It's Time to Take Your Garage Back

If the past year brought home improvement projects, new furniture, or seasonal purchases, your garage may now be the place where leftover materials and old items have ended up. With winter here, now is the perfect time to reclaim your space—cleaning, organizing, and donating what you no longer need. 

Tackling the garage can feel overwhelming, but a few simple steps can make a big difference. Here’s how to sort through what you have, decide what to donate, and create long-lasting storage solutions.

Step 1: Sort Everything Into Categories

Pick a dry day and move items into your driveway so you can see what you’re working with. Sorting everything into categories helps you make quicker decisions and understand what you need to keep, store, or get rid of. Everyone will have different things, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.

• Tools (separate out duplicates) 

• Building materials (lumber, tile, hardware) and a separate pile for scrap pieces

• Paint (what to keep vs. recycle)

• Bulk household items (paper products, canned goods)

• Toys, balls, and sporting equipment

• Holiday decorations

• Bikes

• Vehicles

• Lawn and landscaping items
  

Once everything is grouped, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you actually use and what can go.

Step 2: Decided What to Donate or Recycle

Once your piles are set, identify what you no longer want or need. Before tossing anything, consider whether someone else could use it. Donating reusable items keeps them out of the landfill and can support organizations in your community, plus you may qualify for a tax deduction when donating to a nonprofit like ReStore. Here are some guidelines for common garage items:

Tools

Duplicate tools are perfect for donating. You can gift them to a new homeowner who’s just getting started or donate your tools to ReStore for someone else to put to good use.

Building Materials

Many materials such as lumber, tile, PVC, flooring, drywall, nails, screws, and more can be donated to ReStore. Always check ReStore’s donation guidelines first, as some items have restrictions.

Small lumber scraps are rarely reusable. If they’re untreated, you can repurpose them for small projects or safely burn them in a fire pit.

Paint

Those half-empty paint cans taking up shelf space can be recycled at ReStore through our PaintCare partnership. We accept up to five gallons of latex paint per visit. You can also find additional local drop-off locations at PaintCare.org.

Toys and Sporting Goods

Many community organizations accept gently used toys and sports equipment. Be sure to dispose of anything broken, recalled, or missing parts.

Holiday Lights

If you’re upgrading to LEDs, don’t toss your old lights. Working strands may be accepted by some nonprofits, and broken lights can often be recycled through local recycling centers.

Bikes

If your family has outgrown bicycles or you simply have too many, there are many organizations will refurbish or redistribute them. Choose one that aligns with a cause you care about.

Vehicles

Even an old, non-running car can be donated. Habitat’s Cars for Homes program makes it easy and helps support affordable housing.

Lawn & Landscape Items

ReStore seasonally accepts items like clean bricks, blocks, new edging, fencing, bagged landscape rock, patio furniture, and yard tools (April 1 through October 31). Check guidelines before donating.

Step 3: Build or Install Storage for What You Keep

Once you’ve decluttered and donated, it’s time to set up storage for your items so the garage stays organized.

Cabinets

Used cabinets from ReStore are a great, budget-friendly option. They’re sturdy, affordable, and perfect for garage storage where you don’t need everything to stay pristine.

Shelving

If you have extra lumber, simple 2x4 shelving is easy to build and extremely durable. Prefer not to build? Plastic or metal shelving units—new or used—work well, too. ReStore often has gently used shelving at a low cost.

Reclaim Your Garage

With a bit of sorting, thoughtful donating, and smart storage, your garage can go from chaotic to functional in just a weekend. Before tossing items in the trash, take a moment to research reuse or recycling options because you may be surprised by what can be donated. And think if a neighbor, friend, or family member can use items you no longer need.

For details on what ReStore accepts, be sure to check our donation guidelines.
Here’s to a cleaner, more organized garage this winter!