I Threw These 10 Things Out of My Garage And You Should Too

Ever look around your garage and wonder, “Why do I still have this stuff?” Yeah, me too. It’s easy to turn the garage into a catch-all for things we think we’ll use again someday.

But let’s be honest, some of that stuff is probably junk. These are 10 things you’ve been holding on to that need to be trashed.

Forgotten Holiday Decorations

Those multi-colored lights that don’t match your current decor theme, the artificial tree you swapped out for a real one, and the giant inflatable Grinch that hasn’t made an appearance since who knows when have got to go.

Want to make a quick buck? Holiday decor is actually a great item to sell—either at a garage sale or online. You’d be surprised how many people look for these “treasures” to add to their collections.

Old Clothes

We’ve all been there—boxing up old clothes that we swear we’ll wear again. But let’s be honest, those boxes just end up taking valuable space and are rarely reopened. It’s tough, but it’s probably time to say goodbye.

Instead of holding onto clothes out of sentiment, consider donating them. There’s always someone in need who could give your old favorites a new life.

Plastic/Glass Bottles and Aluminum Cans

Got a mini mountain of bottles and cans in the garage? It’s way too easy to let them pile up, especially if your state has a deposit system. It’s like tossing out cash to just throw them in the recycling bin without cashing them in.

Set a goal—two grocery bags full—and once you hit that mark, take them down to the bottle drop for some extra cash or donate them to a local youth group.

Old Fixtures and Construction Debris

Upgrading your home feels great until you’re left with the old bits and pieces scattered in the garage, right? That pile of old tiles, the dingy bathroom vanity you happily ditched—it’s all just taking up space. Time to clear it out.

Toss what’s beyond saving into a construction debris bin (your local waste management folks can help with rentals). But, if there’s anything still in decent shape—think sinks, doors, light fixtures—consider donating them to places like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. Not only will you declutter, you’ll also be helping others find affordable materials for their projects.

Junk From Other Areas of the House

So, you went full Marie Kondo on your home—amazing! But let’s face it, all those boxes you stuffed in the garage haven’t exactly brought joy either. Old clothes, the dishes from three moves ago, and half-finished craft projects aren’t doing any good sitting there gathering dust. It’s time to truly let them go.

Load up your car and make a drop at the nearest donation center. They’ll take it off your hands for free, and you’ll reclaim your garage space.

Old Sporting Equipment

If your clubs and racquets are just gathering dust and dodging cobwebs, it might be time to admit those days are behind you. Why not clear out that space and maybe even make someone else’s day? There are plenty of apps like OfferUp, or stores like Play it Again Sports, where you can pass on your gear to someone who’ll actually use it.

Broken Tools

We need to talk about the graveyard of tools you’ve got in your garage. That pressure washer that gave up last summer, the shop vac that’s more duct tape than vacuum, and the ladder that’s frankly a safety hazard.

If they’re still sitting there broken, it’s time to admit they won’t fix themselves. Honestly, you probably won’t fix them either.

So, what to do? Check with local donation groups or put them out with a ‘FREE’ sign if that’s okay with your neighborhood rules.

Leftover Paint

Have you been hanging onto cans of paint that don’t match anything in your house anymore? It’s easy to do. Now is your chance to get rid of it. If it’s open, remember, you can’t just toss it with the trash—paint needs to be disposed of properly due to its chemical nature. Look up your local hazardous waste events to safely say goodbye to old paint.

Garbage

Garages often become the unofficial dump spot for things we don’t want in the house. But stashing garbage there? That’s a big mistake.

Not only does it start to smell pretty gross, but it also opens the door for pests like mice and bugs. Once they make their home, it is not easy to get rid of them.

So next time you eye that trash bag sitting in the corner, take it out on garbage day, or if it’s a hefty load, maybe make a run to the dump.

Old Baby and Toddler Gear

Holding onto that old high chair or car seat because it’s full of memories? I get it, but if your kids are already planning their prom outfits, it might be time to let those items go.

Baby gear doesn’t age like fine wine. Safety standards change, and gear wears out. Donating these items to a charity or passing them on to a friend can actually do some good.

For car seats, check the expiration date; if it’s past due, they need to go (safely disposed, of course). Retailers like Target and Walmart sometimes offer trade-ins for car seats too—worth checking out for a win-win situation!