4 5S Phase 4 of 5

Garage: Standardize 清潔

Make the right way the easy way.

Create the rules and visual cues that make your garage system automatic.

Standardize tasks for the Garage

Every tool has a wall spot — return immediately after use
Floor rule: the only things on the floor are the vehicle and the lawnmower
Label every storage box — if you can't see it, it doesn't get used

What is the Standardize phase?

Standardize (清潔, Seiketsu) creates the rules and visual cues that make the first three phases automatic. Labels, consistent triggers, one-in-one-out rules, and household agreements that mean the system runs without constant decision-making. If you have to think about whether to return something to its place, the system isn't standardised enough.

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Common questions about the Garage

How do I organise a garage?

The guiding principle is everything off the floor. A pegboard or slotted wall panel for hand tools, wall hooks for bikes, shelving units on the side walls for labelled storage boxes. The floor is for vehicles and the lawnmower only. Pull everything out, sort on the driveway, and only return what has a justified place.

What should I keep in the garage?

Vehicles (the primary purpose), tools actively used, garden equipment, sports and outdoor gear in current season, and labelled bulk storage for seasonal household items. Everything else — including "might need it someday" items — should not be in the garage. A garage that cannot fit the car has failed its primary purpose.

How do I maximise garage storage space?

Wall space is the garage's biggest untapped resource. A full pegboard wall for tools, wall-mounted bike hooks, overhead ceiling racks for seasonal items (camping gear, Christmas decorations), and wall-mounted shelving units free up the entire floor. Most garages can double their usable storage by going vertical.