Your garage is meant to be a useful space, but over time it often becomes a catchall for items you no longer need. You might not even realize how much unnecessary stuff is taking up room and making it harder to find what you actually use.
Knowing which items to remove can help you reclaim your garage and make it more functional. Clearing out these things can create space for tools, storage, or just give you a cleaner, more organized area to work in.
Dried Out Paint Cans
You probably have some old paint cans sitting around that are dried out and unusable. These take up space but won’t help with any projects.
If a can is half-full, it can sometimes be saved, but dried paint is usually worthless. Tossing these cans frees up room and reduces clutter in your garage.
Old Cardboard Boxes
You might think keeping old cardboard boxes is helpful for storage or moving. However, they break down over time and can attract pests like insects and rodents.
Cardboard is not durable in a garage environment, especially if it gets damp. It’s better to recycle old boxes and use plastic bins for long-term storage instead.
If you have some boxes you want to keep, limit the number and store them in a dry place. Avoid stacking too many since they can collapse easily.
Broken Lawn Mower
If your lawn mower has been sitting broken for months, it’s probably not going to get fixed. Parts can be expensive, and sometimes the problem is more than a quick repair.
Stale gasoline or a clogged carburetor is a common issue you might easily fix yourself. But if it won’t start after trying those, consider letting it go. Holding on to a non-working mower just adds clutter.
Expired Pesticides
You should check your garage for any expired pesticides. Over time, these chemicals lose effectiveness and can become dangerous.
Holding on to old pesticides can create safety risks for your family and pets. Proper disposal will help keep your space safe and clutter-free.
If you’re unsure how to dispose of them, many local waste facilities offer hazardous material drop-off services. Decluttering these items is a simple way to improve your garage’s safety and organization.
Worn-Out Sports Gear
You probably have old sports equipment that’s seen better days. Torn gloves, deflated balls, and cracked helmets won’t be useful again.
Holding onto these items just takes up space and adds clutter. Letting go of worn-out gear clears room for things you actually use.
If you hesitate to toss them, remember they can often be recycled or donated if still in decent shape. This helps keep your garage organized and functional.
Unused Baby Equipment
You might have swings, car seats, or strollers that your child has outgrown. These items often take up valuable space in your garage.
If you don’t plan to have more children soon, consider donating or selling them. Holding onto bulky baby gear “just in case” can add unnecessary clutter. Organizing or letting go of these items helps create room for things you actually use.
Rusty Gardening Tools
If you have rusty gardening tools lying around, it’s time to reconsider keeping them. Rust weakens metal, making these tools less effective and harder to use.
You probably won’t find much use for them unless you restore them, which takes time and effort. Letting go of rusty tools can free up space in your garage and make way for better equipment.
Empty Paint Rollers
If you have empty paint rollers lying around, it’s a good idea to toss them. Old rollers can collect dust and dry paint, making them hard to clean and reuse.
Keeping them only takes up space and adds to clutter. You can clear some room by simply throwing out used or empty rollers instead of storing them.
Damaged Camping Gear
If your camping gear is torn, broken, or missing parts, it’s time to let it go. Holding onto damaged tents, chairs, or sleeping bags only takes up space without providing any use.
You’re better off clearing these items out so your garage feels less cluttered. Keep only what you plan to repair or genuinely use again.
Outgrown Kids’ Toys
You probably have a pile of toys your kids no longer play with. These often take up valuable space in your garage.
Sorting through them can feel overwhelming, but focusing on what your children have outgrown helps clear clutter quickly. Consider donating toys in good condition to make more room and help others.
Excess Rags and Cloths
You might have more rags and old cloths than you actually need. Keeping too many takes up space and can add to the clutter in your garage. Only hold onto the ones you use regularly for cleaning or projects.
If you have torn or stained cloths that no longer serve a purpose, it’s okay to toss them. This will free up room and make your garage feel more organized.
Old Electronics Chargers
You probably have a box of old chargers tucked away somewhere in your garage. Most of these cables no longer match any devices you own.
Keeping every charger can lead to unnecessary clutter. Labeling and organizing cords when you get new electronics helps avoid this problem in the future. If a charger looks worn or frayed, it’s usually best to recycle it safely.
