How to Prevent Holiday Clutter in Your Garage Storage Space

Plan and Prepare Early for Holiday Storage

Preparation is key to preventing clutter. Lifestyle resource Real Simple attests to the virtue of planning and preparation, such as having donation bins ready, so you can always easily get rid of what you don’t use or need.

Ideally, you should set aside time before the holiday season begins to organize your garage. If it’s too late for that this year, then make it a goal for next year. Create designated spots in your garage for keeping holiday items from seasonal tools to gift-wrapping supplies and decorations.

If it’s crunch time and the holidays are already well underway, then remove items you don’t need at the very least. This is a great time for those donation bins to come in handy already.

Invest in Efficient Storage Solutions

Of course, part of successful garage storage and decluttering is having access to the right solutions. We recommend labeled bins, shelving, and/or clear containers to store all sorts of holiday items, including seasonal tools, holiday gear, and decorations.

We also can’t emphasize enough how helpful overhead storage, storage racks, and cabinets are for keeping an organized garage. Vertical space clears up your floor while not taking up too much room on the walls. It’s a win-win storage solution.

Adjustable shelving, wall-mounted shelves, and other smart storage systems for the garage will make it easier to keep this space organized and access what you need. Stacking items is another smart way to organize your garage without taking up too much space.

Create Seasonal Zones in the Garage

Let’s talk more about seasonal zones, as they’re an excellent way to keep holiday items accessible yet separate from everything else you keep in your garage. You might assign item placement in zones by category, like one zone for gift-wrapping supplies, another for winter gear, and yet another for holiday decorations.

The usage of holiday-themed zones prevents clutter from accumulating while streamlining access. However, you will have to dedicate time to organizing these zones in such a way that you can keep the items you use most at the front where they’re easily within reach. Lesser-used items can be toward the back and slightly less accessible.

Implement a “One-In, One-Out” Rule for Garage Items

The “one-in, one-out” methodology is a classic for decluttering. You can maintain neat garage storage by committing to removing one item from your garage each time you add something new. You can add back the original item if you take out the new item after the holidays. Otherwise, it has to go somewhere else, whether that’s in the house or in a donation bin.

This rule prevents additional clutter from entering your garage, keeping it neat and streamlined. You can apply the “one-in, one out” rule for everything from seasonal clothing to holiday decorations or sporting equipment.

For instance, if you take out holiday decorations to accessorize your lawn, you can finally store those autumn lawn chairs you’ve had sitting out for months. Then, after the holidays, you might take out your spring décor as you replace autumn and winter gear.

Maximize Garage Vertical Storage

Let’s dig deeper into vertical storage, as it’s one of your best allies in maintaining a neat garage. Vertical space will help you avoid floor clutter, which can make your garage unsafe. We suggest installing garage wall storage, pegboards, hooks, or shelving units to store items, like seasonal accessories, holiday lights, winter gear and coats, and more.

Overhead storage is also handy for those holiday décor items you don’t use as frequently as well as bulky items. You can use the increased floor space for other essential items, even vehicles if you prefer.

Label and Sort Holiday Items for Easy Access

A good organization system is key when setting up garage storage for the holidays. Labeling boxes, shelves, and storage bins will make it easy to access the items you need. We like color-coded labels for adding a touch of pizzazz in your garage; they also help you categorize items.

If you can’t use labels, then clear bins are a great alternative. You can still see what’s inside, so you don’t go digging around for items you don’t need. Here’s another tip: help yourself find what you’re looking for faster by sorting holiday items by type, like winter gear, lights, or decorations.

Labels are usable year after year, helping you with long-term organization each time the holiday season arrives again.

Set a Post-Holiday Clean-Up Plan

Although it’s a bummer to think about the holidays being over, you should begin planning ahead while you organize your garage. Setting aside time for post-holiday cleanup will help you control clutter as the new year gets underway.

Schedule time to take down decorations and properly store items and gifts. You can also do a quick garage refresh at this point to ensure everything is back in its original place. Planning to do this maintenance yearly means reducing stress as the holidays are behind us and maintaining order in your garage.

Utilize Seasonal Storage Solutions

Seasonal-specific storage is your friend. By introducing certain storage solutions you only bring out during the holidays, you can maximize your garage storage without taking up unnecessary space. Think solutions, like collapsible bins for storing decorations or even seasonal organizers for winter gear.

You can move these organizers and storage options nearer to the front of your garage during the holiday season, then store them away once the season ends to free up space.

Maintain Consistency Throughout the Year

Consistency is key when preventing holiday clutter. You must be ready to commit to this ongoing process, and that entails maintaining good organization habits throughout the year. Periodically, you should check your garage organization tactics, and make any necessary adjustments to control clutter. You should also plan to do this whenever you add new items or as your space evolves.

Conclusion

Taking a practical approach to garage storage means controlling clutter through the holidays and beyond. An organized garage is safe, efficient, and accessible, reducing stress and providing more space for everyday use. Take the time now to get your garage in a clutter-free state before the holidays, and keep it that way for the year to come!

Source

• https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-prevent-clutter-in-your-home-7852465