Your garage can quickly fill up with stuff you don’t need or use anymore. Over time, all those random items make it hard to find space for your car or tools. If your garage feels cramped or messy, it might be time to sort through what’s really worth keeping.
Knowing what things are cluttering your garage right now can help you make space and find order faster. This way, you avoid feeling overwhelmed and can focus on clearing out the stuff that just takes up room.
Old paint cans
You probably have old paint cans taking up space in your garage. They can dry out or become unusable over time.
If it’s latex paint, you can let it dry and then throw it away with regular trash. Using something like cat litter helps it dry faster.
Keep only the paint you know you will actually use again. This clears space and gets rid of hazards.
Empty cardboard boxes
Empty cardboard boxes can take up a lot of space in your garage. You might keep them thinking they’ll come in handy, but most often they just pile up.
These boxes absorb moisture, which can cause damage to anything stored inside later. If you don’t need them soon, it’s better to recycle them. Getting rid of empty boxes frees up room and makes your garage look less messy.
Expired automotive fluids
You might have old oil, brake fluid, or coolant sitting in your garage. These fluids can go bad and become unsafe to use.
Keep them in closed containers and never mix different types together.
When you’re done, store these fluids outside in a covered spot or take them to a recycling center. They can be harmful to the environment if left inside or spilled.
Broken garden tools
You probably have some garden tools that are broken or missing parts. These tools just take up space and make your garage look messy.
If you don’t plan to fix them soon, it’s better to toss or recycle them. Keeping only the tools that work helps you find what you need faster.
Unused sports equipment
You might have old balls, bats, or helmets lying around that you never use. These can take up a lot of space and make your garage look messy.
If you don’t plan to use them soon, think about donating or selling them. Clearing out unused sports gear can help you find space for things you really need.
Empty plastic containers
You probably have empty plastic containers taking up space in your garage. Without lids, they can’t stack well and just create clutter.
If you don’t plan to use them soon, it’s best to recycle or toss mismatched pieces. Keeping only useful, matching containers helps keep your space tidy.
Outdated holiday decorations
You probably have old holiday decorations taking up space in your garage. If they’re broken or no longer fit your style, it’s okay to let them go.
Keep only what you really use each year. Too many bins full of unused decor just add clutter.
This frees up room and makes it easier to find the decorations you actually want to use.
Old extension cords
You probably have some old extension cords lying around that you don’t use anymore. They can get damaged or frayed over time, which makes them unsafe.
If you keep them tangled or stuffed in a drawer, they can wear out faster. Try hanging them up or coiling them neatly on a hook to keep them in better shape.
Using an old or damaged cord can cause overheating and even fire, so it’s better to get rid of ones that look worn.
Rusty nails and screws
You probably have rusty nails and screws mixed in with your other hardware. These can be unsafe to use and take up space you could free.
It’s best to toss any bent or rusty pieces. Keep the good ones neat in boxes or jars.
This will make it easier to find what you need and stop clutter from piling up.
Expired pesticides
You might have some old pesticides sitting in your garage. These can be dangerous if they leak or spill.
Expired pesticides lose effectiveness and can harm the environment. It’s best to toss them safely, following your local rules.
Check the labels to see if they’re past their date. Getting rid of these helps keep your garage cleaner and safer.
Empty or half-used glue bottles
You probably have a few glue bottles tucked away that are almost empty or dried out. These take up space but don’t really help you with projects anymore. Tossing them frees up room and keeps your garage less messy. If you want to save some glue, check if it’s still usable before holding onto it.
Broken lawn chairs
You probably have some old lawn chairs in your garage that don’t fold right or have broken legs. These take up space and rarely get used.
If they’re uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s time to let them go. You don’t need to keep something that just adds to the clutter.
Consider recycling or donating ones that can still hold up. Otherwise, toss the ones beyond repair to clear space.
Worn-out shoes
You probably have shoes in your garage that you never wear because they are too old or damaged. These shoes just take up space and add to the clutter.
If you don’t plan to fix or use them again, it’s a good idea to toss them. Clearing out worn-out shoes frees up room for things you actually need.
Dried-up paint brushes
You might have old paint brushes hard as a rock in the back of your garage. These brushes get stiff when paint dries on the bristles.
Instead of tossing them, soak them overnight in water if the paint was water-based. For dried latex, use a little acetone or brush cleaner. It can save your brush and keep your garage less cluttered.
Outdated car batteries
You might have old car batteries taking up space in your garage. These batteries can leak acid that damages clothes or skin if you’re not careful.
If the battery is dead, don’t just toss it. It’s best to recycle it since the lead inside is toxic and can harm the environment.
Keeping an old battery charged in a safe container is okay, but make sure it doesn’t sit unused for too long.
Unused camping gear
You probably have camping gear taking up space that you don’t use anymore. Old tents, sleeping bags, or cookware can pile up fast.
If your gear is still in good shape, think about donating it or selling it at a thrift store. This clears space and helps others who need it.
Make sure everything is clean and dry before storing or giving it away. Damp gear can cause mold and take up more space.
Old fishing tackle
You might have old fishing tackle taking up space in your garage. Some of it could be rusty or broken and no longer useful.
If you’re not a collector, it’s okay to toss or donate these items. Keeping only what you actually use helps clear clutter and makes your gear easier to find.
Expired motor oil
You might have old motor oil sitting in your garage. Even if it looks fine, motor oil can go bad after a few years.
Sealed oil can last 2 to 5 years, but its quality gets worse over time. Using expired oil might not protect your engine like fresh oil does.
If the oil container is open or has moisture inside, it’s better to replace it. Keeping expired motor oil only clutters your space.
Unused power tools
You probably have power tools in your garage that haven’t been touched in months or even years. These take up space and just collect dust.
If they are broken or outdated, it’s best to get rid of them. For tools that still work but you never use, consider donating or selling them. This clears space and helps someone else who needs them.
Empty plant pots
You probably have empty plant pots stacked in your garage. They take up space but aren’t doing anything if you’re not using them.
If you don’t plan to plant soon, consider getting rid of them or storing just a few. This helps clear up room and makes your garage less cluttered.