There’s perhaps no organizing task more daunting than the garage—it’s often the dumping ground for the stuff that has no other place in the house, or the things you don’t use but just can’t bring yourself to toss.

How do you know you’ve got a problem? Maybe you’ve noticed it’s getting harder and harder just to park the car.

1. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Pick just one box. Go through it, decide what you want to keep and what you can throw away or donate.

2. You do need to go through everything. Every item needs to be evaluated and then placed along with the other items in that category or zone.

3. Create permanent homes. Items that you use frequently should be easy to get to. Use shelves rather than floor stacking.

4. Stay vigilant. Any time you put something new in the garage, make sure it goes to the right place.

5. Start with a plan. Before you start tearing everything apart, create categories (sports gear, tools, garden equipment, etc.) and zones.