Garages have a way of becoming storage zones for everything you don’t know what to do with. Old paint cans, broken tools, mystery boxes, cords you swear you might need someday, it all gets pushed into a corner and forgotten about. Then one day you open the garage and realize there’s barely room to walk through it, let alone park a car inside.
Most garage clutter doesn’t build up because people are lazy. It usually comes from hanging onto things “just in case,” unfinished projects, or items that felt too useful to throw away at the time. The problem is that a lot of that stuff sits untouched for years while taking up valuable space.
Cleaning out the garage can feel like a huge project at first, but once you start getting rid of the things you truly don’t need, the space feels lighter almost immediately. If you’re wondering where to begin, these are 12 of the most common items people keep in the garage long after they should have let them go.
Broken and Damaged Furniture
If your garage has become a storage spot for old or broken furniture, it might be time to clear it out.
Related: How to Repair and Paint an Adirondack Chair
Scrap Materials and Lumber
After completing a home improvement project, it’s common to have leftover building supplies. Whether it’s a partial stack of shingles, a few chipped patio stones, extra lumber, or unused tiles and bricks, these materials can quickly take over your garage.
To keep things organized, hold onto only what you’ll realistically use for future projects and find a proper way to dispose of or repurpose the rest.
Garden Supplies
Worn-out lawn and garden supplies, such as a leaky hose, cracked pots, torn gloves, or outdated tools, often find their way into the chaos of a cluttered garage. Over time, these items can pile up, taking valuable space without serving any real purpose.
Old Appliances
Appliances such as an old fridge, washing machine, coffee maker, or dishwasher tend to occupy space without much reason. Consider recycling or responsibly disposing of them.
Old Newspaper
Keeping old newspapers often stems from sentimental or historical interest, but if those magazines or papers have been sitting untouched for 5 to 10 years, chances are you’re unlikely to revisit them anytime soon.
Old Tires
Old cars, trucks, and bike tires usually end up in the corner of a garage on the floor. You can’t just toss them in the garbage anymore. You’ll likely need to dispose of it at a proper tire recycling facility.
Old Cardboard
If frequent Amazon deliveries have left you with a growing stack of cardboard boxes, you’re not alone. Unless a move is on the horizon, it might be time to reconsider keeping them in your garage. Even if they’re neatly folded and ready to use, the chances of needing that many boxes are slim, making them more of a clutter culprit than a useful resource.
Baby Stuff
If your children have grown too big for specific toys, strollers, car seats, or cribs, or have lost interest in them, it’s a sign to make room in your garage. Consider donating or giving away toys that are still in good condition, and disposing of those that are broken or damaged.
Paperwork
Sorting through paperwork such as old receipts, utility bills, and files collected in your garage can open up some breathing room. Dispose of outdated documents by shredding, recycling, or converting them to digital formats to minimize clutter.
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Rusty and Broken Tools
It’s time to address those broken power tools, rakes missing tines, rusty hammers, and outdated screwdrivers that have been outshone by newer, more reliable models. Clearing out these worn-out items will free up space and make room for tools that actually get the job done. Holding onto them only adds unnecessary clutter and takes up valuable storage space in your garage.
Clothes
To create more space in your garage, take a closer look at the boxes or storage bins filled with clothing. If you haven’t worn those items in years, it’s likely time to part with them. Check for signs of damage, such as unfixable tears, stubborn stains, or lingering odors that can’t be removed. Keeping these unused clothes only adds to the clutter and takes up valuable space.
Old Paint
Holding onto leftover paint for touch-ups after a painting project is practical, but proper storage is key to keeping it usable. However, there’s no need to keep large amounts of paint that you’re unlikely to use. Take this as an opportunity to dispose of expired or no longer needed paint.
