13 Things Cluttering Your Garage You Should Finally Toss

If your garage is overflowing with items you no longer need, it might be time for a decluttering session. From old holiday decorations to broken tools, many things tend to pile up over the years, taking up valuable space. Clearing out these unused or outdated items can help you create a more organized, functional space.

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Outdated Holiday Decorations

Holiday decorations can quickly pile up in the garage, especially when they are no longer in use or have become damaged. Old lights that no longer work, broken ornaments, and faded wreaths are common culprits. These items may have sentimental value, but if they no longer serve their purpose or look worn out, it is time to let them go. Instead of keeping them tucked away, consider recycling or donating those that can still be used by others. Not only will you clear up space, but you’ll also make room for updated decorations that align with your current style or needs.

Additionally, many holiday items like artificial trees and outdoor decorations can take up a lot of space. If you notice that your once-beautiful tree has seen better days or that your inflatable lawn decorations are no longer functional, it’s best to part ways with them. This can be especially important when you are trying to keep your garage organized and functional. Tossing these outdated decorations will not only help with organization, but it will also allow you to start fresh for future celebrations, keeping your holiday traditions tidy and enjoyable.

Unused or Damaged Sports Equipment

Your garage is often home to a collection of sports equipment that you’ve accumulated over the years, but much of it may no longer be in use. Whether it’s a tennis racket you haven’t picked up in years or a football that’s too worn out to use, these items just take up valuable space. Broken or unused equipment can create unnecessary clutter, making it harder to find the tools or storage you actually need in your garage. By clearing out these old items, you can create more room for the things that matter and make your space safer and more organized.

Furthermore, damaged sports gear can be a safety hazard. A bike with a rusted frame or a pair of cleats with worn-out soles could pose a risk if you try to use them again. If the gear is beyond repair or is no longer practical, it’s best to recycle or donate it, especially if it’s still in usable condition. If it’s truly unusable, such as a broken helmet or cracked skateboard, toss it. This decluttering process will help keep your garage a space that’s more functional and safer for everyone.

Old Baby Gear and Toys

Having children often results in the accumulation of baby gear and toys that no longer serve a purpose as they grow. Items like old car seats, strollers, cribs, and high chairs are common in many garages, but they take up a lot of space and can be outdated or unsafe. Car seats, in particular, often have expiration dates for safety reasons, making it important to get rid of those that are no longer up to standard. If the items are no longer in use or have outlived their usefulness, consider donating or recycling them if they are still in good condition.

Additionally, toys that are broken, missing pieces, or just no longer age-appropriate for your children can quickly clutter up your garage. These items can be difficult to store and can create a chaotic environment in an otherwise functional space. It’s time to toss the ones that are no longer enjoyed, and make room for other items or even a more organized system for what you do still want to keep. This will not only help you keep your garage clean, but it will also make finding the things you need much easier in the future.

Expired or Empty Chemicals

Garages often house various chemicals like cleaning products, paints, pesticides, and fertilizers, but many of these items can expire or become useless over time. Holding onto expired chemicals or empty containers only wastes valuable space. For example, old cans of paint that have dried out or half-empty bottles of cleaning supplies that are no longer effective just take up room and clutter the garage. It’s important to periodically check the expiration dates on these items and safely dispose of any that are no longer usable.

Some chemicals, especially pesticides and herbicides, can be hazardous if left unused or improperly stored. If you’ve kept old chemicals around “just in case,” it’s time to review what you actually need and get rid of anything that has been sitting unused for too long. You can safely dispose of expired chemicals according to local waste disposal regulations, ensuring that your garage remains a safe space. Clearing out these items will not only help you make space, but it will also keep your environment cleaner and safer.

Broken Tools

Broken tools are a common sight in many garages, but they are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning up. Whether it’s a hammer with a cracked handle, a rusted wrench, or a pair of pliers that no longer function, these damaged tools are not only useless but can also be dangerous to keep around. Holding onto tools that are no longer in working condition takes up space that could be better utilized by functional equipment. Instead of continuing to store them, consider recycling the metal parts or disposing of the damaged items properly.

Moreover, having broken tools in your garage can be a source of frustration when you’re in need of something that works. A tool that’s too worn out or damaged could make a task more difficult and time-consuming. It’s best to clear out the clutter by getting rid of any broken tools. If you’re still attached to certain tools, perhaps due to sentimental value, it might be worth looking into getting them repaired instead of letting them take up space. This simple step can improve the usability of your garage and keep it organized.

Old Paint and Paint Supplies

Old paint cans that have dried up or become lumpy are common in many garages, but they don’t need to stay there. These cans not only take up space but can also be hazardous to store improperly. Paint that has gone bad will no longer serve its intended purpose and could create a mess if you attempt to use it. Unopened cans of paint that are simply out of style or no longer match your home can also be discarded. You can often donate unused paint to community centers or charities if it’s still good, but make sure to dispose of expired paint properly according to your local regulations.

Additionally, paint supplies such as brushes, rollers, and trays that are covered in hardened paint should be tossed. These items are no longer functional and can make your garage feel cluttered and disorganized. It’s best to go through your paint supplies, keep only what’s necessary for future projects, and dispose of the old, unusable items. This will help you create a more organized and efficient space for other items that you use more regularly.

Old Car Parts

Over time, many car enthusiasts or DIY mechanics accumulate extra parts from old cars or repair projects. While some of these parts might have potential use down the line, many simply take up space in the garage without serving any real purpose. Items like old tires, exhaust pipes, or engine parts can be dangerous to leave lying around, especially if they are rusting or broken. If the parts are no longer useful, it’s time to dispose of them. You can recycle metal parts, sell or donate functional components, or simply toss anything that’s beyond repair.

Moreover, car parts that are taking up space may get in the way of your other garage activities. If you’re not working on a car project, these parts just become more clutter that makes the space harder to navigate. Clearing out old car parts will free up room for tools, supplies, or other important items that need a designated spot. This also helps in reducing the risk of accidents, such as tripping over a loose part or injuring yourself on a sharp object.

Expired Medications

Many people store expired medications in their garage for convenience, but it is crucial to dispose of them properly. Storing expired pills or liquids in a hot and humid environment like a garage can alter their chemical composition and render them ineffective or even harmful. If you have medications that are no longer needed or have passed their expiration date, it’s important to get rid of them. Check local regulations for proper disposal methods; many areas have designated drop-off locations or take-back programs for expired medications.

Leaving expired medications in the garage can also be a safety concern, especially if there are children or pets in the home. Old medications should not be kept where they might be accidentally ingested or misused. Taking the time to sort through your medicine cabinet and properly dispose of unused or expired drugs will not only free up space but also promote a safer environment.

Old Garden Tools

Like broken or damaged tools, old garden tools that are no longer effective take up valuable space in your garage. Shovels with bent handles, rusty rakes, and gardening gloves that are too worn out to be useful simply add to the clutter. While gardening tools are essential, they should be in good working condition to ensure that you can get the job done properly. If your tools are past their prime, it’s best to toss them and replace them with newer, more reliable items.

Additionally, old garden pots and planters can quickly accumulate in the garage, taking up more room than necessary. If the pots are cracked, too small for your plants, or no longer aesthetically pleasing, it’s time to say goodbye. Donating unused pots to local community gardens or gardening groups is a good way to ensure they don’t go to waste. Cleaning out these old items will help you create a more organized and efficient gardening space.

Old Electronics

Old electronics, such as outdated cell phones, broken computers, or unused televisions, often end up cluttering garages. These items may no longer be functioning, or they may have been replaced with newer models, but they continue to occupy space. Keeping these items can prevent you from finding a new storage space for more necessary items. Many of these electronics can be recycled or donated if they are still in working order. If they’re truly beyond use, it’s best to take them to an electronic waste facility for proper disposal.

Furthermore, holding onto old gadgets can make it harder to stay organized in the garage. They can pile up quickly, especially if you’re not regularly sorting through them. Getting rid of outdated electronics will free up room for more functional items and help you stay on top of organization. You might even find some valuable space for items that you actually use regularly.

Old Luggage

Old luggage that’s no longer in good condition can be an unexpected clutter magnet in your garage. Whether it’s a suitcase with broken zippers, a faded duffel bag, or a trunk that’s seen better days, these items can take up a surprising amount of space. If you rarely travel or have upgraded your luggage, there’s no need to keep the old pieces. Donate or dispose of them if they’re no longer functional. This will not only help clear up space but will also make your garage feel more organized.

If the luggage is still in good shape but just no longer suits your travel needs, you can also repurpose it for other uses, like storage. However, if it’s too worn to be of use to anyone, it’s best to part ways with it. With one less item taking up room, your garage will feel more spacious and organized, leaving space for items that serve a better purpose.

Unused Furniture

If your garage has become a dumping ground for old furniture that no longer fits your home’s style or needs, it’s time to assess whether it’s worth keeping. Furniture that’s chipped, stained, or missing pieces can take up a significant amount of space in your garage. Consider donating or selling furniture that is still in decent condition and just needs a new home. If the items are beyond repair, it’s best to toss them. By clearing out old furniture, you will make your garage a more functional space.

Unwanted furniture can also make your garage look cluttered and disorganized. If you’re not using the furniture or if it doesn’t serve a purpose, it’s time to let go. Donating functional pieces can also benefit others who may need them, especially if they are in good condition. By reducing the amount of unused furniture in your garage, you’ll find it easier to keep everything else organized.

Empty Boxes

Empty boxes tend to accumulate in garages, especially if you’ve recently moved or made purchases that came in packaging. While it’s easy to save them for future use, many boxes quickly become unnecessary. If you have a habit of keeping boxes “just in case,” you’ll soon find that your garage is filled with more cardboard than usable space. It’s important to assess whether you truly need those boxes or if they are just taking up space. If they are no longer useful, it’s best to recycle them.

Many people hold onto boxes for items they think they might sell or return, but if you haven’t used them in months, they probably won’t be needed. Consider going through your garage, checking for empty boxes, and deciding whether they still have a purpose. If not, toss them out and make space for other items that you actually use. This will help clear clutter and make your garage easier to navigate.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.