwdrivers, nails, screws, hammers... which can quickly turn into a mess.

Here are my favorite suggestions:

💡Tip: group your items by type (electrical, plumbing, paint, etc.). You'll save a lot of time if you don't have to search every time!

Step 3: A space for every type of equipment

The garage is often home to seasonal equipment. By organizing your equipment by category, you can facilitate seasonal changes and express outings.

Here are a few concrete examples:

Summer sports: bikes, balls, golf bags, kayaks, tennis rackets, pickleballs and more.
Winter sports: skis, skates, field hockey equipment, snowshoes, sledges.
Renovation items: paint pots, brushes, rollers, trays.
Vehicle maintenance: motor oil, windshield washer fluid, specialized tools.
Gardening: shovels, rakes, bags of earth, watering cans, lawnmower, snowblower.
Recycling / deposit: bin for cans, bottles and empty bags.
Camping: tents, sleeping bags, lamps, folding chairs.

💡 Tip: each category deserves its own specific bin, shelf or corner. The goal? That everyone in the family knows where to find... and where to put it back.

Step 4: Optimize walls and shelves

If you're short of floor space, walls become your best allies. And there are some really practical, affordable solutions:

💡 Think about put the most frequently used items at eye level and heavy objects at the bottom. And when it comes to dust (because yes, the garage is a nest of dust!), opt for closed bins or door cabinets.

Garage organization: a few more tips

• Label everything! Even if you think you remember, a clear note can save a lot of searching.
  
• Keep a clear space for current projects or seasonal arrivals.
  
• Involve the whole familyThe kids can have their own sports corner, and everyone knows where to put their stuff.
  
• Do a quick clean-up when the seasons change to keep everything running smoothly.

Need a hand organizing your garage?

As I often say, organization isn't about perfection. It's about simplifying life. And sometimes, you just need a little push to get things done.

If you're looking at your garage and wondering where to start... I'm here! I'll help you sort, organize and even make the trips to the ecocenter. Together, we'll create a space that's functional, clear and adapted to YOUR reality.

An organized garage means a simpler life

L'garage organizationIt's not just for show. It's about finding things easily, saving time and frustration. By integrating this room into your spring cleaning, you free up space - in your home and in your head.

And if you feel like going further with tips for spring cleaning in general, I invite you to read my other blog right here 👉 Spring cleaning: a guide to good planning.

So, is the garage one of your priorities this year? I promise you, the results will be well worth the effort.

💛 Stéphanie