The garage is often the most overlooked space in the home, yet it quickly becomes a dumping ground for everything from old sports equipment to forgotten DIY projects. If you’re tired of wading through a sea of clutter every time you need a screwdriver or your car barely fits inside, it’s time to reclaim the space! With these garage cleaning tips, you’ll have a neat and organised garage that stays that way.
1. Start with a clean slate.
The best way to tackle garage clutter is by emptying the space completely. Take everything out, sort through your belongings, and create three piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Toss. Be honest with yourself—if you haven’t used something in years, it’s probably time to let it go. This step will make it easier to re-organise efficiently.
2. Categorise & create zones.
Once you’ve decluttered, group similar items together. Some common garage categories include:
- Tools & hardware – Hammers, drills, screws, and nails.
- Sporting & outdoor gear – Bicycles, camping equipment, fishing rods.
- Seasonal décor – Christmas lights, Halloween decorations.
- Gardening supplies – Pots, soil, fertiliser, hoses.
- Car care essentials – Motor oil, jumper cables, cleaning products.
Assign a specific area in your garage for each category so that everything has a designated home. This makes finding and storing items much easier.
3. Maximise vertical space.
Instead of using precious floor space, install shelves, pegboards, and hooks to keep items off the ground. Some smart storage ideas include:
- Wall-mounted shelves – Great for storing bins and boxes.
- Pegboards – Perfect for hanging tools and keeping them easily accessible.
- Overhead storage racks – Ideal for seasonal items or things you don’t need frequently.
- Magnetic strips – A handy way to store metal tools like wrenches and screwdrivers.
Using vertical storage keeps your garage clutter-free while still making everything accessible.
4. Label everything.
Labelled bins and containers make it easy to find what you need and ensure items always go back to their proper place. Use clear storage bins for frequently used items so you can quickly see what’s inside.
5. Make maintenance a habit.
A clean garage won’t stay that way without a little effort. Schedule a quick garage check-up once a month to sweep out dust, put things back in their places, and toss out anything unnecessary. Keeping up with small maintenance tasks will prevent clutter from piling up again.
With these garage cleaning tips, you can transform your garage from a chaotic storage zone into a well-organised and functional space. And if the job feels overwhelming, let a SweepStar help you clean the space—because even garages deserve a fresh start!

ALSO SEE: HOW TO ORGANISE & CLEAN YOUR GARAGE LIKE A PRO.