Garages quickly become the dumping grounds for just about everything and tend to get put to the bottom of the priority list. Because they are big open spaces, they're easy targets for anything that doesn't have a set place.
Begin by clearing everything out of your garage. Starting with a blank slate makes sorting your belongings easier and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Once empty, you’ll have a clear view of the available space, making organizing easier.
Organizing your garage can increase your efficiency, help keep everything in order, and allow you to find tools, bikes, and equipment right when needed. If you have too much stuff and need extra space, renting a St. Albert storage unit is a great storage solution. This helps free up valuable garage space—maybe even letting you see the floor again! With more room to work with, you can organize frequently used items in a way that’s both tidy and easy to access.
Garage organization presents unique challenges, as you need to organize cars with toys, tools, sporting equipment, etc. Many storage solutions and garage organization tips exist to maximize storage space.
Before reorganizing, try taking everything out of your garage. Decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away. Looking at the space you have as a blank canvas can give you a better idea of what you're working with. Decide which area of the garage will be used for what purpose. Think carefully about what you want your garage to be used for and how this space can be divided.
The top priority should be getting as much off the garage floor as possible. Use as much vertical and ceiling space as possible. You'll create ample space for your vehicle and eliminate disorganized, frustrating stacks. The garage ceiling is an excellent location for storing long, flat items that aren’t used frequently, like ladders and equipment for seasonal sports activities.
The garage ceiling is a great spot for hanging long, flat items you don't use daily, such as ladders and seasonal sports gear. Take advantage of ceiling space by mounting a heavy-duty overhead shelf. Overhead storage is an innovative solution for keeping clutter off the garage floor and maximizing vertical space.
Before buying any shelving, measure your garage and note the size and location of windows, doors, switches, and receptacles, and the space your car takes up.
When buying pre-assembled shelving or cabinets, make sure they are elevated on legs to facilitate easy cleaning underneath.
Open shelves can discourage organization. It is easy to shove things onto the shelves until they become a mismatch of random belongings. Consider buying baskets or small totes that can be labelled and hide randomly placed items.
Garage cabinets with doors can give you an excuse to stay disorganized. Because you can hide the evidence, they can quickly become messy. Use them sparingly for items you're storing that need to be protected from airborne dust and dirt. A garage cabinet is a great way to make the most of your space, conceal clutter, and give your garage a clean, organized appearance—all while keeping essentials easily accessible.
When assigning everything a new home, group like items together, such as tools, gardening supplies, camping gear, etc. Store large tools, such as lawn mowers, in corners to prevent them from being hit or toppled by your vehicle. Keep commonly used items, like bicycles, near the garage entrance. Reserve the most difficult-to-access areas for seasonal or infrequently used items.
Stores sell holders for brooms, rakes, mops—anything with a handle. Heavy-duty hooks can handle the rest.
Label absolutely everything. Taking the time to label each drawer, shelf, and container can make a world of difference.
To maintain long-term organization, create specific zones within your garage for different items. For example, dedicate one wall to tools and DIY supplies, another to sports gear, and a section for gardening equipment. This zoning system helps you keep everything in its place and makes it easier to find what you need without digging through unrelated items. Use labeled bins, wall-mounted organizers, and pegboards to keep each zone neat and functional.
To further maximize your garage space, consider investing in multi-purpose storage solutions. Workbenches with built-in drawers, benches that double as storage, or wall-mounted fold-out tables can provide both functionality and organization without taking up extra room. Utilizing dual-purpose items helps you keep the garage efficient while accommodating various tools, hobbies, and household overflow. With the correct setup, your garage can serve as a workshop, storage space, and even a mini mudroom—all in one.
While organizing your garage, remember safety. Store hazardous materials like pesticides, gasoline, and automotive fluids in clearly labeled, secure containers that are out of reach of children or pets. Sharp tools should be stored in locked cabinets or mounted on pegboards with secure hooks.
If you have a lot of electrical equipment, ensure outlets are not overloaded and extension cords are safely routed. A well-organized garage isn’t just about looks—it should also be a safe and functional space for the whole family.
Once your garage is clean and organized, make it a habit to do seasonal check-ins. Tidy up after each project or as the seasons change—especially when rotating seasonal items like winter tires, holiday decorations, or lawn care tools.
Keeping up with a simple maintenance routine prevents clutter from building up again and helps preserve the organizational system you worked hard to set up. A few minutes every month can save you hours of deep cleaning.
Once you've finished reorganizing your garage, consider renting a self-storage unit if you still have more belongings than space. Whether in St. Albert, North Edmonton, or South Edmonton, Elite Self Storage offers the perfect solution for storing seasonal décor, sports equipment, tools, or rarely used items.
Our St. Albert location—formerly Riel Park RV & Self Storage—and our North and South Edmonton facilities provide flexible short-term and long-term storage options with no long-term commitment.
Are you running out of space in your garage? Give Elite Self Storage a call today! We offer a variety of unit sizes at competitive prices to fit your needs. Call 780-347-0433 or book online. Find affordable, convenient storage near you in St. Albert or Edmonton.
