Saturday 15 December 2018

10 Tips to Protect Your RENTAL PROPERTY When Your Tenants Are on Holiday

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There is a good chance at some point during the year that your tenants may head off for a much-needed break, leaving your property empty, and potentially vulnerable.

The below will help ensure that your property remains protected while your tenants are away.

1. Knock, knock…who’s there?

Most burglaries take place when nobody’s home, so it is important to make sure the property appears to be occupied.

There are a few simple tricks for doing this, including setting timers on internal lights and investing in a television simulator light. These can act as visual deterrents by making thieves think someone is at home.

Ask your tenant to cancel regular deliveries, such as newspapers and if they plan to be away for a while, they may want to consider having post temporarily redirected so it’s not stacking up behind the door – particularly if it has a glass panel.

2. Neighbourhood watch

If you don’t live near to your investment property, good neighbours can be a valuable asset. Asking them to put the dustbin out on the appropriate day, or if they have a key, to open and close the curtains on a daily basis can help to create the illusion that someone is home.

3. Window shopping

The majority of burglaries aren’t pre-planned, so make sure there’s nothing left on display to tempt an opportunist thief. Always ask your tenant to store away valuable items, such as jewellery and electronic items, and to never leave money or important documents lying around. Blinds can help to reduce visibility, if your rental property doesn’t currently have them, consider fitting them, particularly on the ground floor windows.

4. Be alarmed

If the property has an alarm system, make sure your tenant knows how to use it and that it is set before they leave. It’s also a good idea to ask them to provide you with the security code so the property can still be entered in an emergency – they can always change the code when they return.

Window security is often overlooked but there are several types of window alarms that you can fit which detect and sound when a window is opened or broken. Just by having these visible from the outside can help to deter thieves from trying to enter, as it indicates that the rest of the house is probably quite secure.

5. Light it up

Well-lit areas are generally off-putting to would-be intruders so make sure the outside of the property is suitably lit. Security lights should be in full working order, with timers or motion sensors and double check that the nearest streetlights are working too.

6. Lock up and leave

It goes without saying, but you would be surprised to find that many people forget to lock their doors before going on holiday. Remind your tenant that they need to lock all external entry points, including doors and windows, and shut internal doors too. If the property has gates, a shed or a garage, ask tenants to lock these too, to prevent access to the premises.

As a landlord, it is your responsibility to make sure all locks are fit for purpose, your tenant has a copy of the keys, and they are aware that they are expected to use them.

7. Access all areas

Before your tenant heads off on vacation, it’s wise to ask for their permission to enter the property in their absence. This can be useful in order to make sure everything is in working order and to troubleshoot maintenance issues, such as potential leaks. Even a small drip can cause a lot of damage if left undetected for a long period of time.

8. Anti-social media

It’s important that your tenant is selective in who they tell about their forth-coming trip, particularly when it comes to social media. Posting pictures and updates about a holiday online advertises to tech-savvy burglars that no one is home.

9. Police your policy

If your property is going to be empty for an extended period of time, your insurance company may need to be informed. Failing to do so could invalidate the policy, and any claims made could be affected. So, make sure to read your policy documents carefully – and don’t forget the small print!

10. Expert advice

If your tenant is going to be away for a long period of time and you would like additional advice, why not speak to your local ARLA Propertymark letting agent. They are experts in all things rental-related and will be able to give you the best tips to make sure your property is properly protected.

 

Link to the article: http://www.propertymark.co.uk/advice-and-guides/landlords/protect-your-home-when-your-tenants-are-on-holiday.aspx

Related articles: https://vaidleenrivera.wordpress.com/2016/04/28/benefits-of-purchasing-a-home-warranty/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://www.locksmitharvadaco.com/



Article source here: 10 Tips to Protect Your RENTAL PROPERTY When Your Tenants Are on Holiday

Sunday 9 December 2018

9 tips to protect your home while you’re on holidays

By Sarah Lefebvre on Dec 12 2017

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As the congested highways and busy airports around Australia will prove later this month, the Christmas – New Year period is a time when many of us decide to travel away for an annual holiday.

But there is more involved in preparing for that annual trip than simply packing enough beach towels or finding minders for the family cat.

Burglars are opportunistic in their activity; during Christmas, they are on the prowl.  Here are some tips to better protect your home during the holiday season.

1. Check and secure all locks & look like you’re at home

If you have faulty locks on any doors or windows or other entry points, replace them before you head off on your travels. When leaving, double check that all the locks are secured, and have another family member check as well.
Lock the back and side gates, activate your security system and bring the spare key that you have hidden outside, back indoors.

Mow your lawn just before leaving, lock the garage and shed, and keep the second car, if you have one, in the driveway.

2. Make your home look occupied

Thieves are drawn to dark spaces to hide their activity.  Consider installing outside motion detector sensor lights to come on if anyone walks up your path or near windows.  Add timer switches to some of your internal lights so they come on automatically for a period of time each night.  Adding one to the TV is also a good idea as the noise makes it sound like someone is home.

3. Monitor your home from your holiday

Modern IP monitored security systems allow homeowners to arm and disarm their alarm system remotely, receive instant notification of security breaches, manage and automate home appliances and visually check in your home. This is a smart (but expensive) way to enhance your home security but may be worth considering.

4. Cancel the post and deliveries

Having Christmas cards spilling out of the mailbox is an obvious sign no one is home. Think about redirecting or getting a hold put on your mail. And cancel newspaper deliveries, or ask your next door neighbour to take the newspaper off the front lawn.

5. Carefully discard Christmas packaging

Whilst you may be excited about the new large screen television sitting under the tree, and just as excited to get the bulky packaging it came in out of the house. But displaying the cardboard box it came in, complete with its make and style on the front kerb next to the garbage bin is bait for thieves. The better idea is to rip up the cardboard box into various pieces and place in a black plastic bag before the next garbage collection.

6. Don’t be too social

While the holidays are a time for us all to enjoy each other’s company, be circumspect in how you share your adventures.

Displaying Instagram photos from New York or checking in to your Facebook account from Fiji lets everyone know you’re not home. Don’t rely on privacy settings on social media to protect your home. Wait until you’ve returned home, then share your holiday snaps.

7. Talk to your trusted neighbours

Letting your neighbours know you will be away during the holidays and that they can contact you if anything was to happen to your property is a good idea.  If you have a good relationship with them, ask them to keep an eye on your place, bring in your garbage bins after you’ve left and collect the mail.

8. Check your insurance

Before you head off on holidays it’s worth making sure your home and contents insurance is up to date and paid.  It would be horrendous if you were robbed to find out you hadn’t paid your latest instalment.

9. Secure levels up high

First floor entry points are often easier to access for criminals and they know this.  Toeholds such as external air conditioners and window grills can help robbers gain access to upper levels. So make sure all the windows and doors are locked securely.

Highrise apartments are not always safe either.  While you may think you live 10 stories up, you are really only one storey above the balcony below yours.  So don’t get complacent, lock your apartment up securely – it’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

Link to the article: https://www.ljhooker.com.au/blog/latest-blog/december-2017/9-tips-to-protect-your-home-while-you%E2%80%99re-on-holida

Related articles: https://protectamericainc.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/list-of-home-protection-providers-in-america/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://villaricalocksmith.net/



Article source here: 9 tips to protect your home while you’re on holidays

Sunday 2 December 2018

How to protect your home whilst you’re on holiday

stay-safe-on-holiday

Joanna Whitehead | @MsWhitehead100

Friday 1 June 2018 15:46|

Holidays can be fun and exciting, but how much thought do you give to the home you’re leaving behind when you set off on your travels?

Alongside the mammoth laundry loads, organising travel, pet sitters and doing double the amount of work to compensate for your time away, the safety and security of your nest can be easy to overlook.

Our advice below will ensure you can leave your home safe in the knowledge that you’ve done all you can to safeguard your abode and its contents.

 

Tell a trusted friend, family member of neighbour that you’re going away

Having someone you trust to pop round, open and close curtains and blinds, collect post and, generally, alert any observers to some activity is generally agreed to be a good thing.

A pile of mail on the front door mat is a green light for potential intruders, so finding someone to collect this is a good call.

Giving your trusted person a key is always wiser than simply leaving a key underneath a doormat or plant pot – a rookie error, if ever there was one. This also enables someone to gain access to the property in the event of an emergency.

Don’t advertise your departure on social media

While it can be very tempting to advertise your impending departure on social media, it’s also a sure-fire way to draw attention to a vacant home.

If you simply can’t stomach the prospect of missing out on bragging rights whilst you’re poolside, consider changing your security settings to trusted friends and family for the duration of your trip.

Alternatively, turn off your location services and wait until your return home to upload any photographs.

Install timer switches

Make the most of smart tech to give the illusion of occupancy and deter potential intruders.

Smart plugs and light bulbs can be easily installed and programmed to switch electrical appliances on and off at particular times – much better than simply leaving a light on for the entirety of your time away.

Depending on the type of property you reside in, an outdoor security light can also be a worthy investment.

Cancel newspapers

Save yourself some cash, reduce your paper consumption and avoid drawing attention to a pile of newspapers on the doormat – another dead giveaway of an empty home.

Switch off plugs and ensure windows and doors are locked

A no-brainer for many, but there’s nothing worse than getting hours from home and being unable to shake the sense that you’ve left some straighteners plugged in.

Do a comprehensive sweep of your property to ensure everything that needs to be unplugged is (usually everything apart from your fridge-freezer).

Don’t forget the insurance!

This applies to both your trip and your home. In the event something does happen in your absence, making sure you’re fully covered for all eventualities will ensure you can rest easy and focus on the task of enjoying yourself.

Link to the article: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/home-security-holiday-safety-social-media-timers-a8379151.html

Related articles: https://baltimorechildabusecenter.wordpress.com/2016/12/05/holiday-hulabaloo-tips-tricks-for-keeping-kids-safe/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://www.locksmitharvadaco.com/



Article source here: How to protect your home whilst you’re on holiday

Saturday 24 November 2018

How to Lubricate a Garage Door: Cincinnati Garage Door Maintenance

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How to Lubricate a Garage Door: Cincinnati Garage Door Maintenance

You know the sound. It’s the terrible, ear-piercing “screeeech” your garage door makes every time it goes up and down. That horrible sound is actually the metal parts of your garage door wearing against each other over time. Cincinnati garage door maintenance isn’t difficult, and you don’t have to do it all that often; maybe once every two years. It turns out that just some mild lubrication can go a long way towards lengthening the life of your garage door and its components. Here is how to lubricate a garage door:

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 1:

Purchase a lithium-based grease or garage door spray, such as Blaster White Lithium Grease. WD-40 isn’t best for this type of lubrication, and won’t last as long. Aerosol cans of lubricant such as “Blaster” generally run anywhere from five to ten dollars. Additionally, one can should be more than enough to complete the job on your garage door.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 2:

Unplug your garage door opener, and use the emergency release cord to disengage the door from the opener. This will prevent the door from accidentally moving while you lubricate your garage door.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 3:

Clean the tracks of your garage door using a rag, a little dish soap, and water. The tracks don’t need to be lubricated, but they do need to be cleared of debris, spiderwebs, and other material that can get stuck inside of them from season to season. Vacuuming them before wiping them down may help if they are particularly dirty.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 4:

Spray a small amount of lubricant on the hinges of your garage door. It may be helpful to open the garage door slightly and apply the lubricant to the hinges as the sections of your door begin to pivot.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 5:

If you have white, nylon-coated rollers you do not need to lubricate them, as their bearings are sealed and already lubricated. If you have metal or black nylon rollers, spray a small amount of lubricant on the bearings or the shaft of the roller.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 6:

Spray the top of your door springs with an even coating of lubricant. Use a rag to spread the grease around the spring from top to bottom.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 7:

Apply a small amount of lubricant to the center of your bearing plates.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 8:

Re-engage your door to the opener, and plug your garage door opener back in.

How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 9:

Open and close your garage door two or three times. This will help distribute the lubrication across the important surfaces.

Cincinnati Garage Door Maintenance

If you would like some assistance maintaining your garage door, or have any other home repair needs, hail a Home Repair Hero! Our ProMaster craftsmen would love to help you with whatever issues you need taken care of. You can schedule service online, use the “reach out” form at the bottom of the page, or call 513-322-2914.

Link to the article: https://www.mastermylist.com/home-maintenance/how-to-lubricate-a-garage-door-cincinnati-garage-door-maintenance/

Related articles: https://garagedoorrepairblog58583071.wordpress.com/2018/11/02/garage-door-maintenance-tips/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://www.locksmitharvadaco.com/



Article source here: How to Lubricate a Garage Door: Cincinnati Garage Door Maintenance

Saturday 17 November 2018

How to protect your home, property from thieves during the holidays

Whether you’re out shopping or even at home, thieves are on the lookout for an opportunity to take your valuables.

So don’t let yourself become a victim.

It’s not the type of thing you want to think about during the holidays, but experts say a little precaution can go a long way.

Pearl City resident Kaimana Sasaki had her big screen television stolen from her garage last week.

Earlier this week, thieves broke into her truck and stole her purse inside with cash, credit cards, and other personal items.

“I’m not too sure how they broke in, but pretty much as you can see, the window is shattered,” Sasaki said. “We didn’t hear anything. My dogs actually woke us up, started barking. We didn’t hear any glass shattering. Our alarm didn’t go off, so they must have used something to crack the window, and when we found the window, there was actually a hole inside.”

She’s not sure if it’s just bad luck or her house was being watched, but she says the family has since installed security cameras around the house.

“It kind of hit home, because I have kids, and it’s kind of scary knowing that somebody’s around here watching me, or just coming by and looking through the neighborhood and stuff,” Sasaki said.

Michael Kitchens created and runs the Facebook page Stolen Stuff Hawaii, now with more than a hundred thousand members who report crime in their area.

He says reports of thefts go up three times as much starting in November.

“You just see a slow, steady (stream), where sometimes a post will sit at the top of the page, now it doesn’t around this time of the year,” Kitchens said. “It’s just constantly having posts leapfrog each other.”

Kitchens says in most cases, they are crimes of opportunity. Thieves see an easy way of getting to your valuables and they’re able to run off with it in a matter of seconds.

“Everything from just breaking into people’s mailboxes, car break-ins, burglary, robbery. It’s just people are so desperate this time of the year, I guess it’s whatever they can get,” Kitchens said.

Kitchens says you should never leave your purse or wallet in your car, even if it’s hidden and the car is locked. When shopping, don’t put your packages in the car until you’re ready to leave the parking lot. Thieves could be watching and break into the car when you walk away.

Don’t store keys for your house or car in a lock box, because thieves can get to them easily. Avoid leaving gifts under the tree until you’re ready to give them out.

HPD also recommends that you don’t post on social media when you’ll be away from home. Keep wrapped gifts away from windows, and break down boxes for large expensive items like TVs and computers before putting out the trash.

As always, you can report suspicious activity by calling 911.

 

Link to the article: https://www.khon2.com/news/local-news/how-to-protect-your-home-property-from-thieves-during-the-holidays_20180306071648997/1012642571

Related articles: https://homeautomationauckland.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/what-are-the-characteristics-of-a-good-smart-security-system/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://www.locksmitharvadaco.com/



Article source here: How to protect your home, property from thieves during the holidays

Saturday 10 November 2018

Season for Thieving: 6 Tricks to Protect Your Home During the Holidays

| Nov 21, 2017

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Some of us wait eagerly all year for the holidays and the jolly merriment that accompanies these few crazy weeks: the festive shindigs, the bottomless eggnog bowls, and the no-longer-so-ironic ugly sweaters. All of it might have you feeling like nothing can go wrong.

But as much as you’re looking forward to the holidays, so are the bad guys.

(Warning: Buzzkill ahead.)

Yes, that dizzying schedule of end-of-the-year fêtes and last-minute holiday shopping means you’re out of your home more often than in it, providing would-be burglars ample opportunity to case your place. And whether you’re checking in at a winter ski getaway or Instagramming that sweet Black Friday deal you just nabbed, your social media profile is also alerting the world that nobody’s home.

Don’t give the bad guys a holiday bonus! You can outsmart them and protect your home, as long as you know where you’re most vulnerable. Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting to gather security experts’ top tips to keep your home—and everything in it—safe during the busy holiday season.

1. Lock it down

Nothing too earth-shattering here, but it bears repeating: If you’re going to be out of town, program your outdoor lights to switch on at dusk and off at dawn, keep your doors and windows locked, and set your alarm system, if you have one.

If you’re going on vacation, some experts recommend keeping a car parked in the driveway so it looks like someone’s home. To prevent your mailbox from overflowing while you’re away, have your mail held until you return.

In other words: Don’t make yourself a target.

2. Outsmart package thieves

“Packages sitting outside your door are like a billboard that screams ‘no one is home,’” says Justin Lavelle, chief communications director for BeenVerified, an online background check platform.

His recommendation? If you live in a city or high–foot traffic area, consider using an Amazon Locker, where you can pick up packages at your own convenience. (You can also have packages sent to your office address or, for U.S. Postal Service deliveries, held for pickup at a post office location.)

If you’re purchasing from a retailer with brick-and-mortar locations in your area, consider having your items shipped to the local store for pickup.

If that sounds like a lot of work, most shipping providers (including UPS and FedEx) allow you to postpone delivery until you know someone is home. UPS and FedEx also allow consumers to leave directions for where to drop off packages.

“Follow their shipping details so you know what date the delivery is anticipated, and leave a note attached to your door with where you want the delivery to be left,” he says. “Just make sure you write ‘For UPS’ or ‘For FedEx’ on the outside and fold the note over or put it in an envelope.”

Also, make sure the path to your door is open, clear, and visible to neighbors and the street.

“If thieves can shield themselves behind large bushes and decor such as large blowups and Christmas trees, it’s that much easier for them to go unnoticed,” Lavelle says.

3. Take a break from social media

Yes, we realize this is a tall order in today’s like-happy society. But trust us here: Smart thieves are watching not only your house, but also your social media channels. Be aware that when you trumpet that two-week holiday trip to Bali all over Facebook, you’re telling the world that your pad will be unattended.

The same logic applies to sharing photos of your home and your stuff: They tell would-be burglars what else you have in your home and if there’s something worth stealing.

And while you’re taking stock of your online profile, take a minute to adjust your privacy settings for event RSVPs as well.

“Anytime you publicly RSVP to parties, school events, concerts, or any other event, you’re giving an intruder an invitation to target your home,” Lavelle says. “Social media may not give away your home address, but with the internet it’s not hard to find out.”

4. Get smart

If you’ve been wavering on outfitting your home with the latest smart home technology, the holidays could be the perfect time to finally get on board. You’ll have the fun of a new gadget to play with, and the peace of mind that your home has some extra safeguards—even when you can’t be there.

The options are virtually endless: Consider a smart doorbell (like Ring’s video doorbell), which detects motion and provides a view of your front door from your smartphone. Or try the Maximus Smart Security Light, which sends real-time push alerts to your phone so you can see and speak to who’s lurking on your porch—or sound an alarm directly from an app, if necessary.

Want to control your lights with the swipe of a finger? Check out innovations like the Philips Hue smart lightbulbs, which allow you to operate your lighting from anywhere.

And if you’re looking for an all-in-one smart security solution, consider a system like Nest Secure, which combines a variety of self-installable cameras, motion sensors, and alarms and poses a serious threat to traditional, clunkier alarm companies.

5. Consider a home upgrade

Wood or glass can break easily under pressure from an intruder, says home security expert Sadie Cornelius of SafeSmartLiving.com. Consider upgrading your door to stainless steel.

If that doesn’t jibe with your aesthetic, make sure your deadbolt requires a key on both sides. Smart locks (like those from Schlage and Kwikset) are easy to install and provide an additional layer of security from would-be burglars.

And to better illuminate wannabe burglars, consider installing motion-detecting lights, which use little energy and are usually affordable.

6. Beef up your online security

“While it might not seem obvious, security goes beyond the physical,” Cornelius says. “Cyber Monday and online shopping are an opportunity for hackers to steal your credit data and identity.”

She recommends using a virtual private network, or VPN, when using public Wi-Fi to protect your online data from hackers. If you’re shopping online, be sure the sites are secure and have a valid encryption certificate (which you can usually spot with the green locked indicator in front of the site address).

Ensure your system is running the latest security updates and antivirus software, and consider signing up for identity theft protection so you’re immediately alerted to suspicious activity on any of your accounts. Many banks will allow you to set up mobile push alerts for certain types of transactions or spending thresholds.

Link to the article: https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/protect-your-home-from-holiday-thefts/

Related articles: https://safeguardssinc.wordpress.com/2016/05/27/home-alarm-systems-facts-to-consider/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://www.locksmitharvadaco.com/



Article source here: Season for Thieving: 6 Tricks to Protect Your Home During the Holidays

Saturday 3 November 2018

Are Your Loved Ones Safe? Crucial Garage Door Safety Tips!

Homeowners insurance in college station texas 4390.jpg

Securing your home to prevent a burglary is important. While making sure your home is protected and to prevent filing a claim with your homeowners insurance, have you considered your garage door? Of all the areas of your home where unwanted visitors could gain access, homeowners insurance agents find that garage doors are commonly overlooked.

Garage doors can also be a family safety issue when not used properly. Keep your home safe and reduce home owners insurance costs by being sure that your garage door is secured.

Garage Doors – An Overlooked Access Point

As sturdy as a garage door may seem, it will not stop a clever burglar who knows how to get past it. Using little more than a wire clothing hanger, thieves can activate the emergency release lever on your automatic garage door opener and open the door.

Once they have gained access to the garage, burglars can ransack your home and put you in a situation of needing to call your homeowners insurance company to report damage to your home and/or loss of personal property.

Garage Doors Can Be Dangerous

In addition to how easily garage doors can be breached, homeowners insurance agents note that the garage door also presents home safety issues. Power outages can prevent the mechanism from working. Children and animals are sometimes injured when garage doors accidentally close on them. Damaged mechanisms may fail, allowing the door to fall and cause damage that must be repaired via a home owners insurance claim.

Best Tips for A Safe and Secure Garage Door

Fortunately, keeping the garage door secure so you don’t have to file a homeowners insurance claim is easy. Practice the tips below from experienced homeowners insurance agents to prevent break-ins and keep your entire family safe:

  1. Buy A High-Security Garage Door Opener – Choose an automatic opener with a numerical keypad for code control. It should also allow for remote activation from a smartphone app, just in case. These kind of systems are harder to breach and provide you with greater home security and fewer possibilities of having to make a claim on your home owners insurance.
  2. Choose A Safe System – A garage door that closes down on a child or pet can be a disaster; however, the safest systems detect when something is in the way of the door and stops lowering the door. Laser sensors and sensitivity adjustments are great features that can reduce the chance of a person or pet becoming injured by a closing garage door.
  3. Learn to Use the Emergency Release – As with any electronic device, begin by reading the garage opener user manual to learn how to correctly program and operate it. Most importantly, learn how to use the emergency release lever so you can safely operate the door even if you lose power.
  4. Secure the Emergency Release Lever – To prevent burglars from using the wire hanger trick discussed above, secure the emergency release lever on your opener with a plastic zip tie. The tie is sturdy enough to prevent activation of the lever with a hanger; however, it can easily be broken if you need to use the emergency release.
  5. Avoid Tempting Burglars – Never leave your garage door partially open. This weaken the opener mechanism, increase the chance of damage, and attract the attention of burglars. Keep your door remote out of any car that stays parked in your driveway. A visible garage remote is an invitation for a car break-in that may allow thieves access to your entire house. If you will be away for more than a few days, turn the power off to your opener.

Electronic garage doors are a great convenience; however, they can cause injuries if they malfunction. You may even end up with a homeowners insurance claim if burglars gain access to your home through an improperly secured door. Keep uninvited visitors out and prevent higher home owners insurance premiums by paying close attention to the tips offered above by homeowners insurance agents that will keep both your home and family safe and secure!

Link to the article: https://www.sigbcs.com/are-your-loved-ones-safe-crucial-garage-door-safety-tips/

Related articles: https://virginiagaragedoorrepairservice.wordpress.com/2017/02/20/why-my-garage-door-is-not-opening-know-the-possible-reasons/

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://www.locksmitharvadaco.com/



Article source here: Are Your Loved Ones Safe? Crucial Garage Door Safety Tips!

Saturday 27 October 2018

Wildfire-Related Garage Door Safety Becomes Law

caution-vegetation-fire

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill Friday from Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, requiring newly sold or installed electric garage door openers to be equipped with backup batteries. The new law will prevent people from being trapped in their garages during power failures such as those triggered by recent wildfires.

“Requiring backup batteries on garage door openers will saves lives and ensure no one is left vulnerable,” Sen. Dodd said. “With the threat of more wildfires to come, we must do everything possible to keep people safe. I thank Gov. Brown for recognizing the importance of this bill.”

Senate Bill 969 follows the devastating October wildfires that caused widespread power outages, leaving many evacuees unable to open their garage doors to flee the flames. The remains of at least five victims were found where garages once stood.

The senator is personally aware of the peril posed by power failures in the face of emergencies. He was forced to evacuate his own Napa home the night of the fall fires and could not open his heavy wooden garage door because power was out in his neighborhood. While garage door motors can be disconnected and opened manually, many people, especially seniors, find it difficult or impossible to do so.

“Most people don’t think about this until it is too late,” Dodd said. “My goal with this bill is to raise awareness and give people the security of a battery backup.”

Senate Bill 969 was supported by the Consumer Federation of California. Assembly member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, is co-author.

“It is clear from this past year’s fires that we need to protect people when the power goes out,” said Richard Holober, the Consumer Federation’s executive director. “I applaud Sen. Dodd and Gov. Brown for this important new law that will keep people from being trapped in their garages.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.

 

Link to the article: http://eastcountytoday.net/wildfire-related-garage-door-safety-becomes-law/

Related articles: https://greenhomeinspections.wordpress.com/tag/safety/

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Article source here: Wildfire-Related Garage Door Safety Becomes Law

Sunday 21 October 2018

10 Maintenance Must-do’s To Make Garage Doors Last Longer

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(guest post by Ran Keller)

Garage doors are opened and closed multiple times a day, yet few homeowners conduct regular checks and inspections on it. In fact, they are often the most neglected part of a house, even though they are frequently used and make up a large portion of a home’s outward appearance.

Conducting repeated tests on a garage door and its opener can help you catch any problems before they become worse. Moreover, inspections ensure that it is safe. Safety is a particularly important concern when you have kids and pets in the house.

How can you maintain your door so it lasts longer? Here are 10 tips:

Check the hardware

The easiest way to do a quick hardware check is to listen to the door when it opens and closes. It should move effortlessly and make minimum noise. Scraping noises, grinding sounds and jerky movements suggest there is an issue.

Furthermore, ensure that all loose hardware is tightened up. Use a socket wrench to fasten any loose bolts or roller brackets.

Review the balance

To review your door’s balance, you’ll need to first disconnect the opener to the door. Next, manually move the door halfway up or down. It should stay in place. If it doesn’t, the garage door isn’t balanced. You will need to seek a professional garage door repairman to correct this problem.

Replace batteries in remote

Garage doors are opened and closed innumerable times a year. Therefore, it’s essential to replace the remote’s batteries periodically. The remote’s manual should provide the information on when you need to replace the batteries.

Replace weather-stripping if needed

Look at the sides and bottom of your door. There should be weather-stripping on the sides and a rubber weather-seal on the bottom. If it’s cracked or the weather-stripping on the sides is jamming the door, consider adjusting it or replacing it altogether. Use your judgment.

Wooden garage doors might not have weather-stripping at the bottom. However, ideally, you should add weather-stripping to it – which can be purchased at any hardware store – and get it painted.

Lubricate the moving parts

Garage doors are connected by springs, rollers, nuts and bolts. All of these moving parts are used constantly every time you press the remote, and the door opens and closes. Hence, it’s vital to lubricate these moving parts with spray lubricant for springs, and white lithium grease for the chain or screw.

Don’t smear lubricant on the track, because it could cause the door to slip and lose its balance.

Examine the cables

Cables are responsible for lifting your door. Examine them periodically for damage. If you notice signs of wear and tear, contact a garage door repair service rather than take matters into your own hands. High-tension cables have the ability to inflict serious injuries and should always be handled by a professional.

Inspect the garage door’s safety feature

Every door is equipped with two safety features which are mechanical and photocell. To test the mechanical safety feature, simply place a piece of wood or brick below it and close the door. Once the door comes in contact with the wooden piece, it should automatically reverse its direction and go up. If it doesn’t, you will need to adjust the downforce control limit. Read your opener’s manual for directions on how to adjust it.

The second safety feature, photocell which uses photo-eye sensors, are located at the bottom of your garage door and has a beam. They prevent the door from closing if an object is in the door’s path. You can test this feature by closing the door and placing an object quickly in the path of the beam. If the door stops closing, it’s in good working condition. If it doesn’t, clean the sensors with a damp cotton ball and retry the process.

Remove rust

Rust tends to accumulate on steel doors. Locate the rusted areas, sand it, prime it and finally paint over them. Wooden doors should also be examined for damages and kept painted to protect the wood.

Check if tracks are clean

Talk to a garage door specialist in order to get the best cleaner for the tracks on your door. Do not lubricate or use an all-purpose cleaner.

Clean your garage door

Last but certainly not the least, it’s imperative to wash your garage door with an all-purpose cleaner. You can do it while washing your cars during the weekend and make it a fun family activity. Cleaning removes built-up grease and gunk and maintains your house’s spotless appearance.

Use the aforementioned garage door maintenance tips to ensure that your door lasts long and saves you on repair costs. Most of these suggestions are easy to follow and only take a few minutes. It’s a good idea to call a garage door repairman to conduct biannual inspections. Always keep your door clean, fully-functional and safe throughout the year.

 

Editor’s Note: Ran Keller is an experienced handyman who’s been working for EliteGarageWA for 10 years. When he’s not fixing garage doors, he likes to share his repairment ideas and knowledge with others.

 

Link to the article: http://blog.extremehowto.com/2018/02/20/10-maintenance-must-dos-make-garage-doors-last-longer/

Related articles: https://garagedoorrepair111.wordpress.com/

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Article source here: 10 Maintenance Must-do’s To Make Garage Doors Last Longer

Saturday 6 October 2018

Rosie on the House: Sunscreens can help prevent damage to home’s windows

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Each year, thousands of Arizona residents email or call Rosie Romero’s radio show with questions about everything from preventing fires in their chimneys to getting rid of tree roots invading their sewer systems. His goal is to provide answers that suit the specific lifestyle wherever someone lives in Arizona.

 

QUESTION: I’m replacing four windows in my house that had suffered serious sun damage, and I’m curious about whether putting sunscreens on them each summer would provide protection so this type of thing doesn’t happen again.

 

ANSWER: Yes, that’s possible. Just be sure to install a shade that will reflect 80 percent of the sun’s heat.

If you don’t have sunscreens, the summer heat and UV-rays can damage the vinyl frames on windows and bleach furniture, flooring and rugs.

 

The heat on glass can also break the seals in dual-pane windows. In that case, you might end up with moisture penetrating the seal and fogging up windows.

One thing to remember: Sometimes installing sunscreens can void the warranty on your windows. So check the fine print on the warranty first.

 

Q: What about blocking the sun with the old “aluminum foil inside the window” trick? Will that help keep sun and heat out of your house? Is there any harm in doing that?

 

A: It might keep the heat out of your house, but then all the sun and heat would still hit the outside of the windows and could damage the glass.

Q: I had two air conditioning units installed in my house in 1999 as part of a remodel. I was told they were horizontal units installed vertically due to tight spacing. But as a result I have had a big problem over the years with condensate leaking into my walls. I’ve even used tubs under them to catch the excess water. I was told I couldn’t install new units without removing part of the remodeled area. I was also told that replacing them might cost $45,000. What can I do about this continuing problem?

 

A: I think you have to install new properly positioned units to solve the problem. You can buy vertical air handling units that would probably fit the space without ripping up the house. I also don’t think this would cost you $45,000. Have a reputable air conditioning contractor come to your house and give you an estimate for free. It’s also probable that those old units are now reaching the end of their natural lifespan by now.

Q: I have a very tall palo verde tree that helped shade a window on the second story of my house. Then a microburst from a monsoon storm came along and tore off some of the branches. About one-third of the tree was damaged. Can I keep the tree or does it have to be removed?

 

A: Desert trees are very resilient. If you trim off some of the jagged edges on the broken branches, the tree will probably sprout new growth and continue to shade your home.

 

Q: I have a red bud tree that was planted as a sapling that I got from Georgia about 19 years ago. Now, some of the branches are starting to die off. What can I do to save it? I’ve mulched around it and I was wondering if I should fertilize it some more.

 

A: It’s very impressive that a red bud has lasted for 19 years. Arizona is definitely out of a red bud’s normal growing zone. But many unusual things can happen here if you build a little microclimate to keep a tree like that sheltered from desert winds.

These imported trees can get established and do pretty well. Unfortunately, however, it sounds as if your tree will have to be replaced at this point.

For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. Romero, an Arizona home-building and remodeling-industry expert for 29 years, is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning “Rosie on the House” radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST (790-AM) in Tucson and from 9-11 a.m. on KGVY (1080-AM and 100.7-FM) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.

 

Link to the article: https://tucson.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/rosie-on-the-house-sunscreens-can-help-prevent-damage-to/article_26f033de-c9d1-5cc4-bf08-123eef551390.html

Related articles: https://247wallst.com/housing/2018/05/13/6-home-maintenance-chores-to-do-now/

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Article source here: Rosie on the House: Sunscreens can help prevent damage to home’s windows

Saturday 29 September 2018

6 Home Maintenance Tasks You May Not Even Realize You Have to Do

| Jan 9, 2018

Home maintenance and ownership go hand in hand, so you’re no doubt aware that there’s plenty you should be doing (hello, gutter cleaning!). Sorry to lengthen your to-do list, but we thought you should know that there are actually a few more home maintenance tasks that may require your attention—and odds are you don’t even realize it.

Curious what you might be overlooking? Here are some home maintenance chores that might be flying under your radar—and why they’re important to cross off your list.

1. Clean your refrigerator drip pan

Did you know many refrigerators have drip pans? I did not. But as you can imagine from the name, it’s a thing you really should be cleaning once in a while.

Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance, puts it this way: “Failing to clean the refrigerator drip pan will result in mold growth.” Yuck.

How to do it: To clean it, first you have to find it.

“Remove the kick panel at the bottom of your fridge, and trace the defrost drain line to the pan, which is where it empties out,” says Rogers. Use a flashlight if you need to.

“Be sure to gently pull the pan out as it may be full of water, and dump any excess liquid in the sink before cleaning with an all-purpose cleaner,” he says.

2. Flush the water heater

“Flush” the water heater? What does that even mean? Great question. According to Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter plumbing, you need to remove the water sitting in your water heater to remove any sediment that may collect there.

“Sediment causes corrosion, reduces efficiency, and shortens your water heater’s life span,” James explains.

How to do it: First, turn off the electricity or gas to the heater. Open a bathroom hot water tap and let the hot water run for a few minutes to lower the temperature of the water in the heater. Then shut off the cold water valve at the top of the tank, and put a bucket under the water heater drain valve. Open the valve and drain the water until it runs clear, with no sandy stuff. Be careful, because the water can come out hot! When it’s clear, put everything back the way it was and you’re done until next time.

To keep your water heater running at its best, James advises setting the temperature no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Reseal your grout

When your tile was installed, whether it’s floor tile, bathroom surround tile, or countertop tile, the grout was sealed to protect it from wear and tear. But did you know that you’re supposed to reseal it every year? If you said no, you’re not alone.

“You have to reseal grout every year, and most people don’t,” says Debbie Gartner of The Flooring Girl blog.

The reason: Most grout is a mixture of sand and cement, which can absorb water, bacteria, and stains.

“A grout sealer protects your grout so it’s waterproof,” explains Gartner. Sealing will help your grout look better and last longer. The only exception is epoxy grout, which is generally used with glass tile.

How to do it: To reseal grout, apply grout sealant, wipe off any excess that gets on tiles, wait 15 minutes, apply a second coat, then clean the tiles again. Let it cure for 24 to 48 hours. After it cures, test it: Water should bead on top of the grout instead of being absorbed.

Here’s more on how to reseal grout.

4. Test for water leaks

Checking for water leaks around the home—even small, slow ones—will pay off big-time down the road. Why? It can help you save water (and money on your water bill); but more importantly, it will eliminate damage to your house done by water behind the walls or in other hard-to-see places.

How to do it: “Take a water meter reading and avoid using your water for a couple of hours. After two hours, if the reading changes, you have a leak,” James says.

If you have a leak, inspect the pipes of your water-using appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine for cracked, bulging, or damaged hoses. Leaky hoses are easy to replace yourself. If, however, the damage is more extensive, you can hire a plumber.

5. Reseal stone countertops

If you have granite or marble countertops, you should be sealing those babies every year, or possibly more often. The only exception is if you have a presealed countertop. In that case, you’re excused from this one. Not sure if you need to seal? Put some water on your countertop. The more quickly it is absorbed, the more porous your stone is, and the more frequently you should be sealing. That’s also a good test to see if your sealer has worn off: If the water doesn’t bead on the countertop, it’s time.

How to do it: Wash your countertop with mild soap and water, and wipe it dry. Apply a stone sealer, let it sit 15 minutes, then wipe away the extra.

Here’s more on how to reseal countertops.

6. Wash your dryer lint screen

You know that thing gets gross, right? You’re always scraping piles of lint, shredded tissues, and other weird substances off of it. But it can get clogged in less obvious ways, too. The residue from dryer sheets and fabric softener can start to build up on the screen, blocking the airflow. That can lead to less efficient drying and even fires.

How to do it: “Soak it in hot water and dishwashing soap designed to remove grease and oil,” says Rogers. “Gently scrub the screen with a soft brush, rinse it, and let it air-dry before reinserting it into the slot.”

It’s a small thing, but it’ll help extend the life of your dryer, reduce your energy bills, and keep your home safer.

Link to the article: https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/home-maintenance-tasks-you-may-not-realize-are-important/

Related articles: https://knudtsen.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/5-garage-cleaning-tips-for-new-homeowners-in-spokane-wa/

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Article source here: 6 Home Maintenance Tasks You May Not Even Realize You Have to Do

Saturday 22 September 2018

8 Tips for Maximizing Garage Storage

Sep 26, 2017

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(StatePoint) Most people are pressed for garage space, regardless of the size of their house, from DIYers overwhelmed with tools to moms searching for places to store holiday decorations.

Toter, a leading manufacturer of carts, cans and containers for use in a wide range of home and work waste management and storage solutions, is offering the following tips for making more of precious garage space.

• Keep trash in its place: To keep trash and odors contained, select a mobile trash cart with a tight-fitting lid that’s compatible with your haulers’ pickup requirements and comes with a warranty. Some manufacturers also offer cart and can liners and deodorizers to keep your garage smelling fresh.

• Invest in a multi-purpose job box. Most people tend to have the wrong size toolbox for their needs. Consider the shape, capacity and compartments needed for your tools. Rolling options are great for work done only at home, while a job box may be better for those who do work elsewhere. If portability is important, look at lighter-weight options. New plastic job boxes, such as the Toter HardHead, combine the strength, durability and security of a large metal box with enhanced maneuverability.

• Build up, not out: Ceiling storage racks are an excellent way to use what would otherwise be dead space. Many racks are designed to fit directly above the area where an automatic door goes up and down. Peg boards for tools and stackable totes are also good choices.

• Choose multipurpose storage: Needs can change over time, so invest in storage that can be used for a variety of items in multiple ways. For example, large, durable totes can hold lawn gear, tools or camping equipment.

• Think mobility: Being able to move containers within the garage is important. However, the ability to move them into your vehicle and hit the road quickly also makes life a lot easier.

According to Jeniffer Coates, director of product development and warranty for Toter, “Heavy metal containers are difficult to move, and cheap plastic bins are often too flimsy to stand up to long-term or outdoor use. Consumers will get the most mileage from durable, impact-resistant plastic containers.” These can cost a bit more upfront, but will stand the test of time.

• Protect items: Moisture and pests cause problems in even the cleanest garage. Look for durable storage containers with tight-fitting, critter-resistant lids.

• Categorize: Assign and color-code dedicated areas for each type of item — tools, decorations, lawn equipment, etc. — to avoid the hassle of searching.

• Allow room to grow. While it can be tempting to stuff every square inch, try to leave room for future additions. To ensure everything deserves the space it’s occupying, do a yearly purge of unneeded or unused items.

For more information on finding the right storage solutions for your needs, visit toter.com/storage-solutions.

Keeping the garage in order is a necessary evil, but with a solid game plan and the right equipment, it’s easier than you think.

 

Link to the article: https://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/online_features/home_improvement/article_d16c2c65-8b99-5ed3-859c-6b75688cd2b0.html

Related articles: http://www.amarr.com/blog/2012/07/24/tips-for-an-organized-garage/?ak_action=reject_mobile

For further assistance in home security, click here for more: http://www.locksmitharvadaco.com/



Article source here: 8 Tips for Maximizing Garage Storage

Saturday 15 September 2018

Repairing the garage door in emergency

By admin – October 16, 2017

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It is quite annoying if the garage door gets stuck in the odd hours. It is a double impact situation for you. On one hand you cannot leave the door open just for this and secondly getting a professional technician to repair the garage door is a herculean task. In this type of situation, your problem could be resolved only by a professional service provider who can understand your situation. You can take the help of your friends or search online to have the address of the professional to have emergency garage door repair done in your home.

Why you should hire a professional for garage repair?

  • Emergency service provider: a professional garage repair person knows the importance of his work and takes pride in giving services to the clients. He knows that his services could be required by a person at the odd hours. So, he is ready to understand your problem and very much willing to provide his services at times other than normal working hours.
  • Efficiency: Your time and the proceedings of the day depend upon the quality of repair work carried at the garage door. If the door is repaired in a proper way, then you can have the proceedings of the rest of the day move smoothly. As you will not be required to call the technician again and again for the repair work. Hence, the quality of repair counts a lot.
  • Safety: Safety of yourself and your family is utmost important. Hence, it is very much necessary to have a professional for the job who can handle the electrical as well as mechanical aspect of the garage door effectively.

Thus, hiring a professional not only solves your problem of emergency door repair but also provides you an effective and quality job work done in an economical way.

Link to the article: http://www.rockfordrealestategroup.com/repairing-the-garage-door-in-emergency/

Related articles: https://houstongaragedoorrepair42.wordpress.com/

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Article source here: Repairing the garage door in emergency

Sunday 9 September 2018

17 Warning Signs Mold Hiding In Your Home Is Damaging Your Body

Most of the household appliances we have at home are connected to a water source, so there is a high risk of leakage, which leads to water waste and a huge damage to the household.

Moreover, leaks impose another serious health risk- mold.

It is a common fungus type which can grow inside and outside, throughout the entire year. Mold mostly grows in damp, warm, and humid environments. Its microscopic spores travel through the air and attach to various structures and materials and multiplicate.

Mold can be of 100,000 types and species, but while some do not cause any harm, some categories are detrimental to health. For instance, allergenic molds are the most common ones, and they contain allergens, which lead to allergies and similar symptoms.

People who are exposed to mold experience are often unaware of the issue, so you need to know the following 17 symptoms:

  1. Headaches
  2. Metallic taste in the mouth
  3. Memory problems, brain fog, trouble with focus and executive function
  4. Numbness and tingling
  5. Persistent nerve pain
  6. Fatigue, weakness, post-exercise malaise and fatigue
  7. Tremors
  8. Muscle cramping, aches, and pains, joint pain without inflammatory arthritis, persistent nerve pain, “ice pick” pain
  9. Weight gain despite sufficient effort (weight loss resistance)
  10. Excessive thirst
  11. Increased urination
  12. Vertigo
  13. Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, appetite changes
  14. Static “shocks”
  15. Light sensitivity, red eyes, and/or blurred vision
  16. Sinus problems, cough, shortness of breath, air hunger, asthma-like symptoms
  17. Night sweats or other problems with temperature regulation.

Small amounts of mildew on the shower walls or other application where water accumulates are completely normal, but if you notice mold or mildew growth in room corners or non-shower walls, it is a clear sign that there is some leak which creates a perfect environment for mold.

If you have issues with household mold, you can clean it with the help of mold removal specialists. Yet, to prevent additional complications, make sure you take care of the leak after the mold has been removed.

Hire a plumber to specify the reason for the leak, and try to solve the problem as soon as possible, in order to prevent serious health issues.

Source: theheartysoul.com
Other included sources linked in The Hearty Soul’s article:
www.mayoclinic.org
www.aafa.org
www.euro.who.int

 

Link to the article: http://healthy-life-box.com/17-warning-signs-mold-hiding-home-damaging-body/

Related articles: https://flossibettenco.wordpress.com/2014/06/05/lois/

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Article source here: 17 Warning Signs Mold Hiding In Your Home Is Damaging Your Body

Saturday 1 September 2018

10 Tips for How to Organize Your Garage

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Joe Jackson Sep 28, 2017

Better garage organization means easier gear access, which means more time to play outside

I’m about to be a dad, in a little less than two months and counting. In addition to getting the baby’s room ready, I’ve taken on the task of organizing my garage. Call it my form of nesting. This task is not a small one, being that I’m Outside’s Gear Guy and have spent years acquiring and testing about every piece of outdoor gear you can think of. As of right now, I’m still working through the cleanup, but I wanted to share some of the tips I’ve learned over the years.

Consider Your Car

This is the first thing you need to decide: Does the car live in the garage? The answer to this will totally change how the garage gets organized. A big part of the decision depends on where you live. Own a house in Southern California? Your car is probably fine on the street. Live in Bozeman, where it snows all the time, or Dallas, where hail can ruin everything? In that case, you’ll need to squeeze your car in with your gear. I live in Oregon, where it’s fine to leave my car outside, and because it will be hard to get a baby out of the car when it’s parked in the garage, we’ve decided to keep the garage car-free.

Invest in Shelving

Every available inch of wall in my garage has shelves, which maximizes my space. I’m a big fan of Gorilla Racks, because they’re relatively affordable, easy to assemble, stable, and hold a ton of weight. I’m not afraid to load them down with coolers, car camping stoves, and other bulky items. If you’re on a budget, check out these affordable plastic shelves that snap together in five minutes and are great for lightweight bins.

Use Your Vertical Space

The ceiling in your garage is valuable square footage. I’m currently in the process of getting a Racor PHL-1R Ceiling Storage Lift, which will store my rooftop tent. If you have a pitched or otherwise high ceiling, you might also consider it for hanging bikes, surfboards, kayaks, and other bulky items that are hard to store on a wall or the floor.

Don’t Be Afraid to Wrench

This tip relates to the one above. Installing a rooftop tent holder or hooks for your bikes involves turning screws. Thankfully, the stakes are usually lower in your garage than they are in your living room. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, redrill, reposition, repeat.

Keep Everything Accessible

By accessible, I mean you should be able to get at your gear without effort. Don’t store your gear two or three layers deep. You shouldn’t have to move one bin to get to the next. If you have a car in the garage, make sure you don’t have to pull the car out to reach your most frequently used gear.

Bins, Bins, Bins

Bins are a key part of organization, and they’re so important that they get a heading unto themselves. All my shelves are filled with bins that hold various parts of my gear. For example, all my car camping cooking gear goes in one bin. All my base layers go in another. I like 18-gallon bins—they hold a lot of gear but aren’t so big that they’ll topple me over when I try to get one off the top shelf. When possible, I prefer clear bins so I can see inside. Even with clear bins, I’m militant about labeling. I slap on a piece of duct tape and write the contents so there’s never any guessing. My go-tos, for those who are curious, are the Sterilite 18-gallon bins, which I buy in bulk.

Plan for the Seasons

If you have a small garage or a garage with a car inside, make your seasonal gear the most accessible. It’s okay to have your skis in a hard-to-reach spot in July, but your bike, helmet, and pump should be at the ready. Vice versa in December.

Build a Drying Station

I live in Oregon, so water is a problem. I need to be careful about drying gear like jackets and skins so they don’t get ruined. A dedicated drying station in my garage is helpful, because it’s easily accessible and prevents me from forgetting about my gear on the outdoor clothesline. No need to get fancy. Just string up a section of paracord along one wall to drape things over.

Create a Donations Bin

Some gear eventually needs to get passed on. Instead of letting it clutter your garage, organize it into one bin. When it’s time to pass the gear on to friends, Goodwill, or your local charity, everything is in one spot and easy to transport.

Keep Your Garage Clean and Welcoming

By this I mean sweep the floors, get rid of spiderwebs, and maybe add some extra lighting. All these things will keep your garage feeling like an organized space and help you cut down on the clutter.

Link to the article: https://www.outsideonline.com/2243301/10-tips-how-organize-your-garage

Related articles: http://www.amarr.com/blog/2012/07/24/tips-for-an-organized-garage/

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Article source here: 10 Tips for How to Organize Your Garage