Top 20 Culprits Of Clutter In Your Garage

Are you tired of tripping over boxes, old clothes, and broken tools when you walk into your garage? If you’ve got a garage full of junk, it’s time to take back control. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through twenty items to toss out so you can declutter your garage and get organised.

The Top 20 Items Cluttering Up Your Garage

Empty Boxes & Packaging Materials 

Empty boxes and packaging materials like styrofoam and bubble wrap clutter your garage. Recycle flattened boxes and find local programs for styrofoam and bubble wrap. Remember, these materials can attract pests.

Broken Tools 

Broken tools clutter and pose safety risks. Don’t toss them in the waste. Try to recycle them at local centres or scrap yards. For hazardous items, check city disposal days. Remember to remove batteries or fluids first.

Old or Broken Furniture 

Old furniture can be bulky and hazardous. Utilise “large item” rubbish days or contact waste management for disposal. Usable furniture? Donate it after cleaning. Unusable? Check if your recycling facility accepts furniture.

Broken or Outdated Electronics 

Don’t let old electronics pile up. Dispose of them responsibly to avoid environmental harm. Utilize e-waste programmes at local facilities or check with manufacturers. Erase personal data before disposal.

Unused Sports Equipment 

Unused sports gear wastes space. If you haven’t used it in months, consider letting it go. Broken or sentimental items? Dispose of or repurpose them. Donate usable equipment to charities or sell it online.

Unused or Broken Toys 

It’s hard to part with your child’s old toys, but broken or unused ones should be donated or discarded. They can be safety hazards and dust collectors. Donate toys in good condition, and responsibly dispose of broken ones, removing any batteries first.

Half-Finished Projects 

Garages often house unfinished projects, from woodworking to DIY tasks. If they’re causing stress, it’s time to let them go. Donate or give them away if salvageable, or dispose of them if they’re beyond completion. This decluttering can free up space and maybe inspire others.

Worn-Out Shoes 

Old, worn-out shoes clutter garages and pose tripping hazards. Donate shoes in decent condition, and consider recycling programmes for others. Clearing out old footwear can make your garage safer and more navigable.

Broken or Unused Holiday Decorations 

Broken or unused holiday decorations need timely disposal to prevent clutter. Discard broken items and consider donating unused ones. Check local guidelines for disposing of glass decorations and recycling non-working lights at appropriate facilities.

Books, Magazines, Newspapers, or Instruction Manuals 

Old paper items like books and newspapers attract pests and pose fire risks. Donate usable items to libraries or schools, and recycle what’s left. Keep only necessary manuals, opting for digital versions when possible. 

Old Tyres 

Old tyres degrade and clutter garages. Dispose of them responsibly at tyre recycling centres, where they’re repurposed into eco-friendly products. Many tyre shops offer disposal services for a fee. Avoid burning them due to environmental and health hazards.

Old Paint 

Stored paint eventually becomes a health risk. Dispose of it according to local regulations, often through hazardous waste programmes. Never ignore the potential harm of old paint fumes and chemicals.

Old Baby Carriage, Car Seats, & Baby Accessories 

Outgrown baby items like prams and car seats take up space. Check expiration dates for safety. Recycle or donate them to centres aiding needy families. Proper disposal prevents landfill harm and space clutter.

Expired Cleaning Supplies & Chemicals 

Expired cleaning products pose safety risks. As they lose effectiveness, they become hazardous. Dispose of them following local guidelines. Never drain them, as they contaminate water sources.

Automotive Fluids 

Old automotive fluids like oil and brake fluid are environmental hazards. Don’t discard them in the waste or drains. Utilize recycling programmes at auto parts stores or local hazardous waste services.

Old Car Parts 

Holding onto car parts for vehicles you no longer own clutters your garage. Dispose of them properly, especially if they contain hazardous materials. Consider selling on platforms like eBay or donating to local auto shops or mechanics.

Unneeded or Duplicate Garden Tools 

Unused garden tools can clutter your space, making it hard to find what you need. Donate these to community gardens or non-profits. Recycle metal tools at scrap centres. Avoid discarding them to reduce landfill waste.

Old Batteries 

Accumulated batteries in garages pose environmental risks. Never throw them in regular waste or recycling. Take them to designated recycling locations, like retail stores or hardware centres. Follow specific disposal methods for different battery types.

Firewood 

Storing firewood in garages attracts insects and can lead to mould. Keep it outside, in a covered area away from your home. Donate usable wood or check with waste management for disposal options for unusable timber.

Excess Building Materials 

Excess building materials like spare tiles can obstruct garage space and become outdated. Donate usable materials to local charities. For disposal, check local programmes for recycling or special handling of materials like paint or insulation.

Wrapping It Up

Tossing out items that you no longer need can free up valuable space to better organize a small garage. This can help make your garage look nicer and make it a more enjoyable place to work.  

Most of the junk in your garage can be donated or recycled, so dispose of them responsibly.