5 Steps to Get Your Garage Winter-Ready

Topics: Garage, Winter, Garage Organization, Garage Storage, Annapolis Organizer, Home Organizer

Winter is on its way, and there’s no better time to reclaim your garage. If snowfall or icy weather is in the forecast, the last thing you want is to spend your time scraping ice off of your car windshield outside because your garage is too cluttered to park in. With a little bit of preparation, you can transform your garage into a functional space that protects your vehicle, holds winter necessities, and keeps holiday decorations within easy reach. 

Quick note before we dive in…If you’ve already tried over the years to organize your garage and it keeps getting messy, or if the thought of tackling your garage completely overwhelms you, just head straight here to contact us. We’ll do it for you! Problem solved. For those of you who would prefer to DIY it, read on!

Here are five must-dos to prepare your garage for winter:

1. Create Dedicated Zones for Seasonal Items

As the seasons change, so do the things you use most frequently. Now is the time to pack away summer items like pool floats, camping gear, and beach chairs. Create seasonal zones within your garage so everything is easy to access when the warmer months return. Use large, labeled storage bins or clear totes to store:

• Pool and water toys
• Camping equipment
• Bikes & Sports Gear

Store these items on high shelves or in less accessible corners since they won’t be needed during the winter months. This opens up prime real estate for items you’ll use during the colder season.

2. Make Room for Your Car

Parking your car inside the garage not only protects it from the elements but saves you time in the morning—no more long mornings shivering while helping your car defrost! If clutter is keeping your car outside, it’s time to reassess. Clear out unnecessary items, dispose of broken tools or sports equipment, schedule a donation pick up, and consolidate your belongings. Look for vertical storage options like Wall Mounted Racks to keep items off the floor and maximize available space. If you can see your garage floor, you’re on the right track.

3. Organize Winter Necessities

When winter hits, you’ll want snow shovels, ice melt, and other cold-weather gear easily accessible. Set up a winter station near the garage door, so you can quickly grab what you need when the first snowfall comes. Include:

• Snow shovels or snow blowers
• Ice scrapers for the windshield
• Bags of salt or ice melt
• Winter Sports Gear
• Sleds

Use Wall Mounted Hooks for storing snow tools and sleds, and keep a small storage bin near the door for gloves, hats, and scarves, so you’re always ready.

Parenting Pro Tip: Keep 1 labeled bin for each family member in your garage that has everything they need to get ready on a snow day: Snow pants and jackets, winter hats, ski gloves, scarves, snow boots, and thermals. It allows your kids to get dressed on their own and enables them to get out and make snow angels in half the time!

4. Prepare for Holiday Storage Needs

Holiday decorations often take up a lot of space, so be sure to only keep what you actually use. I like to re-evaluate that one season at a time. When you pull out your current holiday decor, decorate, and then purge anything you no longer use. When the season is over, set up designated bins for holiday items and group them according to categories (lights, wreaths, mantle decor, etc). Of course, don’t forget to label them! You can learn more tips for storing holiday decor from our blogpost on Holiday Decor Storage Tips. When you are done, store all your holiday decor bins on shelves in one zone. 

 5. Install Smart Storage Solutions

Maximize the functionality of your garage with smart store solutions to keep everything tidy and in its place. Some storage solutions to consider include:

• Overhead Racks for bins or kayaks
• Wall Mounted Bike Rack or Bike Hook for hanging sports gear
• Tool Chest or rolling carts for easy access to equipment

These solutions will help you stay organized year-round while giving you space to park your car and welcome winter without stress.

Bonus Tip: Make it a Family Project

Getting your garage winter-ready is a great way to get the whole family involved. Assign age-appropriate tasks, such as sorting toys, labeling bins, or sweeping out the space. With everyone pitching in, you’ll finish the project quickly and enjoy the results all season long.

Not ready to tackle your garage on your own? Contact Systems by Susie today to schedule a consultation and reclaim your parking spot before November 15th! We organize garages during the spring and fall, so now is your chance to transform your space. Stay warm, stay organized, and make the most of your winter season with a perfectly prepped garage.