It's time to organize the garage You can turn a grungy garage into a smart spot for storage with a few shelves and systems. Many decorating experts see the garage as the single best place to add multi-purpose storage. These helpful tips may make the task a bit easier: + First, remove the car. + Next, take inventory of what you need to keep in the garage. Group items that "go" with each other. For example, holiday decorations that are used only once a year should be stored together. Sports equipment and gardening tools rotate with the seasons. + Tools you use frequently should be at eye level for easy access. + Use hooks to keep tools, garden hose, hobby equipment and the like where you can see and reach them easily. "Take everything off the floor to keep clutter under control," suggests Scott Kippes, spokesman for ClosetMaid. His company's do-it-yourself garage organizing products include the 16-inch deep Maximum Load ShelfTrack system that supports 100 pounds per foot of shelving; a wall-mounted workshop kit for hand tools and miscellaneous items; specially designed hooks and hang ups, racks, shelves, baskets and accessories that can hold bicycles, power and garden tools, ladders and sports gear. Special use items include the Hanging Rafter Shelf, which takes advantage of "hidden space" and the Freestanding Organizer Shelf, with a lockable security cage for storing household and garden chemicals, paints and other products you want out of children's reach. For a finished, custom closet look, there's the MasterSuite Garage System of cabinets that can be stacked to configure to the size of the room. Sturdy leveling feet on the base units keep contents safe from water damage. Free brochure For more ideas on how to organize your garage, as well as an animated demonstration on shelving installation and step-by-step instructions, see www.closetmaid.com or call 1-800-874-0008 for a free brochure called Neat Ideas for Garage Storage.