After a long and hot day in Dubai’s heat, it usually feels convenient to just leave the car outside and save the hassle of parking it in the garage. But do you know that your vehicle can be damaged due to exposure to ultraviolet rays, tree fluid as well as droppings? In addition, a damaged and a poorly maintained car has a lower resale value in case you decide to sell your car in the foreseeable future. Consider sorting out the mess in your garage so that you can park your car inside.
But there’s an issue, right? Your garage is a huge mess. Don’t worry, we will show you the steps to transform it into a nice and tidy garage.
Starting the Clean Out
You would need to free up a full weekend or two in your schedule to start. You should:
- Seek Help
In order to get cleaning and organizing done faster, ask your family and friends to help. - Be Thorough
Make sure you go through each and every box stacked in the garage. - Categorize the items
Divide all your items into different piles and place them in the driveway with clearly marked areas to avoid future confusion. The following are examples of some piles you can make:- Unwanted items
These may include old and broken toys, expired chemicals and items not in use for more than two years. - Retaining items
Further categorize the items into broad groups such as sports equipment or hand tools. Procure labeled cardboard boxes to store such items. - Give-away items
Donate them as early as possible or have a yard sale to get some value back.
- Unwanted items
Caution! The following are items to be stored elsewhere:
- Paint
It needs to be stored in moderate temperatures, so keep them away from harsh conditions. - Propane
It should be stored outdoors since it is prone to catching fire. - Paper Goods
If you don’t want roaches and bugs moving in your garage, then keep these in the pantry. - Refrigerator
You should never keep this in places where there is no air-conditioning as it can consume lots of energy. - Pet Food
It should be kept inside the house in well-lit containers otherwise insects will take over.
Safety Precautions
Follow these suggestions to keep your garage protected:
- Fire Extinguisher
Get yourself an ABC-rated, 5 to 10-pound, fire extinguisher capable of tackling with wood, oil and electrical fires. - Carbon Monoxide Detector
Ideally, you should keep the garage door open when the car’s engine is running. But, for safety, install this detector as well. - Auto-stop feature
Install this in your garage-door opener to prevent the door from closing in case a child or pet attempts to sneak a peek.
Draft a Floor Plan
Keep all the items raised up from the floor so that there is no mess and can ensure cleaning to be done easily. Once you have taken garage dimensions along with the size and location of windows, doors, and switches, use the following rules for the organization:
- Group Similar Items
Objects which are used together like gardening tools can be stored next to each other.
- Sideline Heavy Equipment
Items like lawn mowers should be stored at the corners so that they are not knocked out.
- Frequently Used Items
These should be kept close to the door so that there is no hassle in taking them in and out.
- Rarely Used Items
Place them in spots where it would be difficult to reach them.
Procure Storage Products
The following must be present in the garage for storing your items:
- Plastic bins with lids
- Multi-sized transparent jars
- Lockable cabinet
- Label maker
- Open Shelves vs Closed Cabinets
Open Shelves are usually:
- Less expensive
- Easier to access
- Let you view the stored items
Closed Cabinets should only be used when the items need to be protected from dust and dirt.
- Vertical Organizing Systems
There are different systems available in the market. Analyze their pros and cons before choosing one.
- Pegboard
Pros:
- Readily available.
- Easy to install.
- Capable of customization.
Cons:
- Not strong enough for hanging heavy objects.
- Track-Based Systems
Pros:
- Can support heavy objects.
- Hooks and shelves can be relocated.
Cons:
- Only good for walls that are strong and sturdy.
- Panelized Systems
Pros:
- It can hold lock-in hooks, shelves, and cabinets.
- Contains slotted plastic panels.
- Can cover the entire wall.
Cons:
- Need trained professionals for installation.
- High cost.
- Limited to system-compatible organizing products.
Finishing Touches for the Garage
- Using Overhead Space
You can use the garage ceiling to hang infrequently-used long and flat objects. Just make sure they do not stand in way of the door. - Squeezing in a Workbench
Be economical in selecting your workbench. Join shelves with a simple work table and add a pegboard above for holding your gear along with casters to make it mobile. Get a padded stool to fit underneath. - Filling Air Leaks between the Garage and House
Seal off all the small gaps between the garage and the room above it to ward off hot and cold air. - Deciding on Door and Window Locks
Invest in good doors with a deadbolt and keep the windows closed to deter break-ins. Always keep the garage door closed. - Epoxy the Floor
It will resist oil stains and will help in cleaning. The color chips and paint will hide any imperfections. - Seal the Threshold
You must attach a rubber strip to the floor where the door closes so that there is no opening for rainwater, bugs or mice to enter the garage. - Upgrade the Lighting and Electrical Systems
Use 4-foot fluorescent fixtures with electronic ballasts for luminous lights, spaced 4-feet apart from each other. You should also install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to cut the power in case of a short circuit.
Park the Car in the Garage
This can be a hectic and risky work as it leaves scratches on the body of the car. So, use the following precautions:
- Hang a tennis ball from the ceiling so that it can give you an indication of the right spot when it hits the windshield.
- Put pieces of scrap carpeting on spots where you fear that bumper might hit the wall.
- The center aisle between two vehicles must be wide enough to move heavy objects.
Keep It Regularly Clean
- Stock pesticides in the garage to keep insects away.
- Keep a broom and dustpan near the workbench to clean after your work.
- Clean the floor with water regularly.
- Go through your belongings regularly and sell, donate or get rid of the items you no longer need.
Getting your garage organized is definitely not an easy or a one-size-fits-all process, however, these were some of our best ideas on proper garage decorum. After all, you would want a dandy garage to store your new or used car in Dubai!
Whether you want to sell your car or buy a used car in Dubai, CarSwitch.com is here to help you! Happy shopping!
