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Best Ways to Maximize a Garage Space For Your Rental Property

Dustin Edwards • Jul 04, 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 01 May, 2024
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes. As an investment property owner, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include security measures in your property. Many of the costs associated with the security measures can be included in the rent, meaning not only can you keep your property safe, but you can earn more income in the long run. However, you would still want your tenants to have renters insurance to protect their assets. Today, we’ll discuss the top five security measures you can add to your property and why they're beneficial to you and your tenant. Security Cameras Cameras are probably one of the first security measures people think about when asked about security. Cameras provide more benefits than just surveillance. They provide an extra level of security for the safety of the tenants and their belongings. Additionally, security cameras can be useful when repairs are required. Cameras can aid in supervising repairs and maintenance to ensure you’re receiving the agreed-upon work. During vacancies when the property is empty, security cameras can help keep the property safe from potential intruders. Doorbell cameras are incredibly popular now. They provide the aforementioned safety of a camera that can be accessed remotely, as well as the ability to communicate with visitors. Although one must be careful never to say you're not home, just say you're unavailable to strangers. Security Lights Security lights with motion detectors are another effective tool when adding security measures to your property. These lights brightly if a potential intruder attempts to get near your home. They can provide enough illumination to see the intruder or, at the very least, scare them off. Nowadays, you can find a combination of security cameras and motion-activated security lights, such as the floodlight cam wired plus from Ring . Additionally, because these lights only turn on when motion is detected, they’re more cost-effective than traditional lights with a switch. Illuminate the Property Light generally deters intruders as it's more difficult to hide. Adding lighting to the landscaping can increase the security of the property while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lights can also be used in other areas of the property to accent features such as trees, benches, or artwork. This can help your property stand out while giving your tenants an additional feeling of safety. Keyless Entry Keyless entry is seen as both a convenience feature and a security feature. They usually use an electronic passcode, biometric data, or grant access through a smartphone app. Physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You reduce the risk of unauthorized entry by eliminating the need for a physical key to enter the property. Many keyless entry systems include several features, such as remote locking and monitoring. Although keyless entry is a great new technology for keeping your tenants and properties safe, they’re best used with other security systems. Security Company Nothing beats having an extra pair of eyes on your property for security. This is where security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe come in. While companies may deal with security in varying ways, they aim to protect your investment. While safety is the primary role of a security company, remember that many tenants may be willing to pay more for a premium amenity like a home security company. Keeping your property and tenants safe is incredibly important to the longevity of an investment property. If you’re looking to improve the security of your Long Beach rental property or need help managing your beach city rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online .
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