Moving to a new home isn’t just about packing boxes—it’s also the perfect time to organize and downsize. While many women handle the household packing, men often take charge of the garage, tools, storage areas, and outdoor equipment. And let’s be honest—these spaces tend to accumulate a lot of stuff over the years.
Old tools, broken equipment, unused sports gear, and half-finished DIY projects often pile up, making the moving process even more stressful. Instead of moving everything as it is, this is a great opportunity to declutter and start fresh in your new home.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to sorting, downsizing, and organizing your garage and storage spaces for a more efficient move.
Step 1: Sort Everything into Categories
Before deciding what stays and what goes, organize everything into clear categories:
✔ Tools and hardware
✔ Sports and outdoor equipment
✔ Lawn and garden supplies
✔ Automotive parts and accessories
✔ Camping and fishing gear
✔ Holiday decorations
✔ Miscellaneous storage boxes
This will give you a better idea of how much you have and what might be unnecessary.
Step 2: Get Rid of What You Don’t Use
Garages are notorious for becoming storage units for forgotten items. Ask yourself these questions to decide what’s worth keeping:
- Have I used this in the past two years?
- Does it still work properly?
- Will I need this in my new home?
- Is this something I can easily replace if needed?
If an item is damaged, outdated, or unused, it’s time to let it go. Consider selling valuable tools and equipment on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, and donate anything that might be useful to others.
Pro Tip: If you have large, heavy, or bulky items that you don’t want to move, some moving companies near me offer junk removal services to help with disposal.
Step 3: Pack Smart and Label Clearly
Once you’ve decided what to keep, it’s time to pack and organize efficiently. Here’s how:
- Use heavy-duty plastic bins or sturdy boxes for tools and small parts.
- Label each box with its contents so you can easily find what you need after the move.
- Keep essentials separate—if you’ll need certain tools or equipment immediately after moving, pack them in an “essentials” box.
Movers and packing professionals can also assist in packing and securing fragile or heavy items.
Step 4: Prepare Large Equipment for Moving
Items like lawnmowers, grills, and power tools require some preparation before transport:
✔ Drain fuel and oil from lawnmowers, chainsaws, and other gas-powered tools.
✔ Clean grills and empty propane tanks (some moving companies won’t transport propane).
✔ Disassemble large shelving units to make them easier to move.
✔ Wrap sharp tools in protective coverings to prevent injuries.
Step 5: Organize the New Garage Efficiently
Once you arrive at your new home, take advantage of the empty space to set up a well-organized garage from the start.
- Install shelving and wall racks for tools and sports gear.
- Use labeled bins to keep small items neatly stored.
- Create designated areas for automotive supplies, outdoor equipment, and seasonal storage. If setting up the garage feels overwhelming, consider hiring professional cleaning and organization services to help create an efficient layout.
A Move Without the Clutter
By taking the time to declutter, organize, and properly pack your garage and storage areas, you’ll make your move easier, more efficient, and less stressful. Instead of bringing unnecessary clutter into your new home, you’ll arrive with only what truly matters—ready for a fresh start.
Need help with packing, moving, or organizing? Affordable Moving Company serves Celebration, Winter Garden, Windermere, Orlando, Clermont, Minneola, The Villages Groveland, and all of Central Florida.
📞 (407) 636-1013
🌐 www.affordablemovingexperts.com