Reclaiming Your Garage
- Kaytlyn Beakhouse
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
How to Organize Seasonal Clutter for Alberta Garages
Garages and sheds are natural magnets for overflow. Between seasonal décor, clunky outdoor gear, and (in Edmonton) a stack of winter tires, these spaces quickly become impassable mazes.
Whether you are staying in your forever home and want a functional workshop, or you’re starting to think about downsizing, reclaiming your garage is one of the most impactful projects you can tackle.
Prefer to listen? Check out our interview on 880 CHED.
Here’s how our Professional Organizers approach overwhelming garage transformations, one step at a time:
1. Start with a Clear Purpose
Before you move a single box, decide what you want this space to do for you and your family. Will you use it for:
Parking your car
A dedicated workshop
The home base for bikes and camping gear
A hangout zone
Or a combination!
Defining the purpose first will ensure you make objective decisions about what truly belongs, and what needs to go. Start with our vision worksheet, if you need some help gaining clarity.
2. Check the Forecast and Start Decluttering
Decluttering a garage is a good weather project. Take advantage of a sunny Alberta day to pull things out, either all at once or section by section.
The Floor First: Start with items taking up floor space. Getting these bulky items out of the way lets you move freely and finally sweep out the winter dust and debris.
Shelves Second: Once you have room to move, get into smaller items like tools and storage boxes.
The Buddy System: Garages often involve heavy lifting or reaching high shelves. This is the perfect time to recruit a buddy or professional to help with the heavy lifting and ladder work.
Pro Tip: Garages are often full of "mystery" chemicals, old paint, and dead batteries. In Edmonton, you can take these (along with old tires and electronics) to any City of Edmonton Eco Station.
3. Organizing Your Garage or Shed
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to put things back. If your garage feels small, look up! Most garages have wall and ceiling storage potential that goes unused. Also keep in mind:
Getting Items Off the Floor: Use wall hooks for bikes, rakes, and ladders. Even simple 2x4s can be used to create overhead storage.
Grouping Like Items: Use water and mice resistant totes to store small items together. Plus, they’ll keep items dust free too!
Labelling Everything: Use large, specific labels on your bins. You shouldn't have to wonder which bin holds "Santa Ornaments" versus "School Memories".
Story Time: In sheds and garages, it’s essential you keep an eye out for pests. I once discovered two feet of shredded pine cones in a client’s shed—turns out a family of squirrels had officially moved in!
4. The Semi-Annual Garage Reset
In Alberta, our needs change drastically between seasons. We recommend a Spring and Fall reset to keep your garage and shed functional:
The September Swap: Move the snow shovels and ice melt to the front, and tuck the lawnmower and gardening tools to the back.
The April Refresh: Switch the winter tires for summer ones and bring the patio cushions back out. (The time is coming, folks!)
Are you Ready for a Fresh Start?
Tackling a garage can feel like a mountain of a task, especially when you’re dealing with years of accumulated items or heavy equipment. You don’t have to do it alone.
At Sort & Simple, we specialize in helping Edmonton families navigate these overwhelming spaces. Whether you’re organizing for your own peace of mind or preparing the space for a future move, we provide the muscle and the plan to get it done.
Let’s get your car back in the garage where it belongs!
About the Author
Kaytlyn Beakhouse is the founder of Sort & Simple Professional Organizing, an Edmonton-based company supporting seniors, families, and real estate professionals through decluttering, downsizing, and estate clear-outs. With a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, Kaytlyn and her team help clients navigate overwhelming situations with confidence and care—one step at a time.
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