Blog Post

Best Ways to Maximize a Garage Space For Your Rental Property

Dustin Edwards • July 4, 2023

Garages are used for more than just storing vehicles. A garage can serve as a valuable storage area, a fitness area, or a workshop for hobbies. The garage space is quite versatile and, when organized efficiently, can be incredibly convenient for your tenants. While providing adequate storage for your tenant is unnecessary, it does go a long way in keeping them happy. As we know, keeping your tenants happy is a great way to keep tenants long-term and have fewer issues.


Today we’ll review the five best ways to maximize your tenants' garage space.


Vertical Storage

One of the best solutions is to use vertical space when a room is small or cramped. This includes installing shelves or racks to expand storage capacity. For example, heavy-duty storage racks you can buy at a home improvement store have 5 levels and are, on average, 48 inches long by 24 inches deep. This gives a storage area of around 8 square feet per level which can gain you nearly 40 square feets worth of storage space. While only taking up the aforementioned 8 squared feet. Shelves, while less robust than storage racks, can still provide a significant amount of storage space, especially when the racks either don't physically fit or don't fit the aesthetic. Shelves vary in size and scale, though there is one recommendation you should always keep in mind when installing shelves. They’re only as strong as where they are mounted to. Be sure to mount shelves on wall studs by using a stud finder, then measure 16 inches away from it to find the next closest wall stud. By mounting them directly onto wood instead of drywall, the shelves will be more sturdy and capable of holding more weight.


Overhead Space

Unless you have a shallow ceiling, you’ll likely have plenty of space to install overhead storage. Overhead storage is just that, a storage area typically attached to the garage's ceiling. Except for lights, the ceiling is hardly ever used, and overhead storage can be used to store items not frequently used by tenants. Much like shelves, overhead storage should be mounted onto wood, as it will need to withstand the weight of the items stored and the weight of the storage rack. While the traditional frame that sits on the floor may be able to hold more items, an overhead storage rack takes up zero floor space and provides a considerable amount of storage.


Multipurpose Furniture

To help minimize clutter, you can opt to provide multipurpose furniture in the garage. While not necessarily a massive space saver, multipurpose furniture can help your tenant to keep the area tidy. Some furniture pieces that serve multiple functions include storage ottoman or chest chairs. These can store commonly used items or put things away for later without misplacing them. There are many other examples of multipurpose furniture though they share the same philosophy of maximizing space while minimizing clutter.


Space-Saving Cabinets

If you choose to install cabinets, it's preferable to go with cabinets specifically designed for storage in small spaces. Incredibly similar to wall-mounted shelves, mounting cabinets on the wall can free up floor space. Most times, cabinets abruptly end before a corner, and another cabinet is installed on the adjacent wall leaving unused space in the corner. Corner cabinets are shaped to fit snugly into those previously new corners giving plenty of additional storage space and a seamless row of cabinets.


Hooks and Hangers

Strategically adding hooks or hangers in the garage can provide a great storage solution for more commonly used items. Commonly used items like coats or bags can be hung on hooks mounted on walls. In comparison, you can install hangers for bicycles to keep them off the floor and save space.


Maximizing garage storage space can be tricky, especially in smaller garages. If you want to increase your storage space or need help managing your Long Beach rental properties, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our
Owner Application online.

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By Dustin Edwards December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.
By Dustin Edwards December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards December 5, 2024
Discover 3 Gift Ideas for your tenants this holiday season.
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