Decluttering a Garage? Here’s When to Use a Storage Unit

Garages were made for cars—but for many households, they're the final frontier of clutter. Over time, holiday decorations, half-used paint cans, kids’ bikes, and boxes of “maybes” start to dominate what was once a functional space. If you’re facing the impossible task of reclaiming your garage, using a storage unit might be the strategic solution you need.

This guide will help you figure out when it’s time to bring in offsite storage, what to store, and how to make sure your garage stays clutter-free for good.

Why Garage Clutter Happens (and Why It’s Hard to Let Go)

The garage is often a dumping ground for anything that doesn’t fit in the house. You’re not alone—according to a survey by Gladiator GarageWorks, 1 in 4 Americans say their garage is too cluttered to park a car in it.

Why does this happen?

• Lack of indoor storage space
• Sentimental items you’re not ready to part with
• Seasonal equipment that’s bulky but necessary
• “Just in case” items like old tools, parts, or furniture

Clutter tends to accumulate slowly. Before you know it, the garage becomes an overflow area for your life. And the idea of sorting it all feels overwhelming.

That’s where a storage unit can help.

When to Use a Storage Unit for Garage Decluttering

Here are five signs that it’s time to consider a storage unit as part of your garage decluttering strategy:

1. You Can’t Park Your Car Anymore

If your garage has become a glorified storage closet, it’s no longer serving its original purpose. Parking your car outside year-round exposes it to weather damage and shortens its lifespan.

A storage unit helps you remove non-essential or seasonal items so you can take back your space.

2. You're Planning a Move or Home Renovation

Big life transitions usually require a temporary but significant shift in how you use your space. Whether you’re staging your home for sale, renovating, or downsizing, a storage unit gives you breathing room without forcing tough decisions right away.

Check out our guide:
➡️ Short-Term vs Long-Term Storage: What You Should Know

3. You Have Bulky Seasonal Equipment

Think snowblowers, lawnmowers, patio furniture, holiday decorations, camping gear, and sports equipment. These items take up a lot of space but only get used a few times a year. Putting them in storage means more room for things you actually need day-to-day.

4. You Want to Organize but Don’t Have Room to Sort

Decluttering is tough when you’re working in a crowded space. Temporary use of a storage unit allows you to clear the garage, sort everything thoroughly, and only bring back what truly belongs.

This is especially helpful if you’re doing a major overhaul or building new shelves and cabinetry.

5. You Have Items Worth Keeping, But Not Using

You might not need Grandma’s china set or your college textbooks now, but you’re not ready to toss them. A climate-stable, secure storage unit is ideal for items with emotional value or future use, especially when garage conditions (humidity, dust, temperature swings) may damage them.

What Belongs in a Storage Unit (vs. What Stays in the Garage)

It’s tempting to move everything you don’t use into storage, but being strategic is key. Use this framework:

Store Offsite:

• Holiday decorations
• Camping gear
• Seasonal sports equipment
• Spare furniture
• Collectibles
• Archived documents
• Baby gear/family hand-me-downs
• Business inventory or tools not used daily
• Long-term keepsakes
• Out-of-season clothing (in bins)

Keep in the Garage:

• Tools and hardware used regularly
• Car maintenance items (oil, wiper fluid, jumper cables)
• Bicycles and scooters used frequently
• Lawn equipment (if used year-round in your climate)
• Recycling bins and trash cans

Some items should never go into a self-storage unit, due to safety or legality.

Refer to our guide:
➡️ What NOT to Store in a Self Storage Unit

How to Pack Your Garage Items for Storage Like a Pro

If you’re going to the effort of using offsite storage, do it right. Follow these tips to pack efficiently and avoid headaches later.

1. Use Clear Bins or Label Everything

It’s easy to forget what you packed. Transparent bins help, but if you use cardboard boxes, label them on all sides with contents and category.

2. Group Items by Use or Season

Pack by category (e.g., “Camping Gear,” “Holiday Decor,” “Baby Items”) so you can quickly locate what you need in storage.

3. Use the Right-Sized Unit

Don’t overpay for space you don’t need. Our Storage Unit Size Guide can help you choose the right fit.

Also see:
➡️ Top Packing Hacks for Long-Term Storage
➡️ How to Save Money With Efficient Storage Packing

4. Protect Fragile or Sensitive Items

Use padding, avoid stacking fragile items, and consider climate protection if you’re storing wood, fabric, or electronics.

Goodfellas Storage offers Tenant Protection plans for added peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Storage Facility for Garage Decluttering

Not all storage solutions are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Drive-up access: Makes loading and unloading garage items easier
• Flexible month-to-month leases: Especially important for short-term projects
• Secure fencing and gated entry: Essential for valuable gear or equipment
• Proximity to home: The closer the unit, the more convenient for seasonal swaps

Find a location near you:
➡️ Our Storage Locations

Tips to Keep Your Garage Organized After Decluttering

Once you’ve moved clutter out of your garage, the goal is to keep it clean and functional. Here are five tips:

1. Use wall-mounted storage systems to keep the floor clear
2. Install ceiling racks for light seasonal items
3. Use clear, stackable bins with uniform sizes
4. Create zones (tools, sports, gardening, etc.) for easy access
5. Do a seasonal audit to reassess what belongs where

Also see:
➡️ How to Organize a Storage Unit for Quick Access

Garage Decluttering & Storage: Real-Life Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Suburban Family

After buying new bikes for the kids, a suburban family can no longer park in their garage. By renting a small 5x10 storage unit, they move out the lawn chairs, old kids’ toys, and extra holiday gear. Now they have a designated parking spot again—and peace of mind.

Scenario 2: The DIY Home Flipper

A couple rehabbing their house uses a 10x10 storage unit for tools, flooring materials, and boxed-up decor. It allows them to move freely and focus on their renovation without damage or disorganization.

Scenario 3: The Aging Parent Transition

When parents move into assisted living, adult children often inherit bins of keepsakes and documents. A climate-stable storage unit buys them time to sort through everything without pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I know what size storage unit I need for my garage items?
A: It depends on how much you’re moving out. A 5x10 unit holds small furniture and 10–15 boxes. Use our Storage Unit Size Guide to help estimate.

Q: Should I rent short-term or long-term storage for garage decluttering?
A: If you're doing a one-time overhaul, short-term may work. But if you want to rotate seasonal items in and out regularly, a long-term unit might make more sense. Here’s a full comparison:
➡️ Short-Term vs Long-Term Storage: What You Should Know

Q: Will my items be safe in storage?
A: Yes, especially if you choose a gated, monitored facility. For extra peace of mind, explore our Tenant Protection plans.

Q: Can I access my storage unit anytime?
A: Most facilities allow gate access 7 days a week. Check the specific hours at your chosen location.

Q: What if I need help figuring out what to store?
A: Contact our team! We’re happy to walk you through your garage decluttering plan.
➡️ Contact Us



Ready to Declutter That Garage?

You don’t have to get rid of everything—but you do need to make space. A storage unit is a smart, flexible solution for reclaiming your garage without sacrificing the things you still need, love, or want to keep for the future.

Start by identifying what can go, pack with care, and choose a facility that works for your needs. Your future, clutter-free self will thank you.

➡️ Explore Our Locations
➡️ Find the Right Unit Size
➡️ Contact Goodfellas Storage