Tips to Get Your Garage Ready for Fall and Winter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Fall just around the corner, the time to organize your garage and prepare for cooler weather is now. Here are some tips to get the garage ready for Fall!

  1. Declutter
    Out with the old and in with the new! Get rid of old items that have been replaced by newer ones, such as tools, clothing and electronics. Don’t let your garage become the “island of misfit toys”.  Garages end up being the #1 area where we store stuff that we procrastinate sorting through and parting with. Your goal should be freeing up precious floor space. Is that old stuff paying rent for the space it uses living in the garage? Heck no!
  2. Clean the floor
    Sweep out the dirt and dust. Get in the corners and get rid of the cobwebs. Hose the floor down and use a squeegee to clear excess water. The cleaner the floor, the less likely you are to track dirt into your living areas. While you’re at it grab that entry mat and shake out excess dirt. Is the mat getting a little too worn? Maybe it’s time for a new one!
  3. Utilize walls and ceiling for storage
    Yep, that vertical space is ready for pegboards, shelves, slat wall panels, and a whole host of other options. Consider making a DIY loft for your gear by using perforated angle and plywood.

    wall storage for the garage

    Wall storage will help you gain precious floor space.

  4. Extra shelves and cabinetry
    If you’re faced with overflow from the toolbox, or you just need a dedicated place for smaller items, consider adding extra shelves and cabinetry. Save yourself the frustration of hunting for things that could have a home in a cabinet, drawer, or shelf.
  5. Add Safety Items
    Do you have a fire extinguisher handy in your garage? If not, now’s the perfect time to get one. Also, consider a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. If you already have a detector, now is the time to test it.
  6. Improve energy efficiency
    Adding insulation is an obvious choice to keep heat inside during colder months. Weatherstripping around windows and doors definitely helps reduce drafts. Replace any weather stripping that may be compromised due to age.

 

Sure, it’s more work than leisure, but the payoff of having an organized and clean garage will outweigh the labor it takes to get there. You may even want to take a before and after photo to remind you why you’re doing it in the first place!