In the blink of an eye, back-to-school commercials have taken over television which can only mean we have to face the inevitable, summer is coming to an end. While I am certainly no fan of the cold weather, I believe fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year. So just like the seasons changing, it’s time to shift gears and start to say “sayonara!” to summer. That means now is when to consider cleaning up and preparing to start seasonal protection and maintenance around your home. Check out some of the following ideas to get you started.
Storage and Winterizing
Our outdoor furniture witnesses many beautiful memories throughout the warm summer days and nights. Don’t let those fade like your cushions will if you don’t plan proper storage and/or cover your furniture. No one wants to feel like they’re sitting on old and faded cushions and dining at a weather-worn table. Outdoor furniture covers are a start, but furniture should be cleaned appropriately, sealed if necessary, and stored if you have the space.
Don’t have space to store furniture? It’s a great time to get creative, sometimes in places, you would least expect. Check out this home in Rowayton, CT, that had lots of unused space underneath the back porch. By creating doors and a rolling mechanism, large flats could be rolled out to stack dining chairs and outdoor teak sofas, to protect them from the elements and clean up the space for the winter.
Don’t have a space like a garage or a crawl space you can easily access? Building a shed that can store your patio furniture in the winter, and other outdoor items like planters, grills, or even large kids’ toys when not in use can be helpful to protect them from the cold winter days that lie ahead. Home improvement stores offer many off-the-shelf shed options, but you can also have HomeSquare custom build one to match your home and your needs, like the one we rebuilt in Greenwich, CT.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
In a hurry to take out the trash only to realize there are pounds of heavy snow on the lids of your garbage cans? What about the hassle of dragging your trash can from the neighbor’s yard for the thousandth time because of heavy winds?
Investing in a small covered structure to house your garbage and recycling cans can make your life easier throughout the changing seasons, help keep the critters at bay, and not mention add to your curb appeal.
Custom built by HomeSquare for a client in Old Greenwich, CT.
This trash area is built into the house with sliding doors to keep the cans hidden.
This shed is easily hidden with lush plantings above and blends into the surrounding fencing.
Every Square Foot in your Home Counts
Protecting your trash from the elements is one thing, but more importantly, what about your cars? If your garage looks more like a storage unit, it might be time to reassess your home’s needs. Installing an organizational system in your garage will ensure you free up space for your car come winter. Adding overhead ceiling storage racks, wall shelves, and cabinets will optimize your space from top to bottom and make it much easier to find things.
Colder days mean more time indoors; what about looking into taking better advantage of your home’s square footage with a garage conversion. There are many ways to convert garages, from a simple home gym to more complex spaces. Think about what activities you wish you had more space to do in your house, and see if they can be adapted to your garage. If zoning permits, you may consider an in-law-type suite for some extra guests to stay throughout the year.
This detached garage has been converted into a fun hangout space. With swinging carriage-style doors, the space is inviting and unique!
With swinging doors, this two-car garage is home to a pool table and sofas, a perfect space to hang out and watch the game!
Looking for extra space that your family can grow into? Turning your garage into a playroom can be a great idea. It hides the clutter of toys from the rest of your home. Built-in desk space can function as a craft area that grows with your child or serve as a homework and study space! Get as wild and creative as you want. Transform the space based on your needs and desired oasis.
This garage-turned playroom has lots of smooth flooring for wheels to roll on, a soft sofa, and a fun rug, not to mention plenty of space for arts and crafts or school work!
Plan Ahead – The Time is Now!
Summer’s winding down with less daylight each day. If you’re thinking of making changes to your outdoor space, preparing your garage for conversion, the time to act is now! Whether it’s building a shed, a fire pit, repairs for next season, or finding solutions to your storage issues, it’s a good idea to get them done and hopefully enjoy them for the remainder of this season! Take a look at those projects in your home management binder and contact HomeSquare today to discuss your vision and seasonal protection and maintenance around your home.
Genesis Aquino
Genesis Aquino is a freelance home and lifestyle blogger and marketing specialist in Fairfield County, Connecticut.