If your garage is tight, every item has to earn its spot. The mistake most homeowners make is adding storage without a plan—so the garage still feels jammed, just with nicer containers.

Your garage can be one of the most useful spaces in your home—or the most stressful. If yours has turned into a “stuff museum” of half-finished projects, mystery boxes, and seasonal gear, you’re not alone.

The good news: a clean, organized garage is absolutely doable. And you don’t need to do it perfectly—you just need a plan. Below is a practical, no-fluff garage cleanout checklist you can tackle over a weekend (or hand off to a team if you want it done fast).