Get Garages, Closets, and Sheds Ready for Fall

It's cooling off, and your home storage may need an adjustment. Closets no longer need tank tops, garages can be cleared of tomato cages, and your shed may benefit from a restock of fall supplies. Here's a handy guide to make your storage space efficient and usable during the change of seasons.

Closets

It's likely that you've had a fun summer if you're a DIYer. You're probably stocked up on cool craft supplies, tie-dyed beach towels, and handmade tank tops. Just because fall is here, however, doesn't mean your DIY flame needs to go out. So, let's start with your clothing closet. It's time to exchange tees for sweaters, flip flops for thicker socks, and light scarves for jazzing up a fall outfit.

Some Light Construction

This is a great time to clean out the nooks and crannies of your closet that has been stuck in last season while adding some new structure to liven up your space. In fact, make a space in your home just for some fall items. Consider building a scarf rack.

Simplify and Give

Go through your summer clothing and ask yourself questions about the fit, wear, and quantity of items you have. Consider donating some of the clothing you're no longer wearing. This will make your closet transition next summer that much easier (not to mention, fall is the season of giving).

Winter Is Coming

Fall's cooler weather leads to winter's cold weather. Consider a few simple amenities that will make the transition nice and smooth. For instance, a boot tray is perfect for cold months when you drag in ice and salt. Find your snow pants and give them a designated drawer for early morning shoveling so you don't find yourself raiding the closet on the first frigid day of the year. Prepping your closet in fall will make this step quick and easy.

Garages

Fall doesn't mean that your garage is suddenly useless. In fact, it's the best time of the year to give your garage the once-over.

Make the Move

Start thinking about what products are solely for summer use. Garden hoses will start to become less necessary, your engine cooling liquid is probably taking a back seat and your vegetable fertilizer has probably reached its capacity for the year. Take items like these and move them to an easy-to-access but tucked away space where you can have everything you need ready for next season, but out of the way.

Just Chillin'

Consider products that may freeze in the winter. They may be "just chillin'" for fall, but as winter rolls around, you don't want anything freezing or exploding. Plastic bins are the garage's best friend. Put any freeze-sensitive materials into plastic storage and keep them in the warmest part of the garage. Garages can always use a few added touches for winterizing.

Sheds

Sheds are like the garage's cool cousin, but instead of boxes of old photographs or extra pet food, they usually hold all the stuff you need to take care of your yard. Because they hold tools needed for winter chores, it's important to keep them looking their best.

Spic and Span

Use the nice weather as an opportunity to go outside and clean your tools. Sharpen, oil, and scrub tools to increase their longevity. Make sure power tools are drained of any fuel and store them in area that is protected and sturdy. Also, find your rake and get it close to the door. If your rake is the first thing you see when you open the shed, you're more likely to spend a few minutes raking fall leaves than if it's tucked away in the tool area of your garage.

A Fresh Coat

The great thing about sheds is that they're usually small. This means that giving them a fresh coat of outdoor paint is no big deal, and could make the difference for how well they fare in winter. Look for any peeling areas and consider priming the floor and patching any holes for the best protection against any chilly rodents looking for a place to camp out for the colder months.

Stock Up

Give yourself plenty of time to stock up on any fall and winter essentials like leaf bags and shovels. Getting them in advance usually means a good sale and less worry for later.

Map a Path

Do yourself a solid and consider where your shed is in relation to your house. Is it easy to access if snow comes your way? Map out the best way for you to access anything you may need before the storms hit. You can even line the area with small flags in order to make shoveling easier later in the season.