1. Declutter Like a Pro
Kimberly’s first rule of organizing? **Declutter, declutter, declutter!** “You can’t organize junk, plain and simple,” she says. Most of us are hanging onto way too much stuff. “Start by cutting out the excess—you’ll be surprised at how much space you can free up.” In fact, according to Kimberly, half of what’s in your garage probably doesn’t need to be there.
2. Make the Most of Flat Walls
Flat walls = prime real estate for garage storage. But if your garage has exposed pipes or ductwork, this might feel like a luxury. “No flat walls? No problem!” Kimberly says. “You can still mount shelves or hooks on studs or pilings.” But if you’ve got a smooth wall, take advantage of it with shelves, hooks, and racks. It’s the easiest way to organize and keep things off the floor.
3. Go Vertical (Or Ceiling!)
Kimberly’s all about vertical storage—why let that space go to waste? “Get things off the ground and onto walls and ceilings,” she suggests. Hooks, racks, ceiling storage for seasonal items—these are all game-changers. And for everyday items, stackable bins with open fronts make it easy to grab what you need. “Your floor will thank you,” she adds.
4. The Parking vs. Storage Dilemma
Balancing storage and parking can feel like a puzzle—especially in a smaller garage. Kimberly’s advice? Prioritize what you need easy access to, and plan accordingly. “If you want to park your car in the garage, you’ll need to be strategic with your storage. But by maximizing vertical and ceiling space, it’s totally doable,” she says.
5. Make It Look Good
Just because it’s a garage doesn’t mean it has to be an eyesore. “A matching set of bins and sleek shelves can make a world of difference,” Kimberly points out. “The more organized it looks, the more organized it feels.” Plus, a visually tidy space is way more enjoyable to work (or park) in!
6. Multi-Tasking Garage
Garages these days are more than just places to stash stuff. “I’ve seen people turn their garages into gyms, playrooms, and even home offices,” Kimberly says. Her pro tip? “Wall-mounted storage like slat walls and bike racks will help keep the floor clear for these extra uses.”
7. Take Baby Steps
Overwhelmed by the thought of organizing your whole garage? Kimberly recommends starting small. “Focus on one corner or section at a time,” she advises. “Declutter, then categorize, and only then start thinking about storage solutions.” By tackling your garage bit by bit, you’ll avoid burnout and get better results.
8. Don’t Forget Weatherproofing
If you live somewhere humid, listen up—Kimberly’s got the scoop on how to protect your stuff. “Weather-tight bins are a must for anything valuable, like holiday decorations,” she says. “And don’t forget products like DampRid to keep humidity at bay.” If you want your belongings to last, weatherproofing is non-negotiable.
9. The Curbside Magic Trick
Need to offload some clutter fast? Kimberly’s favorite hack is posting a “curb alert” in your local Facebook groups. “Put your unwanted items by the curb, and post about it,” she says. “You’d be surprised how quickly things disappear—and you won’t have to deal with donation pickups or landfill guilt.”
10. Let Go of the Guilt
Parting with stuff can be tough, especially if you spent good money on it. But Kimberly’s advice is simple: “The money’s already spent, so holding onto something just because of what it cost doesn’t make sense. If you’re not using it, let it go.” Letting go of unused items not only frees up space, but it also lightens the mental load.
Wrapping It Up with Kimberly
"Organizing your garage doesn’t have to be a monster project,” Kimberly assures us. “Take it one step at a time, and you’ll end up with a space that’s functional, organized, and maybe even stylish.”
With these clever tips from Kimberly Cheeseman, you’re well on your way to conquering your garage clutter once and for all. So grab some shelves, roll up your sleeves, and start turning that chaos into calm! Happy organizing!
