Colder temperatures are on their way. Are you prepared?
Summer is coming to a close. While you don’t have to worry about your holiday shopping just yet, now is a great time to get your garage in shape for the upcoming colder weather. Even if winter isn’t quite at our doorstep, chilly temperatures in Portland can arrive as soon as the end of September. Instead of waiting until your garage turns into a walk-in freezer, follow the tips below for an early start on your winter prep plan.
1. Host a garage sale. If you’re using your garage as an extra storage room, chances are that it could use a major facelift. Selling some of your possessions while the weather is still warm is an easy way to both quickly de-clutter your space and add an unexpected bonus to your savings account. When deciding on what to sell and what to keep, the general rule to remember is to part with anything you haven’t used in over a year. For more ideas on how to keep your garage organized, check out this guide from HGTV.
2. Embrace vertical storage. From mountain bikes to gardening gear, almost any piece of equipment can be mounted on a wall with an affordable rack, hanger or hook from your local home improvement store. With a minimum investment and an hour of labor, you can double your storage space and reduce clutter.
3. Dedicate a special section to your winter equipment. There’s nothing more frustrating than waking up to a snowed-in driveway and spending your entire morning on trying to hunt down your winter shovel. To make dealing with harsh winter weather a lot easier, make a commitment to store all of your winter supplies – shovels, snow blowers, generators, portable heaters, emergency kits and ice scrapers – within reach.
4. Check your garage door for signs of wear and tear. Because doing garage door maintenance and general repairs is no fun after the cold hits, you’ll want to get it out of the way while the temperatures are still on your side. Start by scheduling a day to inspect and clean the entire operating system. In addition to removing dirt and debris around the chains, test how your door opens and closes. If it seems to lag more now than it used to in the past, schedule a professional repair service to rule out a breakdown in the middle of winter.
Does your garage door need professional attention? Contact the Overhead Door Company of Portland. Visit our website to learn more about our maintenance services and to schedule an appointment.
