Only the tools and gear you need: a 35-minute step-by-step plan
Short answer: Make it small and do it in order. 1) list what you use yearly, 2) sell big tools, 3) donate sports gear, then keep going one step at a time. Most people are done in about 35 minutes.
Why this feels hard
You are moving from a garage to a small storage cage. It’s really common, especially for people moving from house to unit. The fix isn’t more willpower; it’s making the next step small and obvious.
Step by step
- List what you use yearly · about 5 min
- Sell big tools · about 5 min
- Donate sports gear · about 5 min
- Keep one toolkit · about 5 min
- Dispose of chemicals safely · about 5 min
- Measure the new storage · about 5 min
- Take a break and write down what you want to keep most · about 5 min
What you’ll have at the end
Only the tools and gear you need.
Garage to Carport
The Garage to Carport app walks you through these steps one at a time, with a timer, reminders and your streak. Works on any phone.
Get the app · $4.99/month
Questions
What’s the easiest way to get to “only the tools and gear you need”?
Make it small and do it in order. 1) list what you use yearly, 2) sell big tools, 3) donate sports gear, then keep going one step at a time. Most people are done in about 35 minutes.
How long does it take?
About 35 minutes if you follow the steps in order. You can stop after any step and still count it as progress.
Is there an app for this?
Yes: Garage to Carport from Roomy guides you through it step by step on your phone, with a timer and reminders.
More free guides
Written by the Roomy team. Updated September 2026.