Overstuffed Garage? A Storage Shed Can Help You Reclaim Your Space

When you’re looking for a home to purchase or rent, a garage might have been a big selling point. But, at least 33% of homeowners get to a point where they cannot park in their garages at all because of clutter according to a study from the U.S. Dept. of Energy. 

Tools, holiday decorations, sports equipment, and seasonal items pile up over the years, making it harder and harder to access what you actually need. The garage you might have been so excited about when you moved in has suddenly become a 2-car storage unit. 

If you’re tired of squeezing past stacks of boxes to rummage for that one decor piece or to stash children’s clothes in garage storage bins, it’s time to rethink your storage solution. What if you could store your items neatly, close by, and — most importantly — out of your garage?

With a storage shed for backyard organization, you can reclaim your garage for how you actually want to use it without sacrificing your home’s storage capacity. Today, we’ll dig into how to organize your garage space, when to make the move to a storage shed, and how to make the most of your storage shed once you have it. 

Why Do Garages Become So Cluttered?

Garages are functionally meant to protect your vehicles, but for many homeowners, they end up serving as an overflow storage space. It starts small — a couple of extra boxes, a bag of holiday decorations, or lawn care tools — and before you know it, the entire space is filled with odds and ends that have no other home. 

The result? A cluttered, disorganized mess that makes parking and accessing stored items a constant challenge.

Some of the most common clutter culprits include:

• Seasonal Items: Holiday decorations, patio furniture, and camping gear take up valuable space but are only needed for part of the year.
• Home Improvement Tools: Ladders, power tools, and leftover paint cans get stashed in the garage, often without a designated spot.
• Kid’s Toys and Gear: Bikes, scooters, and outdoor play gear tend to pile up, especially as children outgrow them.
• Household supplies: Extra paper towels, canned goods, and emergency supplies end up taking over shelves and floor space.
• Sentimental Storage: Old furniture, memorabilia, and boxes of keepsakes can accumulate when there’s no clear plan for storing or organizing them.

How to Organize Your Garage and Keep Clutter at Bay

What is the best way to prevent clutter from taking over your garage? Be intentional about what stays and what gets stored elsewhere. Consider how to organize your garage based on how often you’ll need to access that item before deciding where it belongs.

Use these three rules to guide your garage storage bins and organization: 

1. Store frequently used items like bulk paper towels, car maintenance supplies, and tools in easy-to-access locations.
2. Move seasonal items such as holiday decorations or patio furniture to garage overhead storage racks or a backyard shed.
3. Keep long-term storage items that you won’t need access to often — like keepsakes, old furniture, and memorabilia — somewhere out of the way, such as a storage shed or attic.

5 Signs It's Time to Move Storage Out of Your Garage

For some people, a few garage storage bins are all that they need to keep their stored items neatly organized and out of the way. For others, an overstuffed garage can be a major headache. 

Here are a few ways to know if your storage needs have outgrown your garage:

1. Your garage is too full to park your car. If your vehicle is permanently parked in the driveway because there’s no room inside, it’s a sign your garage is being used more for storage than for its intended purpose.
2. You constantly have to shuffle items around. When finding a tool, holiday decorations, or a seasonal item feels like a scavenger hunt, your storage system is no longer working.
3. You’ve run out of vertical space. Wall-mounted shelves and overhead storage racks can only hold so much — when they’re maxed out, it’s time to consider alternative storage solutions.
4. Tripping hazards are everywhere. If you’re stepping over clutter, dodging loose tools, or balancing boxes to reach what you need, your garage is overdue for an organization overhaul.
5. You have items that rarely get used taking up prime space. Frequently used household goods belong in your garage, but rarely accessed items like old furniture, keepsakes, and seasonal decorations can be relocated to a shed for more efficient use of space.

If any of these sound familiar, a storage shed can provide the dedicated, organized space you need while reclaiming your garage for daily use.

A Storage Shed Is Your Ultimate Storage Upgrade

Rather than treating your garage like a storage unit, a backyard storage shed offers a better way to keep things organized while reclaiming valuable space.

Here’s why it’s the ultimate solution:

Frees Up Your Garage for Its Intended Purpose

Your garage should be for parking and easy access to everyday items — not stacked to the ceiling with seasonal storage. A shed moves the bulk of your home’s storage out of the garage, allowing you to park your car safely inside again. This not only protects your vehicle from harsh weather conditions but also makes it easier to enter and exit your home without maneuvering through clutter.

Creates a Dedicated, Organized Storage Space

A shed provides structured, intentional storage for the items you need but don’t use daily. With shelves, hooks, and bins, you can organize tools, decorations, and gear efficiently, making them easier to find when needed. Investing in a shed means you can create designated zones for different storage categories, eliminating the frustration of digging through piles of miscellaneous items.

Makes Seasonal and Bulky Items More Accessible

Rather than digging through clutter in your garage, a storage shed offers quick access to holiday decorations, gardening tools, and outdoor equipment without hassle. When it’s time to decorate for the holidays or pull out your patio furniture, everything will be neatly stored and easy to retrieve without disrupting the rest of your storage space.

Reduces Stress and Increases Home Efficiency

A cluttered space can create mental clutter, making it difficult to find what you need when you need it. Studies show that an organized home leads to lower stress levels and improved daily efficiency. Rather than stressing over how to organize your garage, shift storage to a shed to create a streamlined system that allows for easier access to both your tools and everyday essentials.

Improves Home Value and Curb Appeal

A well-placed, aesthetically pleasing shed not only enhances functionality but can also add to your home’s value. It provides a cleaner, more organized look while keeping your garage neat and tidy. If you ever decide to sell your home, potential buyers will see an organized — and usable — garage and a purposeful backyard storage solution, making your home even more attractive.

Choosing the Right Storage Shed for Your Needs

Not all storage sheds are created equal. To get the most out of your investment, choose a shed that fits your space, storage needs, and long-term goals. You’ll want to consider:

• Size: Think about what you’ll store now and in the future. Choose a shed that gives you enough space without overwhelming your yard.
• Durability: A shed should be built to last. Look for weather-resistant materials that can withstand sun, rain, and temperature changes.
• Functionality: Shelving, hooks, and built-in storage options make it easier to keep things organized and accessible.
• Design: Your shed should blend with your home’s style while offering practical storage.
• Accessibility: Wide doors and a convenient location make it easy to grab what you need without hassle.

Take Back Your Garage Without Losing Storage

Your garage was never meant to be a storage unit. If it’s packed to the brim with boxes, tools, and seasonal items, it’s time for a change. A storage shed offers the perfect way to clear out the clutter while keeping your home organized and efficient.

By moving bulky, rarely used, and seasonal items to a dedicated space, you free up your garage for its intended purpose; whether that’s parking your car, creating a workspace, or simply enjoying an uncluttered entryway into your home.

Ready to reclaim your garage? Explore our selection of storage sheds and find the perfect fit for your home today.