When it comes to preparing for a move, the garage is often the most overlooked—and most intimidating—part of the home. Between tools, storage bins, bikes, and long-forgotten boxes, it can feel overwhelming to decide what to keep, toss, or pack. However, with the right plan, organizing your garage before moving day can save time, reduce stress, and even lower your moving costs.
At All Star Movers & Storage, we’ve helped countless Mountain House residents simplify their relocations by starting right where the clutter tends to pile up—the garage. Our local expertise, combined with years of professional moving experience, ensures your transition is smooth, efficient, and organized from start to finish.
Why Garage Organization Matters Before Moving
The garage is often the last space people tackle, but it should be one of the first. That’s because garages hold a mix of heavy, hazardous, and rarely used items that require special attention. By organizing early, you can:
Save time when packing and loading day arrives
Cut costs by eliminating unwanted or unnecessary items
Avoid damage or mess from liquids, tools, and bulky equipment
Simplify unpacking when you settle into your new Mountain House home
Moreover, decluttering your garage gives you a head start on creating a clean, functional setup in your new space.
Step 1: Sort Everything Into Categories
Start by taking everything out of the garage and grouping items into four categories: keep, donate, sell, or dispose. This simple system helps you make quick, confident decisions.
Keep: Tools, equipment, and seasonal items you truly use
Donate: Gently used gear, sports items, or home supplies others can benefit from
Sell: Larger or valuable items that won’t fit your new space
Dispose: Anything broken, expired, or unsafe to move (like paint or chemicals)
Furthermore, sorting items in natural light allows you to see damage or wear that might go unnoticed in a cluttered corner.
Step 2: Dispose of Hazardous Materials Safely
Garages often store materials that movers legally can’t transport, such as:
Paint, paint thinner, or turpentine
Gasoline, propane tanks, and lighter fluid
Pesticides and fertilizers
Cleaning solvents and automotive fluids
Therefore, it’s important to properly dispose of or give away these items before moving day. Mountain House and nearby communities like Tracy and Livermore offer local hazardous waste collection programs—making it easy and environmentally friendly to get rid of them safely.
Step 3: Clean and Prep Your Equipment
Once the clutter is gone, clean your tools, lawn equipment, and storage bins. Not only does this prevent dirt from transferring to your new home, but it also helps protect your moving boxes and packing materials.
Drain fuel from lawnmowers, trimmers, and other gas-powered tools
Wipe down bicycles, gardening tools, and sports gear
Coil and secure extension cords and hoses
Disassemble large shelving units if possible to save space in the truck
Additionally, pack smaller tools and hardware in labeled boxes or tool chests to stay organized throughout your move.
Step 4: Organize What You’re Taking
Once you’ve narrowed things down, organize the items you’re keeping for an efficient move and easy unpacking. Consider these strategies:
Use clear bins to easily identify contents
Group items by function (e.g., automotive, gardening, sports)
Label boxes clearly for quick access when unpacking
Pack heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top
Consequently, your movers can load items safely and logically—saving both time and space on moving day.
Step 5: Plan for Storage or Shelving at Your New Home
If your new Mountain House home has a smaller or differently shaped garage, it’s helpful to plan your layout in advance. Measure shelving, storage cabinets, or wall space to ensure everything fits.
Moreover, this is the perfect time to invest in upgrades such as:
Overhead racks for seasonal storage
Wall-mounted pegboards for tools
Rolling cabinets for flexibility and mobility
By planning ahead, your new garage will stay neat and functional from day one.
How All Star Movers & Storage Can Help
At All Star Movers & Storage, we do more than just move boxes—we help you prepare. Our professional movers are trained to handle everything from bulky garage equipment to delicate storage items safely and efficiently. When you choose our team for your Mountain House move, you benefit from:
Full-service packing and unpacking options
Protective materials for floors, walls, and heavy items
Safe handling of large or awkward objects
Flexible storage solutions for overflow or off-season gear
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Furthermore, we offer both local and long-distance moving services, so whether you’re relocating across town or to another California city, we’ll make sure your move is seamless from garage to living room.
Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Garage Move
Start early: Give yourself at least two weeks to declutter the garage.
Take inventory: Create a quick list of tools, gear, and outdoor equipment to track what’s packed.
Label everything clearly: Especially small hardware or cables that might get misplaced.
Don’t overpack boxes: Keep weights manageable to prevent injuries or breakage.
Use professionals for heavy items: Movers have the right equipment for safes, gym sets, or large toolboxes.
With a plan in place and expert movers by your side, even the messiest garage can be organized, packed, and ready for moving day with ease.
Ready to Get Organized Before Your Mountain House Move?
If you’re preparing to relocate, start where it matters most—with your garage. All Star Movers & Storage offers expert packing, loading, and storage services to make your move effortless from beginning to end. We proudly serve Mountain House, Tracy, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Sacramento, and surrounding communities.
Call today at (925) 905-9889 to schedule your free estimate!