Let's celebrate your clean garage.

• Position: National Clean Out Your Garage Day - Your Life - Survey

Is your garage a hazardous haven for dents, damage, and danger? A survey of U.S. adults by The Lehigh Group, Aurora, Ill., makers of organization products, reveals that 39% have tripped over an item in their cluttered garage; 27% have hit an object when opening a vehicle door; and 22% accidentally have hit something when parking.

"We have established 'National Clean Out Your Garage Day' to occur on the first Saturday after Labor Day since this is a time much of the country transitions from summer to fall and begins putting items such as bikes, lawnmowers, and garden tools away for the season," notes Deborah Hanson, director of external affairs. "This is a great time to take stock of the safety of your garage and clean out and organize as needed to make this space safer--and more functional."

What is the best plan of attack? Here are some basic guidelines: Get rid of junk. The garage often is used as a dumping ground for items of all kinds. Sort through and throw out those rusty tools, broken toys, worn-out sports gear, and other items that have not been used in a year or more. Make a commitment to discard as much as possible and donate or recycle items, if appropriate.

Sort what you are keeping. Group items such as auto supplies, tools, and gardening equipment to begin the organizing process. Store such product categories together for quick and efficient access.

Go vertical. Use the vertical plane to keep...