Decluttering the Garage (Part 1) s3e7
The garage. Where good intentions go to die, bicycles go to gather dust, and projects go to silently judge you every time you walk past. 👀
This is Part 1 of The JJs' two-part garage series — and today is ALL about sorting and letting go BEFORE any organizing begins. Because organizing stuff you don't need is just neatly arranged clutter. Sound familiar?
Why Garages Are Different
- Sheer size, overwhelming variety, multiple people's stuff, AND hazardous materials — garages need a different pace and a lot more grace
- Stop trying to do it in one Saturday — a garage that's been accumulating for years needs multiple sessions over multiple weeks
The 30-Minute Block System
- 24 minutes sorting + 6-minute mandatory hydration and re-evaluation break
- After two blocks, take a longer break — garage work is physically AND mentally exhausting
- Decide your end time IN ADVANCE and honor it. "I'll just finish this one thing" is a trap!
Work in Zones — Never All at Once
Tools & workbench, garden tools, kitchen overflow, seasonal decor, sporting equipment, household supplies, fridge/freezer, unfinished projects, sentimental storage. Start with the zone causing you the MOST daily frustration.
Keep or LETS GO — Garage Edition
- Keep: Does it WORK? Do I USE it? Does it have a HOME? All three must be yes
- LE Lives Elsewhere: Catch-alls that actually belong inside the house
- T Trash: Broken, rusted, dried up, genuinely garbage
- S Sentimental: Set aside for a dedicated separate session — don't let it slow your momentum
- GO Goes Out: Working items someone else would love
Hazardous Materials — Handle With Care!
Old paint, pesticides, propane tanks, car batteries, motor oil — NONE of these go in regular trash. Search "hazardous waste disposal + your city" for local options. Julie's tip: latex paint can be dried out with kitty litter and tossed — oil-based always goes to hazmat!
Unfinished Projects — The 5 Questions
- Why did you start it?
- Is that reason still valid?
- Is there a NEW reason to finish it?
- Are you trapped by sunk cost thinking?
- Are you just over it? (You're allowed to be!)
Part 2 is coming — smart storage solutions that actually work!
Don't want to do this alone? Clutter Crushers Club meets live on Zoom — 6+ hours of dedicated decluttering every month with a community that gets it. 👉 ABCDeclutter.com
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Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!