Transform your garage

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‘It’s the unsung hero of the home’

It’s the “ultimate catchall” and “default storage space” but with some effort, the garage has the potential to be so much more.

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“For many households, the garage is the ultimate catchall – typically the last space to get the attention it deserves,” says Katherin Creighton Taylor, a professional organizer and founder of DECANTT Organized Living, a Toronto-based home organizing company.

“It’s the unsung hero of the home, quietly collecting everything from sports gear to garden tools, holiday bins to paint cans,” she says. ““But with a thoughtful approach, this hard-working zone has the potential to become one of the most functional areas of your home – a space to park with ease, store with intention and support your daily routines throughout every season.”

Effy Terry, founder of Organize That, professional organization services in the Greater Toronto Area, agrees. “As a professional organizer, I often see garages used as default storage spaces, which can quickly become overwhelming,” she says.

“Whether homeowners are hoping to park their cars inside again, reclaim space for hobbies or simply find things more easily, garage organization is about creating function with purpose.”

Common goals for garage organization include parking the car indoors (especially in the winter); making tools, sports gear or seasonal items easy to find; creating space for hobbies or do-it-yourself projects; and/or reducing visual clutter and safety hazards, Terry notes.

HAVE A VISION

The first step, says Creighton Taylor, is to begin with a vision. “Before you pull everything out, consider the overall aesthetic and function for your garage,” she says. “Is it for streamlined storage? Weekend projects? Seamless parking? Define your goal before touching a single bin. Then, assess what no longer aligns with that purpose and let it go.”

Next, designate intentional zones. Divide the garage into zones that support your lifestyle: lawn and garden care, sporting gear, household backstock, seasonal storage, tools and utility. “Zones should reflect your routines, not just the stuff you own. Grouping like items not only keeps things tidy; it makes daily life more intuitive.”

Prioritize vertical and overhead storage. Consider often-overlooked real estate: walls, ceilings and corners. “Wall-mounted tracks, open shelving and ceiling-mounted racks instantly expand your storage capacity without compromising floor space. Items used seasonally or sparingly can live up high, while everyday essentials should stay within easy reach,” Creighton Taylor says.

Design for everyday ease. “Organization should support your life; not slow it down. Think quick-grab access to sports gear, a clear path for trash day, designated drop zones for muddy boots or car cleaning supplies. The result? A garage that actually works for you; not against you.”

ELEVATE STORAGE

Elevate storage with systems that work hard. Invest in cabinetry, open shelving, and modular solutions that blend form and function. ”While utility is key, a space that looks pulled together will naturally stay that way,” she says.

Incorporate uniform bins with custom labels, consistent hardware, a clean garage floor mat to bring cohesion and clarity to even the most utilitarian categories. Choose materials that are durable, easy to maintain and align with the overall aesthetic of your home. “Visual harmony invites respect for the space.”

Finally, maintain with the seasons. “Schedule quarterly resets to reassess and realign the space with your current needs. Spring is the perfect time to edit holiday overflow, swap winter gear for summer and tidy up project areas. A light seasonal refresh keeps the system intact without the need for a full redo,” says Creighton Taylor.

Terry recommends starting with a clear out. “Remove everything and group items by category. It’s easier to decide what stays when you can see everything at once,” she says.

Sort by usefulness and frequency of use. Ask: Do I use this? Does it still work? Have I used it in the last year? “This is a great time to donate or discard broken or duplicate items,” she says.

Reset the space to its current use. Have kids outgrown those bikes? Do you still play golf? “Remove those aspirational items that probably won’t get used again. Items in waiting can take up a lot of space and be forgotten. Release the items and the guilt that you won’t use it. Use the space for things that are actually serving you.”

CREATE ZONES

Zone the space. Designate areas for tools, garden gear, sports equipment, car care, seasonal décor and so on. Think about what needs to be most accessible. Use vertical space. Don’t forget the walls. “Slatwall systems are great, but even a few well-placed hooks or shelves can go a long way,” Terry says. “If a full garage renovation isn’t in the budget, a little paint on the walls, inexpensive wall hooks or utility shelves still create big impact.”

Dust, leaves and cobwebs gather quickly in garages. A good sweep and rinse with the hose makes the space feel fresh and ready to use again. Label and contain. Use clear bins or label opaque ones. “This helps everyone in the home know where things go and where to put them back.” Do a seasonal reset. “Garages benefit from a simple seasonal sweep to keep clutter from creeping back in.”

Finally, Terry suggests taking a walk through your favourite hardware store and notice how they set up their zones. “I often get inspiration from how retail spaces are merchandised. Think of it this way: Who wouldn’t want to ‘shop’ their own stuff? If you can see it, you won’t rebuy it and you’ll avoid ending up with multiples.”