Many homeowners live with a disaster area attached to their house--the garage. That's why only a small percentage of homeowners with two-car garages can actually fit in both cars. But that can all change at the new house.

With a little ingenuity and proper planning, the new garage can be part of a home-wide storage solution by simply installing the right products, such as garage hooks, racks, shelving or cabinets. People can easily go from clutter to having a highly organized new house that utilizes the garage as a primary storage source.

If not planned, though, the new garage can often become even more of a disaster area than at the old house, because it ends up serving as the new house's dumping ground for boxes and other unneeded household items. Here are some ClosetMaid tips for best utilizing garage storage at your new house.

Visualize Your Dream Garage
See your new garage in its full storage glory. Visualize where all your things will go. In fact, it's best to draw up an actual blueprint plan for locations for each storage solution.

"Scope Out" the Old Garage
Whatever's on the floor at the old garage will likely find its way to the exact same spot at the new house. A key to any garage organization plan is to free up as much floor space as possible.

Research Garage Storage Systems
Know ahead of time which storage products serve your specific needs at the new house. Many storage products and solutions exist such as hooks, racks and cabinets. Even the simple "nail" solution is better than having stuff on the floor.

Repurpose
Consider repurposing those broken armoires, sports lockers, entertainment centers, bedroom dresser sets or old kitchen cabinets already stored in the garage. Such repurposed items make great storage solutions and can save money on purchase of newer storage items.

Utilize Walls
Plan ahead for which new garage walls you plan to install hooks or storage cabinets. For example, pegboard and hardware is always an effective solution to organize gardening and yard tools. To help save time by not having to move things twice, or more, be sure not to stack boxes on garage walls intended for storage.

Purchase in Advance
By planning and purchasing the right storage items in advance, you'll be much more likely to finish your new garage storage projects. Being organized is not only about order and putting things away, but about how to get more from the space in your garage.

Think Seasonal
Skis are handy in winter and rakes in the fall. Before the move even begins, homeowners should designate all items they plan to take but won't initially be using in the new home, such as out-of-season clothing, sporting items or holiday decorations. Such items are perfect for storing in the garage.

Downsizing
Planning ahead is especially important if you're downsizing. Utilizing the garage for maximum storage is highly effective for people losing valuable storage space. Many people choose theClosetMaid Maximum Load® ShelfTrackTM system for their garage storage solution needs.

Storage Requirements Change
Finally, if you intend to buy a new Christmas tree, lawn mower, snow blower, wheel barrow, bicycles or other large items, think ahead for where you'll need to store them.

Take Only What You Need
Maybe most important, set aside all unneeded items to give to charity or friends, or visit the nearest landfill. But maybe the best idea is to have a neighborhood garage sale. In fact, designate a specific day for your garage sale by publishing it in the local newspaper classifieds--it will help ensure follow-through on the project. When in doubt, though, throw it out!

With a little planning and the right storage and organization products, homeowners can bring a new sense of order to their garage--and have room for their cars. Most organizing experts agree, there's no better time to get organized than moving time.