There are a few spaces in the average home that tend to see quite a bit more activity during the summer than during other parts of the year, and a good example in many homes is the garage. Between serving as a central hub for yard work and child activities to increases in driving and other forms of transportation during the warm part of the year, the garage is often in use much more often -- and ensuring it's prepared for this is important.
At Precision Closets & Garage, we're here to help Lehi clients with one distinct part of this: Garage cabinetry and storage options, which play a big role in the overall quality of a garage space. What are some of the top themes we recommend for keeping the garage in good, organized shape this summer? Here are several tips.
Few things are more important for maintaining an organized, clean and tidy garage than having quality storage solutions. This is doubly important in the summer, when outdoor gear and other seasonal items need a place to be kept -- but don't necessarily need to be taking up valuable space in the home proper.
Shelving, cabinets and other forms of storage can help make this happen, and we specialize in creating storage solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of each client. This means that, whether you're looking for a place to store sports equipment or need an area where you can keep your tools and gardening supplies, we can help.
Not only should there be enough storage quantity-wise, but it's important that the storage is easy to access and use. This goes hand-in-hand with our next recommendation.
Once you have quality storage solutions in place, it becomes much easier to make and stick to a plan for how everything will be stored. This means taking the time to place items in the proper spot and getting everyone in the family on board with using the system -- especially if children will be using the garage space frequently during summertime.
If you need help getting started, our team can provide recommendations on ways to optimize your storage space. We've seen it all and know what works best in a variety of situations.
Many people also use the summer period as a perfect time to do a deep clean of their garage and get rid of items they no longer need or use. This can range from old sporting equipment to holiday decorations that are only brought out once per year.
Generally speaking, you should start by making three piles: One for items to keep, one for items to donate or sell and one for items to throw away. Once you have everything sorted, it becomes much easier to put things back in their proper place -- and you may even find that you have more storage space than you realized.
Cleaning the garage involves more than just getting rid of unneeded items, of course. It's also important to keep the space itself clean on a regular basis, which can be made easier with some advance planning.
One way to do this is to make sure there's a designated "dirty" area where gardening supplies, sports equipment and other items that are likely to track in dirt and debris can be kept. This way, they're less likely to make their way into the rest of the garage (and home).
Another is to invest in a good quality garage vacuum, which can be used to quickly clean up any dirt or debris that does manage to make its way inside. This is especially useful if you have young children who are often coming in and out of the garage during summertime.
Finally, it's also a good idea to have a regular cleaning schedule -- even if it's just once per week. This will help ensure that the space doesn't get too cluttered or dirty and make it easier to enjoy all summer long.
Over the course of the long Utah summer, the exact layout and state of your garage may change several times as you take advantage of the nice weather. However, one thing that should always remain a priority is safety.
This means taking steps to ensure that hazardous materials are properly stored and out of reach of children and pets. It also means being mindful of potential trip hazards, such as loose cords or tools that are left lying around.
For instance, if you've just returned from a trip where you picked up a new piece of patio furniture, it's important to take the time to store it properly rather than just leaving it in the middle of the garage. The same goes for any other large or potentially dangerous items.
Finally, it's important to simply ensure that all components of the garage and garage door are in good working order. This includes everything from the door opener to the springs and hinges.
One way to do this is to perform a visual inspection on a regular basis, looking for any signs of wear or damage. This is something that's best done before summer weather hits, as it can help you spot potential problems early and prevent them from getting worse over time.
It's also a good idea to test the door opener and door itself regularly to ensure they're functioning properly. This is especially important if you use your garage frequently during summertime, as you don't want to be caught in a situation where the door won't open when you need it to.
For more on how to keep your garage organized and in good shape during the summer, or to learn about any of our closet design or garage services for Lehi and nearby clients, speak to the team at Precision Closets & Garage today.
