Your garage can quickly turn into a catchall for stuff you’re not sure what to do with. It’s easy to let things pile up, from old tools to random household items, creating clutter that takes up valuable space.
Knowing which items in your garage are just junk helps you clear out clutter and make the area more functional. Clearing out these things can improve the safety and usability of your garage without much effort on your part.
Old paint cans
You probably have some old paint cans lurking in your garage. Holding onto them feels smart for touch-ups, but paint doesn’t last forever. Over time, it dries out or separates, making it useless.
If your paint smells weird or looks chunky, it’s time to toss it. Just keep a small sample for color matching. For latex paint, regular trash usually works. Oil-based paints need special disposal to stay safe.
Broken lawn equipment
If you have lawn mowers, trimmers, or other yard tools that no longer work, they’re just taking up space. Holding onto broken gear “just in case” usually isn’t worth it.
It often costs more to fix than replace, so it’s better to recycle or donate parts. Getting rid of these helps clear out your garage and makes the space feel less cluttered.
Worn-out tires
If you have old tires sitting around, they’re just taking up space. Worn-out or flat tires aren’t safe to use anymore, so holding on to them only clutters your garage.
Instead of tossing them in the trash, you can take them to a tire shop for recycling. Some folks get creative and turn old tires into outdoor furniture or planters, but if you’re not into that, taking them to be properly disposed of is the best move.
Expired car fluids
You might not realize it, but those half-used bottles of motor oil, coolant, or windshield washer fluid sitting in your garage can actually cause more harm than good. Over time, these fluids break down and lose their effectiveness.
Keeping expired fluids around isn’t just pointless; it can be hazardous to you and the environment. Old fluids can leak or spill, creating safety risks. It’s better to properly dispose of them and keep only what you genuinely need. Your local auto parts store often takes empty or expired containers for recycling.
Unused sports gear
You probably have some old sports equipment lying around that you haven’t touched in years. Those dusty balls, worn-out shoes, and broken bats just take up space and collect dust.
If you’re not using them anytime soon, it’s worth clearing them out. You can donate items in good condition or recycle the rest. Getting rid of unused gear frees up room for things you actually need.
Empty cardboard boxes
You probably have a bunch of empty cardboard boxes stacked up in your garage “just in case.” Chances are, you don’t need most of them.
Keeping a few for shipping or moving is fine, but holding onto dozens just wastes space.
Break down the boxes and recycle them. It clears clutter and makes your garage easier to use. Don’t let these boxes pile up if you’re not planning a move soon.
Rusty nails and screws
If you’re holding on to rusty nails and screws, it’s time to let them go. They probably won’t hold anything together well anymore, and trying to reuse them is more trouble than it’s worth.
Rusty hardware can also pose a safety risk, like tetanus. Toss them out and grab some new ones for your projects. You’ll save yourself frustration and keep your garage safer.
Busted power tools
You probably have a few power tools in your garage that haven’t worked in ages. Holding onto them just takes up space and adds to the clutter.
If they’re missing parts or won’t turn on, it’s time to let them go. Repairing old tools can be costly and not always worth it.
Keeping busted tools “just in case” they work again rarely pans out. Clear them out to make room for stuff you actually use.
Old extension cords
You probably have a bunch of old extension cords tangled up somewhere in your garage. If they’re worn out or damaged, they’re not just useless—they can be a safety hazard.
Keeping cords that still work can be handy for tools or outdoor projects. But if they’re frayed or no longer reliable, it’s better to recycle or dispose of them safely instead of letting them collect dust.
Pile of tangled Christmas lights
You know that frustrating ball of twisted lights hiding in your garage? It’s not just annoying—it’s basically clutter taking up space. If those lights are broken or barely work, it’s time to toss them.
Untangling old lights every year wastes your time and patience. Getting rid of damaged or unused strings clears room and makes your holiday prep smoother. Keep only the ones that actually shine bright and store them neatly to avoid the mess next year.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
