Tip 1: Clean Out the Clutter

Clearing out all the clutter in your garage can make a big difference. If the items are too good for the trash, throw a yard sale, sell them on eBay, or give them to charity. If nothing else, a nice coat of paint on the walls or garage door can really enliven the space and inspire you.

Tip 2: Vacation Security

Before you go on vacation, alert your security system provider that you'll be away. You can provide them with your contact information, or, if you'll be unreachable, designate an emergency contact who has a key to your house.

Tip 3: Smoke Alarms

One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to install smoke alarms on every level of your home. There are many brands but only two basic types: ionization, ones that sound more quickly to flaming fires, and photoelectric, ones that are quicker at sensing smoky fires.

Tip 4: Conserving Energy

Did you know that your small electric devices could be using power even when they're not in use? To conserve energy, unplug them or invest in a power strip with an on-off button to make it easy to stop the power from flowing when it's not needed.