Lots of Free Time Due to COVID-19?
Now’s the perfect time to get things done around the house. Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” order took effect yesterday, March 25th, 2020. Non-essential businesses across the state have closed until further notice, while other businesses are operating under new, strict guidelines to help curb the spread of the current COVID-19 pandemic. This order leaves many Oregonians at home for the next few weeks, leaving only for essential shopping trips such as visits to the grocery store or pharmacy. Wondering what to do with all of that free time? Upgrade your garage space or use it for other activities!
Five Ways to Utilize Your Garage While Working From Home
If the house is crowded while you quarantine with the family, it may be necessary to use every space you have to make everyone comfortable. Here are a few ways you can use your garage during this time:
1. Use the Garage as a Yoga Studio
One way to take advantage of the garage space during this stay-at-home order is to use it as a yoga studio. Yoga has been found to have many physical and mental health benefits, including:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved flexibility and balance
- Improved sleep quality
Consider using the garage as a space to practice yoga and reap the benefits of exercise without leaving home.
2. Use the Garage as a Game Room
Unsure what to do with the kids for the next few months? Turn the garage into a playroom/game area for the kids! Stockpile the board games and set up a cozy area to play: a couple of chairs, a table, and a bunch of snacks. If you want the living room television to remain free for the rest of the family, consider putting a small TV in the garage for the kids to watch movies while they play!
3. Use the Garage as a Weight Room
The current practice of social distancing means that all gyms are closed until further notice. Consider using the garage as a weight room for now. If you don’t own weights, you could order some, or you could use household items. Now’s the time to be creative.
4. Use the Garage as an Office
If both you and your partner are working from home, one home office may not be sufficient. Consider converting the garage into another office space to use during this time. Fortunately, the weather isn’t quite as frigid over the last few weeks. However, consider placing a small space heater in the garage if it’s not a comfortable work environment.
5. Use the Garage as an Art Studio
If you need a space to retreat to and relax during the stay-at-home order, consider using the garage as an art studio. A change in scenery can do a lot to help stave off boredom while you’re stuck at home. Making time for a creative outlet helps reduce stress and anxiety as well.
Five Ways to Improve Your Garage While Stuck at Home
If it’s not feasible to use the garage for additional recreational space, there are still things you can do in the garage to improve its functionality.
1. Look Up for Storage Space
If you use your garage partly for storage, make sure you’re using all of the available space! Many homeowners underutilize their vertical storage space. Put up shelves and hooks and store infrequently-used items there to increase the amount of usable space in the garage.
2. Add Insulation
The garage door is the largest door in the house, and garages are often one of the biggest sources of heat loss in the home. Adding insulation can help save you money on utility bills, and using less energy helps the environment.
3. Use Moisture-Blocking Paint
The garage tends to have more moisture than other parts of the house, similar to basements. While you have the time at home, consider painting the walls with a moisture-blocking paint to make it a more comfortable space. additionally, you can paint the floor to give the garage a whole new look!
4. Protect Your Car Doors
If your garage is small, you may find yourself accidentally dinging your car doors against the garage wall. A way to avoid this is to place pool noodles on the wall, affixed with screws, to protect the car doors.
5. Clean the Windows
The windows in a garage typically are neglected by homeowners. Use this time to clean the windows and see how much that affects both the light in the garage and its overall look!
About John’s Custom Garage Doors
John’s Custom Garage Doors is a family-owned and operated business that specializes in sales and service of garage doors and garage door openers. Established in 1948, John’s Custom Garage Doors has always had a goal to ensure the complete satisfaction of every customer while offering knowledgeable, friendly, and reliable service at a competitive price when it comes to installation and garage door repair.
John’s Custom Garage Doors team members live, work, and play in the area, so they want to make your experience as convenient and affordable as possible to keep their good name in our community. Contact them today to set up an appointment for your free estimate. They also welcome your phone questions and would be happy to provide you with more information so that they can ensure the best solution for your job or project needs.