Why You Shouldn't Sweat Your Home's Storage Areas

Every home has its share of "manageable dumping grounds," whether it's a spare bedroom, a basement, an attic, or a garage. While these areas often seem to demand immediate attention, it's time to accept that it's perfectly okay to have some clutter in your storage spaces.

You're not alone in feeling this way; professional organizers echo the sentiment that while it might be beneficial to tidy these areas, it's certainly not something to lose sleep over.

They clarify why having a few manageable dumping grounds can actually be a low-stress strategy for organizing and when you should genuinely be concerned or take action.

Spaces in Your Home That Don't Require Immediate Organizing

To uncover which areas are safe to leave a bit disorganized, we consulted Stephanie King, a professional organizer and founder of Soulstice Living.

She explains, "Garages, attics, and basements are what I refer to as 'manageable dumping grounds.' These spaces serve as holding areas for decisions we postpone making.

"We often shove items out of sight, and since they aren't part of our daily living spaces, they quickly fade from our minds. This creates a phenomenon known as 'clutter blindness.' You stop noticing the boxes, bags, or piles each time you walk by, which is a common issue known as 'clutter creep."

In these areas, you might find sentimental items taking up space or piles of things you need to get rid of. But what if some of it isn't necessary?

"I always advise clients: Don't stress about the spaces you rarely enter," Stephanie reassures. "These storage spaces are important, but they're not urgent.

"The real concern arises when you avoid making decisions in these spaces for too long; they may become cluttered to the point of being unusable—either too packed to access or overwhelming due to the sheer number of items, including storage baskets and boxes like the Sterilite Storage Bins available at Walmart.

"Until then, keep in mind that your energy is limited," she adds. "If you're going to put effort into decluttering, focus on your 'prime real estate'—the areas you use every day.

"Typically, this includes the kitchen, main bedroom, bathroom, and closet. If you work from home, your office is also a great place to begin.

"Once those essential areas feel lighter and more functional, then you can shift your focus to organizing the garage or tidying up the attic."

Strategies to Maintain Your Storage Areas Without Overwhelming Clutter

As Stephanie points out, just because these spaces aren't your highest priority doesn't mean you shouldn't establish some structure to keep them manageable.

"Before you start stacking items, consider adding shelves to maximize vertical storage and keep things off the floor," she suggests. "Use clear or labeled bins to easily see the contents at a glance."

We recommend this pack of six Sterilite Storage Bins available at Amazon, or the popular Brother P-Touch Label Maker available at Walmart, if you already have storage boxes that need labeling.

"Group similar items together—like holiday decorations, camping gear, tools, and keepsakes—and assign each category a dedicated shelf," Stephanie adds. "This way, accessing items becomes much easier, and it helps prevent the area from becoming a mysterious jumble of items.

"If your storage area is already overflowing, don't worry; it's not too late. Install shelving against the walls and start removing items little by little. Even clearing just one shelf can create momentum and a sense of accomplishment."

How to Declutter Your 'Manageable Dumping Grounds' When You're Ready

Most importantly, Stephanie advises, "When you feel ready to tackle these 'out of sight, out of mind' areas, give yourself permission to proceed at a slow pace.

"Keep in mind that it took months—if not years or decades—to accumulate everything in those spaces. It will take time to sort through it all, and that's perfectly fine. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. Work in short, focused sessions and celebrate every small victory along the way. Progress is progress, no matter how small."

Here are some of Stephanie's top practical suggestions for clearing your dumping grounds:

• Get a buddy: Having a second pair of hands or an accountability partner can speed up the process and help avoid emotional distractions that lead to decluttering burnout. It can also make chores more enjoyable when you body double with someone, or turn decluttering into a family bonding activity.
• Set a timer: Aim for 20-30 minutes of focused work until the timer goes off. If that feels too long, or if you have health challenges, consider the two-minute decluttering rule or, if you have more time, the scary hour technique. Using a visual timer, such as the VOCOO Digital Kitchen Timer available at Amazon can help you keep track of time.
• Implement the 'one touch' rule: When you pick up an item, you must make a decision about it: Does it go out of the house—have labeled boxes or bags ready for trash, donation, or selling—or does it stay? If it stays, where will it be stored?
• Take action right away: If possible, move items designated for donation out of your home the same day.
• Stay hydrated: Keep water and snacks nearby; decluttering can be surprisingly tiring!

Recommended Products

All prices were accurate at the time of publication.

SafeRacks Garage Shelving

Stephanie recommends these shelving units for all your garage storage needs, which can hold 500 pounds per shelf and are customizable and adjustable.

HDX Strong Box Plastic Storage

These bins come highly recommended by Stephanie; they are strong, durable, made of tough polypropylene plastic, and feature a snap-on lockable lid to keep out pests and dust.

Plastic Drawer Storage Cabinet

This sturdy cabinet featuring 26 drawers is perfect for organizing your dumping grounds, storing LEGO, or craft supplies.

Storage Bins with Lids

These storage boxes are priced higher than most, but they're waterproof, weatherproof, and lockable, making them ideal for use in your garage, attic, or shed.

Brother P-touch Label Maker

This is the label maker that professional organizer Stephanie uses and loves. It features a template library, visual preview, and built-in memory for easy label production.

WORKPRO 5-Tier Metal Storage Shelving Unit

This versatile rack is quick and easy to assemble without any nuts or bolts. It's also equipped with rubber footbeds to protect your flooring.

Meet Our Expert

Stephanie is a professional organizer and the founder of Soulstice Living, where she helps clients declutter not just their homes but their lives. Since 2018, she has been guiding individuals in creating spaces that are calming, functional, and supportive of their desired lifestyles. Her approach combines practical organizing systems with a holistic perspective, acknowledging that an organized home isn't solely about bins and labels; it's about achieving peace of mind. One of her favorite spaces to streamline is the garage, as the transformation is always dramatic. "In just a day, you can go from chaos to clarity… and the sense of accomplishment is exhilarating every single time," she shares.

A straightforward way to address your manageable dumping grounds is by focusing on items you can eliminate from your garage right now.