As you might’ve noticed, garages have a funny way of turning into dumping grounds for things that should have been tossed years ago. It can be difficult to tackle an ever-growing heap of clutter and sentimental belongings, but if it’s been sitting untouched for years, it’s probably time to let it go. Here are some things in your garage that you really don’t need anymore.
Old Paint Cans That Are Dried Up or Nearly Empty
Every home project seems to leave behind a few cans of paint, and for some reason, they never get thrown out. If the lids are crusty, the paint is dried up, or there’s barely anything left in the can, it’s not worth keeping. Most cities have proper disposal sites for paint, so instead of letting them pile up, check how to get rid of them the right way.
Broken or Rusty Tools
A wrench that doesn’t grip, a screwdriver with a cracked handle, or rusted pliers that barely open – these tools aren’t doing you any favors. If they can’t be repaired or sharpened, they’re just taking up space. It’s better to have a small collection of reliable tools than a cluttered pile of ones that don’t work.
Random Pieces of Wood and Scrap Lumber
Unless you’re a carpenter or regularly build things, that stack of wood scraps isn’t useful. Many people keep old boards, broken furniture parts, or plywood leftovers “just in case” but never actually use them.
Outdated or Broken Holiday Decorations
We’re talking about that string of Christmas lights that only half works, the plastic wreath that’s falling apart, or the giant inflatable Santa with a hole in it. If your holiday decorations are more of a headache than a joy, they need to go.
Busted Sports Equipment
Old bicycles with flat tires, deflated basketballs, and cracked baseball bats aren’t doing anyone any good. If the gear is still usable, donate it. If it’s beyond repair, it’s just junk. Hanging onto broken sports equipment won’t magically make it useful again, and clearing it out makes room for things you actually use.
Piles of Random Cords and Wires
That tangled mess of old power cords, chargers, and mystery cables you’ve been hoarding isn’t as valuable as you think. Most of them probably belong to electronics you don’t even own anymore. If you can’t identify what a cord goes to, chances are, you’ll never need it.
Old or Expired Chemicals and Cleaners
Garages tend to collect half-used bottles of car wax, motor oil, weed killer, and cleaning products that are way past their prime. Some of these can become unsafe over time, especially if they’ve been sitting through extreme temperatures. Instead of keeping a shelf full of expired chemicals, find a safe way to dispose of them properly.
That One Box You Never Unpacked After Moving
If you moved in years ago and there’s still a box sitting in the garage that never got opened, it’s probably full of things you don’t actually need. If you haven’t touched it in all this time, you won’t miss it when it’s gone. You might want to save yourself the effort of organizing it and just get rid of it.
Outgrown Kids’ Toys and Gear
Bicycles that are too small, rollerblades no one uses, and old strollers that have seen better days don’t need to take up space anymore. If the kids have outgrown it, and there’s no younger sibling to pass it down to, donate or sell it.
Empty Boxes from Appliances and Electronics
Keeping the box for a new TV or kitchen gadget makes sense for a little while, but after a few months, it’s just unnecessary clutter. If you’re not planning on returning the item or moving anytime soon, there’s no reason to keep bulky boxes stacked up in the garage. Break them down and recycle them to free up space.
That Old Grill That’s Seen Better Days
A rusty, broken-down grill that barely works isn’t worth keeping. If it takes more effort to get it started than it does to cook a meal, it’s time for an upgrade. No matter whether it’s missing parts, covered in rust, or just way past its prime, an old grill isn’t doing you any favors sitting in the corner of the garage.
Unused Exercise Equipment
Treadmills, stationary bikes, and weight benches often end up collecting dust in garages rather than actually getting used. Selling or donating it makes more sense than letting it gather cobwebs in a place where no one is using it.
Half-Finished DIY Projects That Will Never Get Done
If there’s a half-built bookshelf, an unfinished craft project, or something you started fixing years ago but never finished, ask yourself if you’re really ever going to complete it. If the answer is no, it’s time to say goodbye. Keeping unfinished projects around just adds unnecessary clutter and guilt.
Old Coolers That Are Falling Apart
A good cooler is useful, but if the handle is broken, the lid doesn’t close right, or the insulation is shot, it’s not worth holding onto. Many garages have a stack of old coolers that don’t work as well as they should. If it’s not keeping things cold anymore, it’s just wasted space.
Rusty or Broken Lawn Equipment
Your old lawnmower that barely runs, a weed trimmer that won’t start, or a rusty rake that’s falling apart isn’t helping anyone. Lawn equipment needs to be functional, and if it’s been sitting unused for years, it’s either time for repairs or time to let it go. A garage full of broken tools just makes yard work harder than it needs to be.
Old Furniture That’s Just Collecting Dust
If you have your fair share of wobbly chairs, a table with a missing leg, or the old couch that no one wants anymore, it’s time to clear it out. Garages tend to become storage spaces for furniture that people swear they’ll fix or repurpose but never do.