Admit it, many times the garage can be a land mine as it tends to be the catchall — everything is every place. How is a car supposed to fit in there?

Plus, it can be downright hazardous, according to a recent survey conducted by The Lehigh Group, maker of Crawford garage and home workshop organization products.

According to the survey of 1,000 adults, nearly four in 10 (39 percent) individuals have tripped over an item in their garage, more than a quarter (27 percent) have hit an object when opening a vehicle door and 22 percent have hit something when parking. The results prompted The Lehigh Group to declare Sept. 12 the country's first "National Clean Out Your Garage Day."

"We established 'National Clean Out Your Garage Day' to occur on the first Saturday after Labor Day, as the country transitions from summer to fall and items such as bikes, lawn mowers and garden tools are ready to be stored for the season," said Deborah Hanson, director of external affairs for The Lehigh Group.

"For many, cluttered garages have figuratively become combat zones as you maneuver around assorted items, hunt for objects and steer your vehicle through tight quarters," she said. "We urge Americans to clean out and then organize their garages to make them safer and more functional."

Those of us with garages know this seems like a daunting task. However, The Lehigh Group offers these tips to help those prepare to attack and conquer:

— Get rid of junk: Let's face it: the garage is the dumping ground. Start by sorting through everything. It's time to get rid of those rusty tools, broken toys, worn sports gear and other unused items taking up space. Make it a priority to donate or recycle items, if possible. If they are plain junk, discard them appropriately.

— Sort what you are keeping: Now that you have whittled down your items, you need to sort. Group items, such as auto supplies, tools and gardening equipment, together. Store these products together for easy access.

— Go vertical: Go up and not out. Garages provide plenty of wall and ceiling space that can easily be converted into storage space. Install hanging shelves, pegboards, storing rails and overhead storage systems. Even awkward tall and long items are easily hung with available modular storage components.

— Create clearance: Make sure you allow enough space to open and close all doors on your vehicle without hitting a person or an object. Nearly half (46 percent) of those surveyed said they have soiled their clothes by rubbing against a dirty vehicle ... not to mention dents on the doors and walls.

— Secure hazardous items: Toxins need to be kept in their place. Materials such as paint, weed killers, bug sprays and gas should be placed in high cabinets or lockable tool chests. Be sure to secure tools and wrap up extension cords.

"Two key risk areas in the garage are falls from trip hazards and poisoning from improper storage of toxins like fertilizer or paint thinners," said Meri-K Appy, president of the nonprofit Home Safety Council. "Taking time to de-clutter, organize and securely store dangerous items is an investment we should all make for the safety of our families "

Hanson encourages all to take part. "Those who tackle 'National Clean Out Your Garage Day' with enthusiasm and effort will ensure this often forgotten room of the house serves its dual purpose for parking and storage."

Not only may you have a great garage sale afterward, but also getting everything organized won't break the bank. Most Crawford products cost less than $20 and are available at many hardware stores.

For more information, visit www.lehighgroup.com or www.crawfordorganization.com.

Readers, if you have any questions, please write and I will do my best to help. Also, if you have found a nifty home product out there, let me know and I will pass it along.

Maggie Reed may be reached at [email protected]. To find out more about Maggie Reed and other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT CREATORS SYNDICATE 2009