Declutter And Organize Your Garage By Tossing These 10 Things In Fall

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If your garage is a mess, you're not alone. Although many of us manage to squeeze a car inside, the vast majority are using at least some part of our garages for projects or storage. It doesn't take long for this hybrid space to fill up with a wide, and sometimes perplexing, array of stuff ranging from "sorta useful" to "should have been thrown away years ago". Deflated pool toys drape over bags of deicing salt. Labels on cans of slowly separating paint disintegrate, leaving only the dried-on drips as an indicator of what colors are hidden inside. As the weather cools off, there's something deeply satisfying and stress-relieving about getting your garage in order before the hectic holiday season kicks off. Fortunately, it's easy to declutter and organize your garage by tossing everything from those dust-collecting cardboard boxes to expired lawn chemicals.

Decluttering your garage may seem intimidating, but you'll be surprised at how much space you can create by throwing away items that are broken, duplicates, or lingering on that "I'll fix it someday" pile. Instead of asking yourself if that rusty can of roach spray sparks joy, let the expiration date be your guiding light. If you're having trouble letting go of those inherited coffee cans full of random screws or nails, consider whether doing a little Swedish death cleaning may make things easier on you and your loved ones both now and in the inevitable future. As the leaves start to fall, grab a few thick plastic bags and prepare to part ways with the junk that's been stealing your square footage.

Amazon deliveries are exciting, but the cardboard boxes multiplying overnight are anything but. They invite pests and absorb moisture, making them basically useless by the time you actually need a box for shipping those last-minute Christmas presents. This fall, do yourself a favor and ditch them. Break each box flat using a tool like the Internet's Best Store Premium Utility Retractable Knife, then stack neatly before dropping them at your local recycling center. If a few are still sturdy, keep one or two nearby for the rest of your garage clean-out day and send the rest packing, literally.

If you're a huge fan of the vintage farmhouse style, it may be hard to part with your rusty old tools. But in reality, they're more of a liability than a look to love. Dull shovels don't dig as well. Corroded clippers can really damage your plants. And even if you spent a fortune on it, or it's your grandpas, or they're hard to replace, no dirty tool or nail is worth the tetanus risk! After sorting through what's salvageable, check with your local recycling center to see if they accept or buy tools for scrap metal. 

Whether they're dried up or just colors you'll never use again, old paint cans are another item that quickly stack up in many garages. We're all guilty of hanging on to those half-used gallons, in case we ever do touch-ups. The trouble is, they often dry up quickly, and even then, paint isn't something you can just toss in the trash. If your cans are completely empty or dried solid, you can probably get away with throwing them in your regular garbage pickup. But when your paint is still liquid, research your municipality's hazardous waste collection days.

Extension cords held together with tape and hope, and hopelessly tangled Christmas lights, are more of a hazard than a help. Frayed cords are more likely to spark or overheat, making them a fire risk you can easily avoid. And it's a lot more fun to spend time decorating for the holidays than sitting in a cold garage, spending quality family time untangling knotted strands with blown bulbs that drastically increase electrocution risk. The fix is easy. Recycle cords and string lights at electronics drop-off centers before investing in replacements (or putting them on your wish list).

There are a lot of ways to create a cozy space for entertaining this fall, but nothing kills the mood at a backyard gathering faster than someone sinking through the seat of a worn-out chair. Sagging fabric camping chairs, wobbly or bowed out legs, and suspiciously splintery wooden slats are a serious safety risk. Call your garbage company to see if you can just leave them curbside, offering to separate any metal frames for recycling. If your chairs are still sturdy but just aren't your style anymore, donate them to a local shelter or community center.

It's easy to have emotional and financial ties to the bicycles hanging around in your garage. But if it's been years since your youngest rode gleefully around on that trike, or your spouse has moved on to pickleball after investing in a sleek bike that's now collecting dust, they're simply not worth the space. If the frame and gears of your old bikes are still in good shape, donate them to local charities or bike co-ops where they can get a second life. Or, try selling higher-end models at your local bike shop or on Facebook Marketplace. 

Inheriting a coffee can or jar full of random screws or nails from an older relative is something of a rite of passage for many homeowners. The trouble is, when you're working on a DIY or repair project, nothing is more frustrating than digging through a pile of rusty parts that don't do the trick. This fall, sort out anything worth keeping. Ditch the rusty can in favor of a dedicated container like the Anyyion Small Parts Organizer from Amazon. Metal recyclers will take the leftovers, often buying mixed hardware by the pound.

Kennels and carriers are another item many of us keep in the garage long after they're useful. Our fur babies either outgrow them or sometimes, they cross the rainbow bridge. A dog kennel can easily swallow up a solid two to three feet of floor space, and even smaller cat carriers are just large enough to be awkward. Instead of letting them sit around collecting dust, consider donating them to a local shelter or rescue group. These organizations are often in need of carriers for transport and safe housing of stray animals.

Let's get real. Nobody needs three stepstools. And that one ladder with the cracked rung? It's only harmless until it isn't. According to the most recent study by the CDC, there can be over 22,000 ladder injuries per year. Some of them are fatal, and many occur during everyday tasks in homes where people assume their ladder is "good enough". If yours is damaged, has missing feet, a warped frame, or loose steps, don't wait until a fall forces your decision. Recycle the metal parts or sell them for scrap. Your unfractured bones will thank you.

Expired chemicals aren't just clutter. They're potentially hazardous to your health. Left in your garage, they can leak, react, or release fumes, posing serious risks to your pets and family. Old pesticides, weed killers, and garden fertilizers shouldn't be casually tossed in the trash. Instead, check with your municipality for hazardous waste collection program requirements. Some hardware stores may also help with proper disposal. Clearing out expired chemicals not only frees up valuable space in your garage, but also prevents accidental spills, exposure, or environmental damage.