We may not have seen too many flurries this year yet, but snow, freezing rain and colder temps are coming. Prepping your garage makes the area safe and ensures your belongings are protected.

Start by giving it a quick cleaning. Sweep out any leaves or debris that could get in the way of your garage door’s sensors. Wipe up any spills that could freeze. Clean up any clutter that may be in the path to your car. Replace any burnt out light bulbs in, and outside of your garage.

Organize your winter items. Those shovels are no good if they are buried behind lawn chairs. Make sure your snow-blower is clean and that you have the proper oil and gas on hand. Take some time to get all your winter items to the front of the garage. Don’t forget any sports gear or clothing the family may need for a fun snow day.

Create a space for wet shoes and clothing. Keep the slush, salt, and dirt out of your living space. Create a “drop zone” for wet boots, coats, mittens, and other items. 

Do a quick inspection of your garage door, opener, and hardware. Watch your door open and close. Does it wobble or seem like it’s lifting off the track? Can you see any loose parts? Are you hearing any squeaks, bangs, or pops? Test your door’s reverse feature. Does it stop if an object is placed in front of the sensors? If any of these examples are a concern, we recommend calling a professional to address them.

If you use your garage as a work area, you may want to check any weather- stripping, insulation and seals around windows and doors. You may want to consider adding some insulation to help retain the heat. Do you use a space heater? Use it with caution and unplug it when not in use. 

Let’s wish for a mild winter but be prepared for a harsh one.