If your garage looks more like a dumping ground than a usable space, you’re not alone.
For so many of us, the garage becomes a black hole for camping gear, tools, kids’ sports equipment, and things we’re definitely going to sell one day. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
A well-organised garage doesn’t just feel amazing—it also saves you time, stress, and the occasional argument about where the bike pump went.
In this post, we’ll share simple, sustainable garage organisation ideas that real families (like yours) can actually maintain—without needing a trip to Bunnings every second weekend.
1. Start with a Brutal Declutter
The best way to organise any space is to get rid of a bunch of stuff. I recommend starting with the low-hanging-fruit like, that pile of “just in case” cords, the four broken chairs, the mystery tub of… something? Out they go.
If you want a nice space, be absolutely ruthless. Ask yourself:
- When was the last time I used this?
- Would I re-buy it if it disappeared?
- Is it worth taking up this much space in my garage?
- Can I replace it for under $20 in under $20 minutes?
- Am I actually ever going to use it again?
- Do I have something that will serve the same purpose?
- If it had dog crap on it, would I wash it or chuck it out?
- And so on.
Most people don’t need more storage—they need less stuff. Those beautiful garages you see around, they have heartless, aggressive declutterers at the helm. We should all be more like them. Jokes, kinda. Decluttering clears the decks so you can actually see what you’re working with and make smart decisions about storage, layout, and categories. Or else you’re just wasting your time organising literal rubbish.
I recommend you book a council clean-up before you start so you can drag it all straight out the front – done.
2. Categorise Like a Pro (and Have Some Fun With It!)
Once the clutter’s gone, sort what’s left into zones:
- Tools
- Car maintenance
- Camping gear
- Kids’ stuff
- Seasonal items
But don’t stop there—you can have some fun with this! Some of our clients have categories like:
- “Aspirational Craft Supplies” (aka the dream to take up macramé one day)
- “Party Time” (balloons, streamers, and leftover party plates)
- “Random Hardware Bits That Might Be Important”
Try not to get too bogged down in the weeds. Large sweeping categories are your friends. And if you see something that needs repairing, I recommend you still put it in its category. That’s a side quest and we’re not doing that now.
3. Use the Vertical Space, Walls and Ceiling
Floor space is precious. The best garage organisation ideas make use of vertical space:
- Wall-mounted garage tool organisers
- Ceiling racks for bulky items like kayaks or Christmas trees
- Pegboards for tools or gardening gear
You can even create a new wall with shelving in a large space that could benefit from being separated.
Garage organisers like us love making new walls with Bunnings shelves. And they can grow and adapt as your storage needs change.
4. Label Everything (Yes, Even the Tub of Cables)
It might sound over-the-top, but trust us: labels are a game-changer for garage organisation.
Use labels on tubs, drawers, and shelves so everyone knows what lives where—even your partner. Don’t have a label maker? All good, masking tape will do the trick. I also have these cool garage labels you can buy from Etsy here.
Believe me, you’re not going to remember what’s in the boxes – even if you think you will.
5. Keep Everyday Items Within Reach
It’s so important to think about frequency of use when it comes to organising.
An organised garage should work for you. Put the most-used items—like screwdrivers, bike helmets, or garden gloves—within easy reach. Use drawer units or open shelving with clear tubs so nothing gets buried. Chrissy decor can totally be stored somewhere that needs a ladder, but for the love of god put the kids’ helmets where they can grab them.
6. Invest in Smart Garage Organisers
Garages are not spaces for flimsy organising solutions. Here are some of our go-to picks for Aussie garages:
- Stackable clear tubs – Great for grouping categories like camping or seasonal gear
- Heavy-duty shelving units – Perfect for bulky items
- Garage tool organisers – Wall-mounted or freestanding, these make finding tools a breeze
- Magnetic strips – Ideal for screwdrivers, spanners, and other metal tools
You don’t need to buy everything at once—start with one area, then build from there.
7. Set a Garage Reset Reminder
Let’s be honest—life gets messy. Even the best garage system needs a quick reset every few months.
Pop a reminder in your calendar once a season to do a 15-minute tidy. Future you will be so grateful.
Look, this is a bit extra but, it could help.
8. Feeling Stuck? Call In a Pro
Sometimes it all just feels like… too much. If you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or just have no idea where to start—you don’t have to do it alone.
A professional organiser can help you declutter without the emotional drain, and create systems that actually suit your family’s lifestyle.
If you’re in Sydney or the Central Coast, we’d love to help. Reach out to Finding Organisation and let’s turn your garage into a space that works for you—not against you.