Reset Your Garage This Fall: A Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing the Clutter Before Winter

Let’s be honest, your garage wasn’t meant to be a catch-all. And yet, somehow… it becomes one.

Old Amazon boxes. Overflow pantry items. Forgotten decor. Half-used paint cans. Bins you swore you’d “go through later.” And of course, the stuff you moved in with and still haven’t unpacked.

Here’s the good news: fall is the perfect season to reset your garage before the chaos of winter kicks in. It’s cool enough to work without overheating, and you’ll be thankful when the snow hits and your car actually fits inside.

If your garage has become the most disorganized space in your home, you’re not alone. A survey by the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) found that over 50% of homeowners say the garage is the messiest area in their home.

Let’s change that, without the overwhelm. This isn’t about Pinterest perfection. This is about creating a space that works for your actual life.

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Organize Your Garage

Garage organization gets a lot of spring-cleaning buzz, but fall is when it matters most.

• You’re about to start storing winter gear and holiday décor

• Your car needs a snow-free spot to park

• The garage becomes a main entryway again (hello, slushy boots)

• You’ll want quick access to shovels, salt, and seasonal tools

• And let’s be real, by January, no one wants to declutter anything

Fall is your moment. So whether you're planning a weekend reset or spreading it out over a couple of Saturdays, here's how to tackle your garage in a way that actually sticks.

The 4 D’s: Our Proven Method for a Functional Garage

Every organized space we create, whether it's a kitchen, a closet, or a garage, follows the same proven structure. We call it the 4 D’s: Delegate or DIY, Discard, Declutter, and Design.

It’s simple, effective, and built to work for families with real lives.

1. Delegate or DIY

We always encourage delegation where possible. Your garage likely holds stuff that doesn’t belong to just you, think adult children, a spouse, roommates, or leftovers from a previous chapter of life. Loop them in.

• Text everyone who has items stored in your garage and give them a deadline

• Invite them to help with the decision-making if possible

• If they’re out of town, have them FaceTime while you sort

And if the job feels bigger than a DIY weekend, there’s no shame in outsourcing. Even splitting the work, like handling the discarding while hiring help for the design, can save you hours and stress.

Want more support? Our Whole Home Reset service includes garage organizing as part of a full-home system.

2. Discard First

Let’s be clear: getting rid of stuff is organizing.

In garages especially, you’ll often find categories that are easy to part with, empty packaging, broken tools, rusted furniture, or boxes you forgot you even owned. Start there.

Ask:

• Is this still safe to use?

• When’s the last time I needed this?

• Am I only keeping this out of guilt?

Pro Tip: Your local municipality may offer free or low-cost recycling and hazardous waste events—especially in the fall. Earth911 is a helpful tool for finding drop-off locations near you for paint, electronics, or chemicals.

Bulk trash pickup is also an affordable option through your regular waste service. Just be sure to schedule in advance if you’re removing large or heavy items.

3. Declutter with Purpose

Once the trash is out, it’s time to sort what’s left. We recommend sorting into:

• Keep

• Donate

• Sell (maybe)

And here’s the mindset shift: Value your time more than the item.

If it takes you two hours to sell something for $15 on Facebook Marketplace (with scheduling, messaging, pickup flaking, etc.), it’s not a win. When in doubt, donate, and let the item bless someone else.

When evaluating what to keep, ask:

• Does this support my life now?

• Do I already own something similar?

• Would I buy this again today?

If not, let it go.

4. Design with Simplicity in Mind

Now comes the fun part, putting it back in a way that actually works.

Don’t rush this. The goal isn’t just to “make it look nice” for a weekend. The goal is function, safety, and simplicity.

Start by grouping items into zones:

• Tools

• Sports & outdoor gear

• Car care supplies

• Seasonal decor

• Recreational gear (bikes, beach stuff, etc.)

• Overflow household items (paper towels, backup pantry goods)

Then measure your space and make a basic plan. Ask:

• Do I need vertical storage (shelving)?

• Will hooks or track systems keep things off the floor?

• What needs to be most accessible in winter?

Hold off on buying bins or shelves until after you measure. One of the most common mistakes we see is buying the "best product" for the wrong space.

We love creating basic systems with these client favorites:

• Tiered shelving units (we like the Intro Metro wired shelf)

• Heavy Duty Triple Storage Bin (durable and budget-friendly)

• Garage+ Bike Rack (for hanging bikes, tools, and gear)

Label your bins clearly and place the heaviest items on the lower shelves. Aim for one touch to grab what you need, no digging required.

Friday–Sunday: A Realistic Weekend Timeline

You don’t need to conquer the garage in a day. But if you’re feeling ambitious, here’s a realistic 3-day structure:

Friday: Prep

• Check the weather

• Notify family or roommates

• Gather supplies (bags, gloves, broom, markers, etc.)

• Research where to take items you plan to discard or donate

• Resist the urge to buy storage bins, wait until you've sorted

Saturday: Discard + Declutter

• Pull everything out

• Start with trash and bulk removal

• Begin categorizing what’s left into Keep, Donate, and Sell

• Be honest, but gentle with yourself, some things are hard to part with

Sunday: Design + Restore

• Plan your zones

• Set up shelves or tracks

• Store like with like

• Label clearly

• Sweep, wipe down, and admire your progress

By Sunday night, you’ll feel 10x lighter, and your car will have a cozy new home before the snow hits.

Want a step-by-step breakdown to tackle your garage in just one weekend?

Check out our detailed guide here.

Maintaining the Momentum

The secret to keeping your garage organized? Don’t overcomplicate it.

A few simple tips:

• Use clear bins you can actually see into

• Store seasonal items up high and frequently-used ones within reach

• Designate a “drop zone” for items in transition (returns, donations, etc.)

• Do a 30-minute reset each month, set a calendar reminder if needed

• Resist turning it into a storage unit for future-you to deal with

Our Top 5 Garage Organization Products

These are our go-to solutions that blend durability, practicality, and form + function:

1. Weather-tight storage bins – Protects contents from moisture, dust, and pests. Ideal for garages exposed to the elements.

2. Durable labels – Because the system only works if everyone can understand it at a glance.

3. Wall-mounted rack or shelving – Use vertical space to keep floors clear and zones defined.

4. Heavy-duty hooks – Perfect for hanging bikes, yard tools, hoses, ladders, or bulky gear.

5. Tiered tool organizer – Keeps screwdrivers, pliers, and bits accessible without rummaging through drawers.

   
   

Want to browse our full list of garage favorites on Amazon? Click here.

(We may receive a small commission if you purchase — thank you for supporting our work!)

Final Thoughts

Garage clutter builds up quietly, but that’s also how it goes away: one clear decision at a time.

You don’t need to be a minimalist. You just need a system that reflects your real life. And the peace of pulling into a garage that feels functional, safe, and welcoming? That’s worth the weekend.

If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, we get it, and we’ve got you. You can start small, or start here.

Ready to reset your garage? Feel free to ask me any questions you have.