Straightforward Hacks to Declutter Your Garage With Ease

Whoever came up with the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” must have had a garage. The garage frequently becomes a go-to place for unwanted stuff.

If you’ve decided to tame your out-of-control garage, congratulations. Decluttering a garage lets you make better use of it as a practical space. As a bonus, you might even be able to finally get your car inside!

Of course, you might still be wondering where to even start to clean out your garage. Below are a few garage cleaning tips to help.

Set up Convenient Garage Storage Options

Unless you have adequate storage in your garage, you won’t make much progress on keeping it clean for long. Instead, you’ll end up with another mess down the road.

Before you can turn your garage into a sublime storage spot, you’ll need to move everything out — yep, everything. It’s best to do this on a nice-weather day. Having all the boxes, tools, bikes, kids’ toys and furniture out of your garage will give you a clean slate.

Once your garage is all clear, scrub it up, take a broom to the floor and remove the cobwebs. At that point, you can start adding storage pieces, such as:

• Shelves: Your local home improvement store will have tons of DIY shelving units. Find ones that will fit in your garage. Then, install them so you have shelving to rely on. Some homeowners even label their shelves to create organization “zones.”
• Cabinets: Cabinets can provide valuable storage spots. You might choose overhead cabinets for storing tools or seasonal equipment, like gardening gloves and planters. 
• Hooks: Never underestimate how reliable ceiling and wall hooks can be as garage cleaning hacks. Many homeowners forget to use their ceiling space. As long as you’re not obstructing your garage door mechanism, you can hang hooks as needed.

Move Your Things Back Into the Garage

Once you have your garage organization system in place, start moving your stuff back in. During this process, you’ll want to evaluate each item and label it as “keep,” “toss,” “donate” or “sell.”

If an item falls into the “keep” column, find a place for it in your newly decked-out garage. Try to keep similar objects together so they’re easier to hunt down later.

If an item is listed as “toss,” give it the heave-ho without a second thought. As a side note, you might want to rent a trash container for the occasion.

If you intend to donate an item, put it in a special place to take to the nearest donation center. Don’t put it back on the shelves — store it elsewhere, such as in your car trunk. That way, you won’t end up keeping it.

If you’re selling an item, figure out where and how. Again, resist returning the object to a storage spot in your garage, otherwise you might never let it go.

Maintain Your Organized Garage

Now that your garage is the envy of the neighborhood, you want to keep it that way. A final garage cleaning hack is to think twice before loading up your garage again. Before anything becomes a permanent fixture, have a place and reason for it. That way, your garage will remain a bastion of organizational bliss.

Need a safe and attractive replacement garage door to go along with your freshly tidied-up home? Contact Hunter Door for a professional estimate.

9 Key Factors to Look for When Replacing Your Garage Door

An old or broken garage door can be more than just a hassle. If left unaddressed, it can be a safety issue. How do you know when it’s time to purchase a new garage door? Most garage door manufacturers say to expect your garage door to last anywhere between 15 years to 30 years, although we’ve certainly seen them last longer. If your door is well into that life span range, spending money on repairs may not be the most cost-efficient option. 

Purchasing a new garage door is an important investment in the curb appeal and safety of your home. There are a number of great garage door options available to accommodate your taste and budget. Before you shop, it’s a good idea to know more about what’s available and what kind of doors are right for your home.

Signs to Consider Garage Door Replacement

There are many reasons your garage door may not be working properly. Sometimes there’s a problem with the track, opener or spring attached to the door. In many cases, the garage door itself is to blame for the problems you’re encountering when you try to open or close it. Because a garage door covers so much of your home’s exterior, investing in a new door is important for appearance, as well as your home’s safety and security. You might be ready to replace your garage door if you are experiencing problems with the following elements of your door: 

1. Appearance

If your garage door is hanging improperly, the color is faded or the door is cracked, it may be detracting from your home’s curb appeal. The door’s appearance isn’t just important for looks. A sagging garage door may be a sign of a problem with the door’s tracks or its structural integrity. Cracks in the door might take in moisture and expand over time, creating bigger and bigger cracks. 

2. Performance

If your garage door doesn’t open and close properly, this may be a sign it needs to be replaced. If you’ve had to call a repair company several times to address problems with opening or closing your door, it might be time for a replacement. A garage door that doesn’t go up and down as needed or doesn’t properly lock is a safety issue that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

3. Convenience

Does it seem like your door makes a lot of noise when it goes up and down? Do you have to get out of your vehicle and tinker with the door or coax it to open all the way? If you’ve experienced the hassle of a reluctant door or a door that doesn’t open without a lot of extra effort, it may be time to upgrade. 

What to Look for in a Replacement Garage Door

Homeowners want a garage door that’s beautiful, durable, functional and affordable. What many homeowners aren’t sure about is which of these factors should be the most important and how to choose from the options that are available. When it comes to selecting a garage door, it’s important to weigh these key factors: 

Request Your New Garage Door Estimate

1. Materials

Garage doors can be manufactured from a variety of materials, but the three that are most common include: 

• Aluminum: Homeowners often choose aluminum when they want an inexpensive but sturdy garage door. Today, you can find aluminum garage doors in a variety of styles and colors. Aluminum may have a tendency to acquire dents, depending on the door’s thickness and insulation, so other homeowners prefer wooden doors.
• Wood: Wooden garage doors are an elegant option, especially for older homes. They come in a variety of colors or stains and they are solid, sturdy doors that can keep you safe for years to come. However, wooden doors aren’t always the best choice for homeowners who live near the coast or in an area with a lot of humidity. These are also an investment because they require regular maintenance and refinishing to keep them looking their best. This is one reason why steel garage doors have become increasingly popular.
• Steel: Steel doors are increasingly popular because they stand up to wet weather and high wind, and they don’t require as much upkeep. They can be designed to mimic the look of wood doors, so these doors are a go-to option for homeowners who want the elegance of a wooden garage door without the cost or the upkeep associated with wood. Steel doors are some of the easiest doors to insulate, providing homeowners with maximum insulation to keep comfortable temperatures inside where they belong.

2. Style

Garage doors can be purchased in a variety of styles that complement a home’s design and color scheme, including: 

• Traditional garage doors: This style can be found throughout neighborhoods across America. Their characteristic look features squares or rectangles running horizontally across the door. Some have windows across the top, but others don’t. These doors can be painted to match a variety of home exteriors, and they pair well with traditional architecture.
• Modern garage doors: Modern doors are typically found on homes that are designed with a contemporary flair. These garage doors can be identified by their clean lines and classic detail. Modern garage doors often have large glass-paneled windows, bringing plenty of natural light into the garage.
• Carriage house garage doors: This style combines the old-fashioned, rugged look of a barn door with the modern convenience of an overhead garage door. While this style of door fits well with a variety of types of architecture, its rustic look nicely complements traditional, old-fashioned architecture. 

3. Design Options

Many of our customers don’t realize there are a number of customization options to choose from to make a new garage door stand out, including:

• Panel designs: The panels on a garage door are available in long or short patterns, as well as raised or flush options. This choice is often influenced by the architecture of your home and the look you are hoping to achieve with your new door. 
• Windows: Adding windows is a great way to add character to your garage door. They can also provide lots of natural light for homeowners who use their garage as a workshop or craft space. Windows can be added in a variety of different glass options, including a frosted window that prevents people from taking a peek inside or high-impact glass to protect doors in high-wind areas.
• Decorative hardware: Decorative hardware is another great way to personalize a garage door design. Handles and hinges are most commonly found on carriage house style doors, but they can be incorporated into other styles as well. These options offer a unique, customized look on even the most traditional doors.

4. Cost 

Garage door prices vary widely depending on a variety of factors, such as size, material, style and finishes. Additions such as insulation and a new garage door opener can also impact the average cost of garage doors. When determining the cost of a new garage door, it’s important to include installation costs so you have a clear picture of what you’ll be paying when the new door is installed. 

Before you choose a garage door, it’s important to know what your budget is. That way, you can maximize your investment into your curb appeal and ultimately the sale price of your home without overspending. Knowing your budget is also a good way to narrow down your options. 

5. Energy Efficiency 

Purchasing an insulated garage door is a great way to reduce your energy costs and improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. The energy efficiency of a garage door is measured by its “R-value,” which is a measurement of the material’s ability to block the flow of heat in and out. When you’re looking at insulated garage doors, there are several different levels of insulation available. The higher the R-value, the better job it will do at insulating your home. 

If you live in an area with a moderate climate, an insulated garage door may not seem like a necessary investment. But consider where your garage is located. Most people have a garage attached to their home. This means the space likely shares at least one wall with the home’s interior. The better insulated your garage door is, the less heat exchange you may see through the shared wall. An insulated garage door can also have a big impact on the air temperatures if you have a room above the garage or use your garage as a workshop, gym or other living space.

6. Garage Door Opener

Homeowners often opt to purchase a new garage door opener at the same time they purchase a new garage door. It’s important to have a garage door opener with a lifting capacity that matches your new garage door’s weight. It’s also a good time to replace an old, noisy opener with a newer, quieter model. If you have children or pets living in your home and your garage door opener was manufactured before 1993, it’s essential to make sure your new opener has safety sensors that prevent the doors from fully closing if anything is in its path.

Modern garage door openers come with a number of upgrades offering the latest technology. If you live in an area prone to power outages, it’s also a good idea to purchase an opener with a backup battery feature. This add-on can ensure your garage door is still operable when the power isn’t working. 

If you were to experience an emergency during a power outage, this would allow you to get your car out of the garage and drive to safety if necessary. In fact, after a series of deaths due to people who couldn’t get their cars out of the garage during a power outage from wildfires, the state of California enacted a law requiring all garage door openers manufactured and sold after a certain date have a backup battery feature.

7. Safety 

Many homeowners are focused on the appearance of a new door and may forget the garage door is one of the most vulnerable entry points in a home. Burglars often try to break into a home using the garage door, so safety should be at the top of your list of what to look for in a garage door. Choosing a sturdy door, such as a steel or wooden model is an important way to prevent burglars from damaging the door to gain entry to your home. 

Some people opt not to incorporate windows into their garage door because they consider it a security risk. However, you can consider placing windows higher on the door or purchasing tinted or frosted glass that will restrict visibility from the outside. You can also purchase a garage door opener that has rolling code technology. This feature changes the entry code each time someone uses a remote to open the garage door so potential burglars can’t steal the code and gain entry. 

Safety isn’t just about preventing break-ins. It’s also about choosing a door that can stand up to the weather in your area without compromise. If you live near the coast or in an area prone to rain or humidity, it’s important to choose a steel or aluminum door because those materials won’t be compromised by incredibly moist weather. If you live in a high-wind area, consider wind-resistant garage doors. These doors are built to withstand heavy storms, especially hurricanes. 

8. Convenience 

Garage door openers can come with a variety of convenient features, including rolling code technology to prevent someone from stealing your entry code and gaining access to the garage. Many openers also have the functionality to use an app to control them from your smartphone or tablet. If you’re prone to leaving home and forgetting to close the garage door, that’s a handy feature to have.

9. Professional Installation

Though DIY home projects are common, garage door replacement should never be a DIY project. When you hire an experienced company to install your new garage door, you are paying for the peace of mind that comes from their expertise. Professional garage door installers know how to safely remove old doors and hang new ones. They can also install a new opener, track or other equipment needed to get the most out of your new door. 

When you pay for professional installation, you also get a warranty on the labor. If a problem arises, you have someone you can call to fix it without excessive expense or hassle. 

Contact New Jersey’s Garage Door Experts at Hunter Door

You need a company with design experts who can help you choose the perfect garage door and professional installation services that ensure a job done right. You need Hunter Door. We’ve been servicing South Jersey for the last 50 years, and we’re proud to sell high-quality garage doors and accessories from top brands like Clopay® and LiftMaster®. 

Our team of experienced service technicians is trained to handle any job. Besides offering design and installation services, we are proud to offer custom painting to ensure your new garage door will complement the other exterior colors of your home. Contact us today to get started with your new garage door.

3 Signs It’s Time to Remodel Your Garage

A garage remodel is an investment. In some cases, you may be able to avoid a full remodel by updating garage doors or by repairing a few issues. There are three major signs you need to contact Hunter Door for a new garage door and a full renovation:

1. Your Garage Uses a Lot of Energy

Are your utility bills high or suddenly seeing an uptick? Take a look at your garage, especially if it’s attached to your home. Over time, cracks and gaps can develop, allowing the cold and even pests in. Poor insulation can also use up the available heat.

Garage doors, especially older models, are also often the culprit if your garage seems to be causing your bills to rise. Older models simply do not have the energy savings of newer solutions. Hunter Door can help you select and install energy-saving garage doors to help keep your heating costs in check. In many cases, all it takes is a new door to see measurable savings.

2. You’re Interested in Improving Your Home’s Value

If you’re thinking of selling or you just want to improve your home’s curb appeal, you can clean out your garage to create the illusion of more space. You can also totally make-over and reimagine your garage. An attractive garage door can make your garage look larger, for example. Since the door takes up such a large surface, it can also impact the entire look of the area, whether your garage is at the front of your home or not.

A new garage door can also improve your home’s value in other ways. Buyers would appreciate an energy-saving garage door and one with the latest convenience features. A garage door with a modern opener and safety features to prevent the door from closing unexpectedly are sure to be appreciated.

3. Your Garage Is Old and Shows Signs of Serious Wear

While you can do a great deal with repairs, there comes a time when the mechanisms of a door simply wear out. Your garage door may eventually have dents, dings and other serious issues which affect the overall look and performance, too. There is a point where replacing it will offer more value than trying to salvage it.

If you’re having trouble deciding whether repairs or replacements are best, contact Hunter Door. Our friendly and honest professionals can review your options so you can make the best choice for your home.

Request Your Garage Door Remodel Estimate

Is It Time to Remodel Your Garage?

If you’re ready to redo your garage, it’s important to work with trained professionals. Each year, homeowners are injured by broken garage doors and by trying to fix doors themselves. Garage doors are heavy, and professionals are trained in the handling of the doors and their electrical and mechanical components. Trying to handle the installation yourself can also invalidate your warranty.

If you need new garage doors because your current ones are at the end of their life, request an estimate today. Our team can ensure your door is installed correctly for a long lifecycle. Our wide selection of carriage house doors, modern styles, aluminum options and more is sure to get you the look you want.

Other Top Blog Posts

• 6 Tips for Painting And Refinishing Your Garage Door
• 5 Signs Your Garage Door Needs a Repair
• How Does Summer Weather Affect Your Garage Door?
• What Is the ROI of a New Garage Door?

Areas We Serve

• Cherry Hill, NJ
• Medford, NJ
• Sewell, NJ
• And More!

3 Signs You Need a New Garage Door

Should you get a new garage door or repair your existing door? It can be difficult to decide, but knowing when it’s time for a replacement is important in saving you time, frustration and money. We’ve put together the three signs to look out for if you’re wondering whether the time has come to explore your garage door options.

How to Know If You Need a New Garage Door

You may need a new garage door if you notice any of these issues:

1. Serious Problems With Performance

Your garage door has an important job to do, so you may notice performance issues first. If you have had to call for repair services several times or have gotten stuck at home because you couldn’t get your car out, getting a new door makes sense and might be most cost-effective in the long run.

If your garage door opens and closes unexpectedly or if the auto-reverse feature no longer works, someone could be seriously injured by the door shutting on them. This is the most serious performance issue and warrants a new garage door at once.

Keep in mind that performance issues can affect the security of your whole home. If your garage door does not close correctly, burglars can get inside and may even be able to access your home. New doors provide peace of mind.

2. Significant Issues With Appearance

Sagging can be a sign of something more serious, such as problems with the tracks or the structural integrity of the door. It can be a danger to anyone who uses your garage and is a clear sign to replace your garage door. If you have wood doors, sagging can be a sign of rot or the wood breaking down.

If you have updated the rest of your home or if your door is no longer attractive, it can impact the overall look of your property. Garage doors are one of the largest items in front of most houses. Outdated, old and worn-out garage doors have a huge impact on curb appeal. A new door can transform the look of your entire home.

3. Convenience Issues

When garage doors work well, they should be something you don’t even notice each day. If you are noticing and being annoyed by your doors, there’s something amiss. Perhaps you’ve been noticing a loud creaking sound, for example. It’s important to rule out an uneven track. Get that checked out, since it affects your safety.

If there’s nothing visually wrong but your garage door still alerts every neighbor that you’re taking the car out, it may be time for an upgrade. If your door gets slightly stuck, you have to manually open the door, or you have to punch the opener a few times each time, a new set of doors will remove the annoyance and allow you to focus on more important things.

Work With the Garage Door Experts

Have you noticed any of these signs with your own door? Get an estimate today from Hunter Door, the garage door specialists throughout South Jersey.

Other Top Blog Posts

• 6 Tips for Painting And Refinishing Your Garage Door
• 5 Signs Your Garage Door Needs a Repair
• How Does Summer Weather Affect Your Garage Door?
• What Is the ROI of a New Garage Door?

Areas We Serve

• Cherry Hill, NJ
• Medford, NJ
• Sewell, NJ
• And More!