Overhead Door of Permian Basin Blog!

The garage is a part of the home that can often be neglected during winter. Whether or not you actually use your garage to store your car, you are likely using it as a home for other things, such as bicycles, that are only pulled out in summer. The garage is also often forgotten when spring cleaning rolls around. Here are some things to consider:

1. Ideally, you want to move everything out onto the driveway. Choose a day when no rain is forecast and just pull everything out of the garage.

2. Clean, clean, clean. Run the hose into the garage, get a scrubbing brush, and tackle the inevitable oily and grimy spots. Sweep the dust out of the corners.

3. Check the garage door. If you haven't used your garage all winter, it may be stiff or sticky. Make sure it opens and closes smoothly - if it doesn't, then you may want to get it serviced. Contact us today to get that scheduled! 

4. Sort through the clutter. You should have several categories of stuff:

• Stuff that doesn't belong in the garage. Especially if you use the garage entrance as a back door, clothes and shoes can wander into the garage and need to be chased back into the house.
• Trash. This includes any items that are broken beyond repair, expired items, etc.
• Hazardous waste. Make a separate box for anything considered hazardous waste, such as some auto maintenance products, so it can be disposed of properly.
• Recycling. Papers, etc.
• Things you haven't used in several years - these can be given away. If you think something is repairable but don't want to repair it you may be able to find a home for it.
• Tools and equipment.
• Stuff you know you want to store in the garage.

4. Take that last category and store it properly. Use bins or shelves to keep everything organized. If you don't have enough shelves then consider getting more - or whether you are keeping stuff you don't need.

5. Repair or replace your garage doors to give the ultimate curb appeal for the summer! Overhead Door of the Permian Basin™ is able to do both. 

The idea is to end up with a clean, organized garage in which you have more than enough room to get in and out of your car.

Happy Spring Cleaning!

-Overhead Door of the Permian Basin™

Sources:

https://www.marthastewart.com/274285/spring-cleaning-the-garage-and-outdoors

https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/spring-cleaning-the-garage/

http://www.oprah.com/home/how-to-clean-out-your-garage-spring-cleaning-tips-peter-walsh

Scrubbing out your garage may not be at the top of your resolution list for the new year. However, home improvement should definitely make it on your agenda, because cleaning your garage can save you space, headache, and time. Check out our eight favorite garage cleaning tips for 2018.

2018 Resolutions: Garage Cleaning Tips

1. Remove the junk. Our garages become a catch-all for just about anything - including empty boxes, almost-empty products, and project garbage. Take the time to clean up debris to save space, and reduce fire hazards.
2. Combine where you can. Do you have multiple containers of the same thing open? If you can combine open packages of the same product, mix then together and save space!
3. Toss what you don't need.. Have you heard of the Marie Kondo method, which employs a decluttering tactic of "if it doesn't bring you joy, toss it?" Though many common garage items won't necessarily bring "joy," it's important to get rid of things you never use. There's no sense in letting them take up space.
4. Create groups. Make piles for items you want to keep, trash, or donate. Often, you might stumble upon items you can sell, such as old bicycles or tools. Consider a sales forum, like Craigslist.
5. Organization is key. Garage storage is premium, but...if it's out of sight, it's out of mind. Consider a DIY project or two by creating a storage hub for tools, gardening equipment, and parts. When you're organized, you can find things easier - and they're less likely to get strewn in your garage.
6. Give it a scrub. Though it's been a bit cool lately, giving your garage floors, walls, and windows a good scrubbing will start your 2018 off squeaky clean. A degreasing agent can break up tough or slippery floor stains to reduce hazards.
7. Protect your garage. Inspect extry doors, windows, and your garage doors for damage. An annual garage cleanout is a perfect opportunity to create a barrier from the elements.
8. Get a professional service. Before moving stuff back into the garage, schedule a service appointment with Overhead Door. When your garage is free of debris, it's easier for us to assess any issues with your door and the parts. You can schedule yours here.

Wishing you a wonderful and prosperous 2018 from Overhead Door!

Spring is the perfect time of year to clean up your garage. After fall and winter, you garage can be a little gross and disorganized. We’re here to share some of our favorite garage organization tips to help get your spring into full swing!

Divide And Conquer

Think of organizing your garage as being like moving your house…you have to sort it all out. Create three separate piles for your belongings as you start sorting: keep, donate, and trash. Donated items such as landscaping tools and equipment, gently used lawn furniture, or tools can be gifted to local charities, such as Habitat for Humanity. Anything broken or too old for use needs to be thrown away.

A rule of thumb for keeping things: if you haven’t used it for over a year, you probably need to donate or trash said item.

Scrub It Up

Once all of the items have been sorted, remove them from your garage. It’s time to give it a good spring cleaning! Sweep up visible debris (or cheat a little and use an air compressor to blow it out). If you’re feeling particularly industrious, you can follow these tips on degreasing your floor. That step is dependent on your time availability. 

Get Stacking

Did you know that the majority of people don’t even park their cars in their garages? For many people, garages are simply another place to store belongings. If you’re one of the many, make the best use of your space by choosing to install vertical shelves and hooks to maximize floor space.

Additionally, plastic totes are a great storage option, too. You can label the totes with what they are: “holiday décor,” “books,” or whatever you choose! Plastic totes are also more resistant to the elements than cardboard boxes, too.

Make your overhead door look as good as the inside of your garage after using these garage organizational tips. Get a free design consultation today!

Summertime is right around the corner and you might be a little panicky over the state of your garage…don't worry! We're here to help with our Summertime Garage Organization Guide below!

Step One: Clear it out

The first step to garage organization is decluttering. Transfer everything in your garage to your driveway and sort them by what you'd like to keep and what can go. Use a dumpster service to get rid of the trash and sell anything you could collect some cash from. 

Step Two: Sort

Next, sort the things that you plan to keep. Consider these categories:

• Gardening equipment
• Sports equipment
• Holiday
• Kid's Play
• Car Equipment
• Seasonal

Step Three: Store

Organize your sorted items with these storage space ideas!

• Wallboards (utilize wall space)
• Overhead storage
• Cabinets
• Buckets & Bins (perfect for kid's toys)

Step Four: Label

Label bins, buckets and drawers to help family members maintain garage organization. Use a label maker to clearly identify the container and what it should contain.

Step Five: Workshop space

After sorting and labeling, consider having a garage workshop. This is the perfect way to do project without making a huge mess in your home. It also allows your to locate tools quickly and easily.

Garage organization will not only be helpful to your family, but it can transform your garage into a useful summer space! For other tips on garage maintenance and household tips, subscribe to our newsletter to receive all the latest from your local Overhead Door Company!

Just hearing the word "garage" can make some people cringe. They are so hard to keep clean and tidy! Check out our 5 brilliant garage organization tricks!

1. An easy way to organize small things (screws, bolts, nails, etc.) in your garage is to screw the lids of small, clear plastic containers to the bottom of shelf. Fill the containers with the little things you'd like to organize. You'll be able to easily see the things you need!

2. Place magnetic strips in your garage to easily organize different tools. Simply attach the strips to a tool bench or drawer and organize the tools along the strip!

3. Another idea for a tool (particularly screwdrivers) rack is to simply take a piece of wood and drill holes (as many as you need) along the board. From there, you can place the screwdrivers, handle up, in the board.

4. There are so many types of tape that you keep in your garage! To organize the different ones, make a small wooden box (preferable with wooden "walls" to keep them apart), attach a blade on one end of the box and there you have it…you own personal tape dispenser!

5. Don't forget about the old-fashioned (but always handy!) pegboard! You can arrange everything, from planters and foliage, to hammers, pliers, or even a broom and dustpan! Anything you can put up on the wall (and off the floor!) is a plus!

Hopefully, those garage organization tricks will help you keep your garage in order! For other fun tips and tricks like the ones above, follow our blog! And don't forget, Overhead Door is here for all your garage door needs…think of us first!

Let's face it. We all wish we had more storage space! Especially during the holidays, when we are collecting new things (and don't always get rid of the old!) it is easy to say "where do I put this?!"

Why not use that garage of yours for extra space? Genius.

Your garage is a great space to store everything from holiday decorations to gardening supplies. However, that can make things a little crowded! First, take the time to organize your garage. The walls and ceiling are a great place to add hooks and nails to hang and store off the ground. Place your other garage items in color-coded bins. If you can't find enough colors, just be sure each bin is clearly labeled according to the contents inside.

While you're at it, why not clear out your closets and transfer what you can to the garage? By doing so, you are giving your guests a perfectly clean closet to stash their travel bags. Even if it's just temporarily, utilize the bin tip (above) or clear a corner of the garage specifically for temporary storage.

If the weather permits, your garage can be a great place to have Christmas dinner or New Years Eve party! By organizing your garage supplies and pulling out the cars, your garage can now become an extra room. Cover your storage areas with room dividers or curtains for a cleaner look. Add a long decorated table with chairs and some extra lighting to take it to the next level.

See? Your garage can be used for more than just parking your cars! If you have another idea you'd like to share, we'd love to hear it! Just comment below!

And don't forget, Overhead Door is your answer to any and every garage door need. You can give us a call or contact us online to schedule service or a design consultation!