10 Steps to Declutter Garage Cabinets Before the New Year

Empty Out Your Garage Cabinets Completely

The best way to start decluttering is by removing everything from your garage cabinets. This allows you to see exactly what you’ve been storing and what no longer belongs there. An empty cabinet gives you a clean foundation to build a more intentional storage system.

Taking everything out also helps you identify items you forgot you even owned. When you see the full picture, decision-making becomes much easier. This step sets the tone for the rest of the decluttering process and builds momentum for what comes next.

Sort Items Into Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash Piles

Once everything is out of your cabinets, it’s time to decide what’s worth keeping and what’s simply taking up space. Sorting your items into four simple categories is one of the fastest ways to bring clarity to the decluttering process. This structure reduces overwhelm and helps you make confident decisions about what stays and what goes. It also keeps you from putting items back into your garage cabinets without intention.

• Keep Items: These are the things you use regularly or seasonally and genuinely need in your home. Keeping only what you truly use prevents clutter from returning.
• Donate Items: Items still in good condition can be passed on to someone who will appreciate them. This frees up space while helping reduce waste.
• Sell Items: Some gear, tools, or equipment may still have value and can be sold online or locally. Selling them gives you extra space and a small financial return.
• Trash Items: Anything broken, expired, or unusable should go straight to the trash or recycling. Removing these items immediately prevents unnecessary buildup.

Clean and Inspect Your Cabinets

With your cabinets empty, give them a thorough cleaning before putting anything back. Wipe down shelves, vacuum debris, and clear out any dust or cobwebs that have accumulated over time. A clean space makes your organization feel fresh and intentional.

During this step, check for any signs of moisture, pests, or damage. Catching issues early can prevent bigger problems down the road. This is also a great time to tighten hardware or repair loose shelving.

Group Similar Items Together

Grouping items by category helps create order and makes storage more intuitive. By organizing items based on how they’re used, you’ll find it easier to decide where everything belongs. This also allows you to see which categories take up the most space.

• Lawn and Garden Supplies: These items are often bulky or awkwardly shaped, so keeping them together makes them easier to access before yardwork. Grouping also keeps fertilizers and chemicals away from everyday household items.
• Tools and Hardware: Tools easily scatter throughout a garage, so grouping them in one zone saves time during future projects. Using small parts organizers helps keep screws, nails, and attachments contained.
• Sports and Recreation Gear: These items typically follow seasonal patterns, so storing them together prevents unnecessary clutter during the off-season. Keeping everything in one place makes grab-and-go activities easier for families.
• Cleaning and Car Care Supplies: These supplies are often used in batches, making it helpful to store them in one designated area. Doing so creates a streamlined process for car washing and garage upkeep.

Prioritize High-Use Items in Prime Spots

Not every item needs equal access, so place frequently used items at eye level or in easy-to-reach spots. This ensures your most-used supplies are quick to grab without digging through other areas. Reserve bottom or high shelves for seasonal or rarely used items.

This type of intentional placement makes your cabinets far more functional. It helps reduce clutter because every item has a specific, logical home. Over time, you’ll find that this arrangement naturally supports better organization habits.

Use Clear Bins, Labels, and Shelf Dividers

Staying organized becomes much easier when you use tools that reinforce your system. Clear bins, labels, and dividers are simple additions that can make a huge difference in maintaining order. They also help create visual structure inside your garage cabinets.

• Clear Storage Bins: These allow you to see what’s inside without opening each container, saving time and reducing frustration. They’re especially useful for mixed or small-item categories like hardware or accessories.
• Labels or Label-Maker Tags: Labels help prevent items from drifting into the wrong place and keep your system running smoothly. They’re particularly helpful in shared spaces where multiple people put things away.
• Shelf Dividers: Dividers stabilize items and prevent piles from toppling over, helping you maintain neat shelves. They work especially well for towels, cords, rags, or loosely grouped accessories.

Add Door-Mounted Racks or Hooks

Door-mounted storage is a great way to take advantage of unused space. The inside of your cabinet doors can hold several lightweight items that would otherwise clutter your shelves. This instantly expands your storage capacity.

• Spray Bottles and Cleaners: These store well on door-mounted racks because the upright position prevents spills. They also remain visible and accessible for quick cleanups.
• Extension Cords or Ropes: These items tangle easily when tossed onto shelves or into bins, so hanging them keeps them neat. It also helps protect the cords from wear.
• Small Tools or Garden Gloves: Lightweight items benefit from being stored on doors because they don’t take up valuable shelf space. This keeps frequently used items within arm’s reach.

Upgrade to Adjustable Shelving

Adjustable shelves make your garage cabinets far more versatile as your needs evolve. Different items require different amounts of vertical space, and adjustable shelving lets you customize that as needed. This flexibility makes your cabinets more efficient and easier to use long-term.

If you acquire new tools or equipment, you can rearrange shelves without having to reorganize everything. Adjustable shelving also helps prevent overcrowding, since you can expand space where needed. It's a smart upgrade that grows with your lifestyle.

Store Hazardous or Sensitive Items Safely

Hazardous items need special attention to ensure safety and proper storage. Keeping these items in secure locations reduces risk and protects your home. Proper storage also helps preserve the quality of these materials.

• Paints and Solvents: These should be stored in cool, dry areas to prevent deterioration or pressure buildup. Keeping them in labeled, upright containers minimizes spills.
  
• Automotive Chemicals: Products like brake fluid and antifreeze should be stored high or in locking cabinets to prevent accidental access. Proper storage also protects containers from being knocked over.
  
• Sharp Tools: Saws, pruners, and blades should be stored with covers or in designated holders to prevent injury. This also keeps your tools in good working condition.

Create a Simple Maintenance Routine

Once your garage cabinets are organized, maintaining them becomes much easier. A quick five-minute check each month can prevent clutter from sneaking back in. This small habit helps you stay ahead of disorganization.

During this check, toss empty containers, return misplaced items, and adjust shelves if necessary. The more consistently you do this, the more natural it becomes. Regular maintenance ensures your new system stays intact and functional.

Conclusion

Decluttering your garage cabinets before the new year is one of those projects that pays off far more than you might expect. I’ve seen so many homeowners breathe a sigh of relief once everything finally has a place, and I know how much a well-organized garage can simplify daily routines. With a simple plan and a few consistent habits, you can keep your space feeling clean, functional, and easy to use all year long. And if you're anything like me, you’ll enjoy the sense of calm and confidence that comes from stepping into a garage that finally works the way you want it to.