Often our garages become an area where the overflow from our house and cars gets dumped. It is common to see inherited or broken furniture, boxes from a move that were never unpacked, sports equipment, children’s toys, tools, and much more. Everything seems to be stored in there but the cars the garage was built for! Kristin Mastromarino is a professional organizer and owner of Livable Solutions Professional Organizing (www.livablesolutions.com). You can e-mail her your questions at kristin@livablesolutions.com.

The summer months can definitely highlight the need for more space in the garage as outdoor equipment is shuffled in and out. There is no better time to tackle a garage clean-out than now when the weather is warm. Below are some steps you can take to meet the challenge.

My first suggestion is to walk through and identify any large objects you know can leave the area immediately. Whether it is a pile of empty boxes that never got broken down or a bike that your kids outgrew years ago, it is important to make as much room to maneuver as possible and target what you already know needs to go.

Next, begin grouping the remaining items into categories around the garage. For example, kids’ toys, outdoor games, tools, yard supplies, beach chairs, etc. In many cases, the garage can become a catchall to throw items that have not been decided on, you don’t feel like dealing with, or don’t know what do with. Grouping the items by purpose can be really helpful in making final decisions of where they will be stored or if they even need to be kept. Consider loading items you no longer want right in the car to head for the dump or donation destination.

Deciding how to configure the garage to store your items most efficiently, now that you know what you have left, is important. Think about what you need to get to most often, and make sure you are able to place it in an accessible spot. For instance, make sure lawn mowers and the kids’ bikes are in an area they are easy to roll out of. Remember, there will be less desire on your part to use the item or complete the chore if you feel like it is going to be difficult to get to.

If your garage lacks hooks or shelving, this is a great time to invest in some organizing tools. Use large shelving units to line the walls and maximize your vertical storage. Make sure that the shelving units you choose are sturdy and have the depth to accommodate large bins. I recommend grouping items in clear containers with lids for long-term storage, such as camping equipment you might pull out a couple of times a year.

If you have wall space, consider hanging pegboard or slatwall. There are a plethora of hooks and attachments that make it simple to store small objects like screws and screwdrivers in a neat and orderly way. It will also keep items more visible for quick and easy access. The more you get off the floor, the easier it will be to maintain an accessible work space within your garage.

If you really want to step up your garage, consider calling in a local custom closet designer. Most closet companies also specialize in garage installations and have unique storage options for a much more affordable price than you might expect. In addition, most provide free estimates to analyze and expertly design your storage space.

With a little effort this summer you will thank yourself in the cold and stormy winter when you can get your car back into its proper protected space.