We all have those corners in our homes that accumulate clutter over the years, but the garage seems to be a universal favorite. It’s easy to treat this space as a dumping ground for items that don’t have a clear home elsewhere. However, a well-organized garage can not only improve your home’s aesthetic but also its functionality. Let’s walk through 14 things that a professional organizer would recommend you part ways with immediately.
1. Broken Tools
Broken tools can take up unnecessary space in your garage. If you’ve been meaning to get that old lawnmower or chainsaw repaired but haven’t found the time, it may be time to let it go. A professional organizer would advise you to remove broken or redundant tools to free up valuable space in your garage.
Many of us tend to hold on to these items with the intention of repairing them someday. However, if they’ve been sitting around for a while, chances are high that you may never get to it. It’s better to discard them responsibly or recycle them if possible.
2. Old Paint Cans
Old paint cans can be hazardous to keep around, especially if they’re starting to rust or leak. Not only do they pose a safety risk, but they also contribute to the clutter in your garage.
A professional organizer would suggest disposing of them properly or recycling them if possible. Many local waste facilities accept old paint cans for recycling, and some paint stores even offer take-back programs. Remember, it’s always best to dispose of these items in an environmentally friendly way.
3. Outgrown Children’s Toys
Children’s toys, especially larger ones like bikes, playhouses, or ride-on toys, can take up a significant amount of garage space. If your children have outgrown these toys, it’s time to pass them along.
Donating them to a charity or selling them at a garage sale are great ways to declutter your garage while also giving these toys a new life. A professional organizer would recommend keeping only those toys that are currently being used and enjoyed.
4. Old Sporting Goods
Old sporting goods such as outdated golf clubs, deflated balls, or damaged equipment often lie forgotten in garages. If you’re not using them regularly, they’re simply accumulating dust and eating up space.
A professional organizer would suggest donating or selling these items. It’s also a good idea to assess your sporting goods periodically and get rid of anything that’s beyond repair or hasn’t been used in a long time.
5. Unused Furniture
Unused furniture can easily become a permanent fixture in your garage, taking up valuable space and collecting dust. If you haven’t used a piece of furniture in over a year, it’s time to rethink its place in your home.
An organizer would suggest selling or donating these items. If the furniture is in good condition, it could find a new home and serve a useful purpose elsewhere, rather than just occupying space in your garage.
6. Expired Chemicals
Expired or unused chemicals, including cleaners, pesticides, and motor oil, can be hazardous to keep in your garage. They pose a safety risk and can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
A professional organizer would recommend disposing of these chemicals at a local hazardous waste facility. Keeping your garage free of these items not only creates more space but also ensures a safer environment.
7. Old Car Parts
Old car parts like tires, batteries, or engine parts can take up a substantial amount of garage space. If you’re not planning to use these parts, it’s time to let them go.
A professional organizer would suggest selling these parts to a scrap dealer or recycling them. By doing so, you not only declutter your garage but also contribute to a more sustainable environment.
8. Obsolete Electronics
Obsolete electronics like old TVs, computers, or stereo systems often end up in the garage. However, these items can take up a lot of space and make your garage look cluttered.
A professional organizer would recommend recycling these electronics. Many electronics stores and recycling centers accept old electronics, ensuring they are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
9. Old Magazines and Newspapers
Stacks of old magazines and newspapers can accumulate quickly, taking up valuable garage space. While it can be tempting to hold onto these items for future reference, they often end up forgotten and unused.
A professional organizer would recommend recycling these items or donating them to a local library or school. This will free up space in your garage and ensure these resources are put to good use.
10. Old Clothes
Old clothes that no longer fit or are out of style often get stashed away in the garage. However, these items can take up a great deal of space and contribute to the clutter.
A professional organizer would recommend donating these clothes to a local charity or selling them online. This way, you can declutter your garage and give these clothes a new life.
11. Unused Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations can take up a lot of space in your garage, especially if they’re only used once a year. If you have decorations that you haven’t used in recent years, it’s time to let them go.
A professional organizer would suggest donating or selling these items. Keeping only the decorations you truly use and love will free up space and make decorating for the holidays much simpler.
12. Empty Boxes
Empty boxes from recent purchases can quickly pile up in the garage. While it may seem like a good idea to keep them for future use, they often just end up taking up space.
A professional organizer would recommend breaking down and recycling these boxes. If you need boxes for storage or moving in the future, you can always acquire them then.
13. Old Shoes
Old shoes that are worn out or no longer fit often get tossed into the garage. However, these items can take up precious space and contribute to the clutter.
A professional organizer would suggest donating these shoes if they’re in good condition, or responsibly disposing of them if they’re not. This will free up space in your garage and keep it looking tidy.
14. Junk Mail
Junk mail, old bills, and other paper clutter can quickly pile up in the garage. If these items are not needed for record-keeping or reference, it’s time to let them go.
A professional organizer would recommend shredding and recycling this paper clutter. This will create more space in your garage and help keep it organized.