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Decluttering for a Fresh Start - A Journey to Organized Living - PART 2

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Real Estate Agent with Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 228209

Decluttering for a Fresh Start - A Journey to Organized Living - PART 2

 

Organizing your garage can often feel like you're tackling the absolute IMPOSSIBLE! However, with the right strategy, you can win back your space and transform your garage from a cluttered catch-all into a well-organized, functional space. Here's how to level-up your organizational skills in your garage:

 

1. Set Clear Goals

Before you start, define what you want to achieve. Do you want a workspace, a place for your car, or just general storage?

 

2. Empty and Categorize

REMOVE everything from your garage and sort it into categories: keep, donate, sell or 'to-the-dump-we-go.

 

3. Purge with a Purpose

Be ruthless. If you haven't used it in a year, it's likely you don't need it. This will make organizing what’s left SO much easier.

4. Donate and Dispose Responsibly

  • Donate items that are still in good condition to local charities or schedule a garage sale.
  • For disposal, check if your community has specific guidelines for hazardous materials like paints or electronics. Don't feel like researching those guidelines, let's talk! Call or text me at (704) 491-3310.

 

5. Plan Your Space

Sketch a layout of your garage. Group items by use and frequency – seasonal items can be stored higher or deeper, while everyday tools should be easily accessible.

 

6. Optimize Vertical Space

Install shelving units, pegboards, and overhead storage systems to get your storage items off the floor.

 

7. Label Everything

Once you have a place for everything, label it. This will save you time and keep your garage organized.

 


 

Now that you're organized, I KNOW you don't want to repeat steps 1-7 again - EVER! Let's talk about how you can stay organized, whether moving to a new home or staying put. 

 

Here are Three Steps to a Permanently Successful Clean-Out


1. Maintain the System

Schedule regular clean-outs. Maintaining order is easier than a full-scale annual overhaul.

 

2. Implement the One-In-One-Out Rule

When you acquire a new item, make sure to remove an old one to prevent clutter from building up again.

 

3. Make It a Family Affair!

Involve your household in the process. When everyone knows where things go, they're more likely to pitch in and help keep the space tidy.

Lastly, keep in mind that organizing your garage is not just a weekend job; it’s about creating a system that will work moving forward. Treat your garage like any other room in your home – with a little care and regular maintenance/upkeep, it can always be just as tidy and organized.

Now, roll up your sleeves and reclaim your space!



Thinking of selling your home in the near future? Let's talk! I'm happy to meet with you and give you some decluttering/organizational tips. Call or text me at (704) 491-3310.

I'm happy to provide a free consultation. As well, I have team members who have assisted hundreds of homeowners with their organization. They are hands-on and do a wonderful job - I have learned that first-hand! 

 

🌟 #HomeSanctuary   #DeclutterYourLife   #OrgainzeYourLife 🏠

 

 

© Debe Maxwell, CRS | The Maxwell House Group | Savvy + Company | SavvyBroker@me.com | Decluttering for a Fresh Start - A Journey to Organized Living - PART 2

Comments(17)

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Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I cannot emphasize enough how important the regular clean outs really are in this regard. Absolutely vital.

Feb 24, 2024 11:16 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Debe - it seems everything starts with a plan.  Proper preparation pays off.  The quote attributed to Desmond Tutu comes to mind.  The best way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time

PS - good luck.  it's not easy, but necessary.  Eliminating clutter, that is, not eating elephants.   To anyone reading who may not understand analogies.  🐘 

Feb 25, 2024 02:56 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Decluttering is like a way of clearing out your self of clutter. It can be a very beautiful thing in that way.

Feb 25, 2024 03:00 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Debe. While very few organize the garage as well as your outline many maintain a close semblance of order following the one-in-one-out rule! Enjoy your day.

Feb 25, 2024 04:12 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I am glad that I have always despised having clutter in my own home, haha.  In the picture, it looks like it would be a nice garage if all of that clutter wasn't in it, haha.

Feb 25, 2024 04:33 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Our garage could use some cleaning up and eliminating and organizing. I think it's time for a sketch of how it could be better!

Feb 25, 2024 04:57 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Great information. Thanks for sharing, enjoy your weekend. Bill

Salvatore Arizona Elite Properties.

Feb 25, 2024 05:29 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Debe Maxwell, CRS - I often see that the most neglected part of a home is the garage. It quickly becomes a warehouse of built-up clutter, as illustrated in your feature photo. 

Out-of-Mind for owners - but not to people driving by with the garage door open. What a great blog post idea!

Feb 25, 2024 05:46 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Debe,
Here is yet another reminder of one of the things on my Vision Board. Purge!

Feb 25, 2024 05:52 AM
Edward Gilmartin
CRE - Boston, MA

Best thing to do is keep an inventory of what you own so you don’t buy duplicates . Before making a purchase ask yourself if you really need the item

Feb 25, 2024 06:13 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Debe,  Looks like a picture that I listed a townhome a could of years ago.  It was a mess.

 

Feb 25, 2024 09:11 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Debe,

What great advice to give on getting your garage back to be able to put your cars away!!LOL! It can be done when you start with a plan and yours is unbeatable. Its so much easier to live with a well-organized and functional garage. Geno took pride in having a place for everything and we never left our cars out! I still follow his lead and keep my garage organized and it's a good feeling pulling in everyday!

Feb 25, 2024 09:51 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Debe cluttering happens the opposite of decluttering.   Cluttering happens quickly and with no planning.  Decluttering takes planning and time.

 

Feb 25, 2024 11:35 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Looking at that photo I must say what is wrong with it? I see no problem here:))) just kidding, Endre

Feb 25, 2024 10:05 PM
Joyce M. Marsh
Luxury Home Couture - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes & Design

Debe, 

In my experience, keeping it organized is the hardest part because stuff is constantly coming in especially if you shop Costco!  It’s kind of like trying to keep the weight off after you been successful dieting. It’s a constant struggle. These are all great tips so thank you very much.

Feb 25, 2024 11:53 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

I love this Debe. In all my years of staging I've seen just one garage that was clean and organized. Like any other part of the house, it's easier when once you get it organized find a way in your schedule to keep it that way. 

Mar 01, 2024 07:49 PM