April 22, 2025 
Let’s be honest—the garage is often the final frontier of home organization. It’s that mysterious space where holiday decorations disappear, tools multiply in dark corners, and boxes of “I’ll deal with this later” somehow turn into permanent residents. When it comes to moving, your garage might be simultaneously your biggest headache and your greatest opportunity.
At BMS Moving & Storage, we’ve seen thousands of garages in various states of, shall we say, “creative organization.” From borderline storage unit situations to meticulously labeled paradises that would make professional organizers weep with joy, we’ve moved it all. Based on our extensive experience, we’ve created this ultimate timeline to transform your garage from chaotic to spectacular throughout your moving journey.
BEFORE THE MOVE: 4-6 Weeks Out
Phase 1: The Great Garage Archaeology Expedition
Week 4-6: Excavation and Discovery
Start by channeling your inner archaeologist. Your mission? Unearth what’s actually lurking in your garage. You might be surprised to discover family heirlooms you thought were lost forever, or that treadmill you bought during your “this is definitely the year I get fit” phase.
Action steps:
- Empty zones systematically: Work in sections rather than randomly pulling things out. This prevents the “oh no, what have I done” moment when your entire driveway is suddenly covered in mysterious boxes.
- Create sorting categories: Establish clear “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “toss” areas. Be ruthless—if you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s probably time for it to find a new home.
- Document valuable items: Take photos of expensive tools, equipment, or collectibles for insurance purposes before packing them.
Phase 2: The Purge of No Return
Week 3-4: Decisive Action
This is where courage is required. Remember: moving items you don’t need is literally paying to transport your problems to a new location.
Action steps:
- Schedule donation pickups: Organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore will often pick up usable building materials, tools, and furniture.
- Organize a garage sale: Turn your unwanted items into moving funds! Price everything to sell—this isn’t the time to haggle over every dollar.
- Dispose of hazardous materials properly: Motor oil, paint, fertilizers, and other chemicals can’t be thrown in regular trash or transported by movers. Check with your local waste management facility for proper disposal methods.
Phase 3: Strategic Sorting
Week 2-3: Categorize and Containerize
Now that you’ve pared down to essentials, organize what remains into logical categories.
Action steps:
- Group similar items: Tools with tools, sports equipment with sports equipment, etc.
- Invest in clear containers: They cost more than cardboard boxes but allow you to see contents without opening everything.
- Label everything: Future You will thank Present You for being specific. “Miscellaneous” is not a helpful label!
DURING THE MOVE: Moving Week
Phase 4: The Practical Pack
Moving Week: Final Preparations
Your garage items require special attention during packing due to their often odd shapes, potential hazards, and varying values.
Action steps:
- Drain power equipment: Remove fuel from lawn mowers, weed eaters, etc. before transport.
- Disassemble what you can: Take apart shelving units, workbenches, and other large items. Keep hardware in labeled ziplock bags taped to the corresponding item.
- Pack a “first day” box: Include essential tools you’ll need immediately—hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, measuring tape, and utility knife.
- Take photos of tool arrangements: If you have pegboards or specific organizational systems, photograph them so you can recreate your setup.
Phase 5: Moving Day Mastery
Moving Day: Smooth Transition
Communication with your movers is key for garage items.
Action steps:
- Point out high-value items: Make sure movers know which tools or equipment are especially valuable.
- Identify hazardous items: Some items like propane tanks cannot be transported by moving companies.
- Load garage items strategically: Heavy equipment should go in first, near the cab of the truck for weight distribution.
- Keep essential tools accessible: Pack your toolbox last so it’s first off the truck at your new home.
AFTER THE MOVE: 1-4 Weeks In
Phase 6: The Clean Slate Setup
Week 1-2: Foundation First
Resist the urge to simply unload everything into your new garage. This is your chance to start fresh!
Action steps:
- Clean thoroughly before organizing: Sweep, power wash, or even paint your new garage before setting up.
- Plan your layout: Consider workflow, vehicle space needs, and accessibility when deciding where things go.
- Install storage solutions first: Mount shelving, pegboards, and cabinets before bringing in items.
- Create zones based on frequency of use: Position rarely-used items in harder-to-reach areas, leaving prime real estate for everyday essentials.
Phase 7: The Systematic Setup
Week 2-3: Thoughtful Implementation
Now you’re ready to bring your items in with purpose!
Action steps:
- Follow your category system: Maintain the organizational structure you created before the move.
- Utilize vertical space: Walls and ceilings offer valuable storage opportunities with the right hooks and racks.
- Implement safety measures: Store chemicals out of reach of children, install fire extinguishers, and ensure proper ventilation.
- Create a tool station: Dedicate a specific area for tools and maintenance equipment, ideally near an outlet for power tools.
Phase 8: The Final Flourish
Week 3-4: Refinement and Maintenance
Add the finishing touches that transform your garage from functional to fantastic.
Action steps:
- Add labels to shelves and bins: Even with clear containers, labels help maintain organization when multiple family members use the space.
- Install adequate lighting: Good visibility reduces accidents and makes finding items easier.
- Create a maintenance schedule: Set calendar reminders for regular garage clean-ups to prevent backsliding into chaos.
- Consider comfort elements: If you’ll spend time working in your garage, think about climate control, seating, or even a small refrigerator.
The BMS Moving & Storage Advantage for Garage Transitions
At BMS Moving & Storage, we understand that your garage often contains some of your most valuable and useful possessions. That’s why we offer specialized packing and moving services for garage items that require extra care:
- Custom crating for expensive tools and equipment
- Experienced handling of awkwardly-shaped items like ladders and lawn equipment
- Proper techniques for moving heavy machinery and workbenches
- Storage solutions if your new garage isn’t ready or needs renovations before move-in
Unlike other moving companies that provide cookie-cutter solutions, we create customized moving plans that address the specific challenges of your garage items. Our professional teams know that your collection of power tools isn’t just “stuff”—it represents significant investment and practical necessity.
Maintaining Garage Glory: The Post-Move Promise
The real challenge isn’t creating an organized garage—it’s keeping it that way. Make a family pact that items will be returned to their designated homes after use. Consider a quarterly “reset” where you spend an hour returning wandering items to their proper places.
Remember: an organized garage isn’t just about neatness—it’s about maximizing the functionality of your space, protecting valuable investments in tools and equipment, and creating a usable area for projects, hobbies, and yes, maybe even parking your car!
Don’t let garage chaos follow you to your new home. Give your tools, equipment, and seasonal items the organized space they deserve with help from the moving experts at BMS Moving & Storage. Call us at (833) 876-0075 for a free, customized quote and discover how our specialized packing and transport services can make your garage transition seamless and stress-free.
