Ask me anything: garage organization

Reader Question: My garage always seems to be a mess. How can I keep it organized?

My Answer: A garage can easily become a catch-all for cardboard boxes, old furniture, broken toys, and much more. To control the chaos and make room for vehicles, snowblowers, lawn chairs, and all the things, follow these three simple steps:

1. Start your garage organization project by getting rid of everything that you no longer need or want, and is just taking up valuable space. Recycle it, donate it, sell it, toss it. Just let it go. Anything you want to keep but belongs elsewhere, re-home it.
   

2. What remains can now be grouped into categories such as sporting goods, camping equipment, tools, seasonal decorations, and more. Separate your garage into zones and identify where each category of items will live.
   

3. Use storage cabinets, racks, peg boards, hooks and shelves to keep items together and organized. Use your overhead space to get large, lightweight items off of the floor. Use the correct hooks and fixtures for your needs, and make sure they are attached securely.

My favorite garage organization products

• Storage rack for bikes and scooters

• Large storage hooks for lawn chairs and ladders

• Long-handle tool rack for shovels, brooms, rakes, blowers, and more

• Overhead storage rack for seasonal decorations

• Storage hook for garden hose or extension cord

• Tall shoe rack for boots, clogs, cleats, sandals, water shoes, and more