As we head into colder weather, most of us start moving things around in the garage. The mower gets tucked away, the snowblower comes out, bikes get hung up, and somehow all the tools and equipment from summer need to find a home. While you’re doing that, it’s a good time to take a quick look at what you’re storing and how it’s being stored.
Take a Look at What You Have
Garages can hold a lot more than we realize. Tools, bikes, lawn equipment, fishing gear, sporting equipment, electronics and other items can add up quickly. If you bought something valuable this year, take a photo and hang onto the receipt. You don’t need a detailed list of every item in the garage, but having a record of larger purchases can make things easier if you ever have a claim.
A Few Garage Storage Safety Reminders
A little garage storage safety goes a long way.
- Gasoline, propane, paint and other flammable materials need to be stored properly and away from heat sources. Batteries deserve some attention too, especially lithium-ion batteries used in power tools, e-bikes and other equipment.
- Check batteries and chargers for damage, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
- We recently covered what you need to know about lithium batteries, including what to watch for when charging, storing, and disposing of them.
Taking a few minutes to review how these items are stored is a simple part of garage storage safety.
What Does Your Insurance Cover?
This is also a good time to think about what everything in your garage is worth. Your homeowners policy may provide coverage for personal belongings, but coverage and limits can vary depending on the item and how it is used. If you have added new tools, equipment, bikes or other higher-value items this year, it’s worth making sure you understand how they are covered. That’s much easier to figure out now than after something happens.
If you have questions about something stored in your garage or want to review your coverage before winter, give us a call. At Harmoning Agency, we want you to understand what you’re buying and know where you stand.