Getting Organized

· The first -- and in some ways the hardest -- step is always the same: Decide what to discard.

· Get rid of stuff before you buy anything. "People do it backwards," says professional organizer Scott Roewer. "They go out and buy the containers and the shelving first."

· Buy quality hardware and accessories. Check manufacturer's specifications to see how much weight shelves can hold. Choose rubber bins that are sturdy with tight-fitting lids.

· Steer clear of cardboard boxes, which attract bugs and are susceptible to moisture.

· Beware of melamine (coated particleboard) and certain metals, which can warp, rot or rust when placed directly on the floor.

· Install shelves and other accessories at a manageable height. Roewer prefers an adjustable system. "Six months down the road, you might decide to use it to store something else."

· Clearly label poisonous products such as pesticides, automotive fluids and paints, and store them in a secure cabinet.

· Shovels, rakes, lawn chairs, bikes and other sharp or large objects are best kept on the wall and out of high-traffic areas. Small, heavy items are most safely stored on low shelves.

· Put items up on concrete blocks if you want to be able to hose down the floor, suggests author Barry Izsak.

· Consider using the space above the garage door or along the ceiling to store seasonal items. Several "loft" storage products are available to reclaim this often-overlooked area.

SOURCES: Scott Roewer, Solutions-by-Scott; Barry Izsak, "Organize Your Garage in No Time"; Home Safety Council.