Decluttering the Garage (Part 1) s3e7

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 The garage. Where good intentions go to die, bicycles go to gather dust, and projects go to silently judge you every time you walk past. 👀
 
This is Part 1 of The JJs' two-part garage series — and today is ALL about sorting and letting go BEFORE any organizing begins. Because organizing stuff you don't need is just neatly arranged clutter. Sound familiar?
 
Why Garages Are Different 

• Sheer size, overwhelming variety, multiple people's stuff, AND hazardous materials — garages need a different pace and a lot more grace
• Stop trying to do it in one Saturday — a garage that's been accumulating for years needs multiple sessions over multiple weeks

The 30-Minute Block System 

• 24 minutes sorting + 6-minute mandatory hydration and re-evaluation break
• After two blocks, take a longer break — garage work is physically AND mentally exhausting
• Decide your end time IN ADVANCE and honor it. "I'll just finish this one thing" is a trap!

Work in Zones — Never All at Once
Tools & workbench, garden tools, kitchen overflow, seasonal decor, sporting equipment, household supplies, fridge/freezer, unfinished projects, sentimental storage. Start with the zone causing you the MOST daily frustration.

Keep or LETS GO — Garage Edition 

• Keep: Does it WORK? Do I USE it? Does it have a HOME? All three must be yes
• LE Lives Elsewhere: Catch-alls that actually belong inside the house
• T Trash: Broken, rusted, dried up, genuinely garbage
• S Sentimental: Set aside for a dedicated separate session — don't let it slow your momentum
• GO Goes Out: Working items someone else would love

Hazardous Materials — Handle With Care!
Old paint, pesticides, propane tanks, car batteries, motor oil — NONE of these go in regular trash. Search "hazardous waste disposal + your city" for local options. Julie's tip: latex paint can be dried out with kitty litter and tossed — oil-based always goes to hazmat!

Unfinished Projects — The 5 Questions 

1. Why did you start it?
2. Is that reason still valid?
3. Is there a NEW reason to finish it?
4. Are you trapped by sunk cost thinking?
5. Are you just over it? (You're allowed to be!)

 
Part 2 is coming — smart storage solutions that actually work!

Don't want to do this alone? Clutter Crushers Club meets live on Zoom — 6+ hours of dedicated decluttering every month with a community that gets it. 👉 ABCDeclutter.com

 

 
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Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!