Warmer weather and the lack of snow make summer the perfect time to focus on tasks in your garage such as cleaning, making repairs, and using the space for any side projects you have going on. If you don’t use your garage much during the colder months, it could take some time and effort to empty it out and tidy it up. Rest assured, we have some tips to help you organize your garage to ensure it becomes a usable space.
Dispose of the Clutter
If you are like thousands of other people, you might have a garage cluttered with random stuff, making it hard to move around or even park a vehicle in. Do yourself a favour this summer and clear it all out. Sort through everything that is in the garage and separate the items into two piles: what you want to keep and what you can discard or donate to charity. Once that’s done, look over the items you’ve decided to remove. If you think someone else might find it useful, why not have a garage sale or sell a few things on Kijiji? You can make a few bucks off the things you no longer need and you can recycle or donate the remaining items to your local charity.
Keep your Garage Space Clean
Once you’ve freed up some space in your garage, it’s time to start cleaning. If there are a few years of grime on the floor, you might want to think about using a pressure washer to eliminate the grime and dirt that has accumulated on your garage floor.
Check for Rodent or Insect Infestation
Unfortunately, garages make the perfect place for bugs or rodents since this space is often unoccupied. Checking for any kind of infestation should be a part of your summer clean up schedule. You may find mice or rat droppings when moving or going through boxes and other items, so be sure to wear gloves to protect yourself. Insects can be more difficult to find, so make a point of checking beneath and behind any equipment, shelving and containers. Bees, wasps, and hornets tend to nest in the roof, so make sure to look up there, too. If you find anything you can’t take care of on your own, give your local exterminator a call.
Inspect for Signs of Water or Structural Damage
Months of snow, rain, and wind can really do a number on a garage, so it’s important to check for damage or leaks in the summer. Water damage can be noticeable as it tends to leave stains. If you have water damage, it may be a sign that the roof needs to be repaired. Structural damage can be harder to find, so check the foundation and walls, inside and out, for any cracks or crumbling. If you find damage, add the repair work to your summer “to-do” list, or call a contractor if it requires work beyond your expertise.
If your inspection turns up an issues with your garage door such as issues with opening or closing, warping or bent slats, or a worn out seal, contact us and we’d be happy to assist you with those overhead door repairs.
S
ummer Garage Maintenance
Cleaning and organizing your garage and making repairs are summer projects all on their own. Fortunately, if you make an effort to do these regularly, it won’t be such a chore. Once your garage is back in shape, you can use it to store your vehicles and/or yard equipment, or use it as a work space.