subject: What's In A Name? The Versatile Portable Garage Gets A Bad Rap [print this page] Homeowners needing more space for storage may overlook one of the most adaptable and low cost options simply because of its name. Portable garages may inspire people to think only of vehicle storage, but the name is misleading because they can do much more than just provide shelter for motorcycles, cars, and RVs. With a little creativity, it's easy to envision the wide variety of ways in which portable garages can be put to use.
Portable Storage Shed
Homes that lack basements or other indoor storage space can benefit from a portable garage. Instead of taking their boxes of belongings to a storage facility that charges for its services, homeowners can opt to store their goods in a portable garage. A portable garage is conveniently located on a homeowner's property, so accessing items in storage requires just a brief walk outdoors rather than a lengthy drive to an external facility. The only feature that portable garages cannot offer is climate control. So, any items that need to be stored in a climate controlled area would be better off inside the home or at a traditional storage facility.
Portable garages can also be an excellent alternative to traditional sheds. Garden supplies, lawnmowers, and tools of all kind can be stored reliably in a portable garage. Furthermore, portable garages provide a helpful storage solution for seasonal items. In summer, the portable garage can house snowmobiles, snow shovels, and snow throwers. In winter, it can keep patio furniture, pool supplies, and lawn games protected until warmer weather comes again.
Expanded Workspace
Additional workspace is often on the wish lists of homeowners who spend time working from home. Workshops and art studios can be expanded into a greater area with the addition of a portable garage. Since portable garages have a door on both ends, getting large tools, machines, and works of art into and out of the space is easy. Two doors allow the people inside the ability to move more freely and enjoy natural lighting, and two doors provide unbeatable ventilation, which is important when paints or other chemicals are being used. Also, homeowners can take advantage of space heaters in winter so that work can continue year round. Before operating a heater, though, it's important to be sure that the fabric covering the portable garage is fire retardant and that the heater is set up at a safe distance from the garage walls.
People Shelters
Aside from serving as a handy workspace, portable garages make excellent shelters for people in a variety of other situations. At work, employees who wish to enjoy a cigarette break may appreciate the shelter of a portable garage, especially on snowy or rainy days. At home, portable garages provide more protection from the elements than a standard shade canopy. Backyard sandboxes or play areas can be covered with a portable garage to protect children from too much sun exposure. And, families can enjoy eating meals outside more regularly when protected within the walls of a portable garage. Larger portable garages can even make effective party tents and relaxing outdoor rooms where friends and family can gather and mingle.
The phrase "portable garage" simply does not do justice to this versatile structure. When portable garages are considered as useful only for storing vehicles, their possibilities are clearly overlooked. Having an open mind and looking beyond the obvious will allow homeowners to benefit in unexpected ways from portable garages.
