As a family gathers "things," those items tend to collect in one or two places around the home. Many of the family possessions, tools, and boxes of small items find their way to the garage, remaining there in a disorganized way over the years. There is a better way to make use of the garage space that isn't occupied by a car, but many homeowners avoid organizing a garage because they see it as a task that is too difficult.

While there is no way to completely avoid the time and effort it may take to organize years of clutter, a few simple steps may lead to a specific place for items that can still be available for use each day.

Sort your garage items - Organization begins with sorting and categorizing but there is a step in the garage process that comes first. Homeowners and family members should first empty the garage. Only then can the sorting and organizing begin. A few main categories will be helpful (tools, sporting goods, household items, lawn and garden supplies etc. One of the benefits of emptying the garage during the organizing process is that misplaced items will be uncovered and can be returned to the correct place in the home. If there are some possessions that would be better stored and accessed in the basement, set those aside as well. Homeowners discovered older, unwanted items that can be recycled, donated to a charity or, as a last resort, thrown away.

Separate seasonal items and equipment - It is relatively simple to install a rack or other place for hanging lawn maintenance equipment. This serves to keep the tools and equipment out of the way until they are needed. Grouping season-related tools and equipment together helps as well - snow blowers, shovels, sleds etc. separate from summer items. A cabinet can be designated for the items that are "out of season." When that time of year arrives, the tools, equipment and sports items can be rotated out of the cabinet and onto the rack or exposed .

Additional shelving and cabinets - Cleaning and organizing a garage using available space and shelving is enough of an improvement for many homeowners. But others choose to add storage cabinets or shelving to further organize their possessions. Garage organizers of various kinds can be purchased at hardware and home improvement stores. Several companies manufacture ready-made, sturdy shelves, racks and cabinets. In fact, garage organizers have become very popular and the industry has grown considerably over the past few years. Companies have created special use garage-organizing items that keep possessions out of the way but accessible.

Create efficient working area - Many garages lack a solid workbench or work table, so many homeowners choose to install one during garage organizing. Some even add a tool chest or toolbox, along with a pegboard for hanging small, often-used items.

Relocate trash and recycling bins - To make the organizing process more efficient, and to prepare for the future, it may be wise to locate trash and recycling bins near the garage entrance. This will help with disposal of items during cleaning and organizing and will also make the trash/recycling containers more accessible for future use.

Invest a little time in garage organizing and a few dollars in garage organizers to make the garage a more efficient part of the family property.