By Jackie Leffner
As the days get shorter and the temps start to dip, your garage is probably still clinging to summer—overflowing with pool toys, gardening tools, and that inflatable flamingo you swore you’d deflate in August. But fall is the perfect time to reclaim your garage, prep for winter, and—dare we say it—make space to actually park your car.
Here’s how to make the seasonal switch without losing your sanity (or your snow scraper).
Step 1: Take Inventory (and Be Brutally Honest)
Start by pulling everything out of the garage. Yes, everything. This gives you a chance to see what you’ve got, what you actually use, and what’s just taking up valuable real estate.
Ask yourself:
- Did I use this at all this summer?
- Will I use it next year?
- Is it broken, moldy, or mysteriously sticky?
If the answer is “no” or “ew,” it’s time to toss, donate, or recycle.
Step 2: Store Summer Gear Smartly
Pool floats, patio cushions, and gardening tools don’t need to be front and center in January. Use labeled bins, wall hooks, or ceiling-mounted racks to store summer items out of the way.
Pro tip: Clear bins let you see what’s inside, and vertical storage frees up floor space for—you guessed it—your car.
Step 3: Create Winter Zones
Designate areas for winter essentials:
- Snow shovels and salt near the garage door
- Winter sports gear (skis, sleds, snowboards) in one corner
- Cold-weather car supplies (ice scraper, jumper cables, windshield washer fluid) in a grab-and-go bin
This makes it easy to find what you need when the first snow hits and you’re running late.
Step 4: Prep Your Car’s Parking Spot
Measure your car and make sure there’s enough space to open doors and walk around. Clear out anything bulky, sharp, or likely to fall on your hood. If you’re tight on space, consider:
- Wall-mounted shelves
- Foldable workbenches
- Slim storage cabinets
Even a few inches of cleared space can make the difference between parking inside or scraping ice in your driveway.
Step 5: Insulate and Weatherproof
If your garage is drafty, consider adding weather stripping to doors and windows. This helps keep the space warmer and protects stored items from moisture damage. Bonus: it makes your garage more pleasant if you use it as a workspace.
Step 6: Celebrate the Win
Once your garage is clean, organized, and your car is tucked inside like a cozy burrito, take a moment to celebrate. Light a fall-scented candle, sip a hot cider, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you won’t be scraping snow off your windshield at 6 a.m.
Final Thought
Transitioning your garage from summer to winter isn’t just about storage—it’s about reclaiming space, reducing stress, and making your mornings a little easier. With a few smart moves, you can turn your garage into a functional, winter-ready zone that actually fits your car. If you want extra help transforming your garage, schedule your complementary consultation today!
And hey, that inflatable flamingo will still be there next summer.
