When the temperatures outside soar, many people look for ways to cool down. For some, that may mean sleeping in the air conditioned comfort of their home. But what about those who don’t have an air conditioner or who can’t afford to run it? Can you sleep in the garage? It just might be the answer to keeping cool this summer!
What You'll Learn Today
Is it OK To Sleep in a Garage?
If you’re looking for a place to catch some Z’s, the garage might not be the first place that comes to mind. But is it really so bad to take a nap in the garage? Let’s take a closer look.
In some cases, garages offer the perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some peace and quiet. But there are a few things to watch out for:
- First of all, make sure there are no cars running while you’re trying to sleep; the last thing you want is to end up with carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Also Be aware of any dangerous chemicals or tools that could cause injury if you’re not careful.
Other than that, sleeping in a garage is perfectly OK – just don’t snore too loudly or you might wake up the neighborhood!
Tips for Sleeping in a Garage
Although it may not be the Ritz, following these simple tips can help turn a garage into a safe and cozy place to sleep.
Get Rid of Clutter
If your garage is cluttered with boxes, tools, and other materials, it can be difficult to find a comfortable spot to rest. To ensure a good night’s sleep, it’s important to get rid of any clutter in your garage.
Start by sorting through your belongings and setting aside anything that you no longer need. Once you’ve decluttered your space, sweep the floor and arrange your furniture in a way that allows you to move around freely.
Make Sure it’s Secure
Whether you’re trying to avoid a noisy neighbor or simply want a place to crash for the night, sleeping in your garage can be surprisingly comfortable – as long as you take a few precautions.
First, make sure that all of the doors and windows are locked. This will deter any would-be burglars or trespassers from coming into your garage and bothering you while you sleep.
Ensure Good Ventilation and Lighting
You also need to make sure the area is well-ventilated. This will help to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. You also need to make sure the space is well-lit. This will help you see if there are any potential hazards in your way.
Check for Dampness
One of the most important things to do is to check for dampness. If the floor is damp, lay down a tarp or plastic sheet to keep yourself dry. In addition, try to find a spot near the door where you can get some fresh air. And if there are any windows in the garage, crack them open to let in some light and ventilation.
Create Temporary Privacy
Create some temporary privacy by hanging up a sheet or blanket around your sleeping area. This will help to block out any unwanted light or noise.
Develop an Atmosphere for Sleep
Most people don’t associate garages with comfort, let alone sleep. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to spend a night in your garage, there are some things you can do to make the experience more bearable.
First, try to create a comfortable atmosphere. If it’s cold outside, bring in a space heater and some extra blankets. If it’s hot, open up the garage door to let in some fresh air. You should also try to block out as much light as possible. Hang some dark sheets over the windows or tape newspapers over them.
Finally, try to create some white noise to help drown out any street noise or other disruptive sounds. Running a fan or playing an ambient sound app on your phone can help you relax and drift off to sleep.
Reduce Noise
Sleeping in a garage can be quite comfortable if you take measures to reduce the noise. One way to do this is to soundproof the walls. You can purchase special soundproofing panels or sheets that can be affixed to the garage walls.
Another option is to hang heavy curtains over the windows and doorways. This will help to absorb some of the noise from outside.
Get Rid of Any Chemicals
Get rid of any chemicals that could be harmful to your health. This includes gasoline, oil, coolant, and brake fluid. You can either dispose of these items properly or store them in a safe place outside of the garage.
Also, power down any electronics that could cause sparks or start a fire. This includes computers, electrical heaters, and refrigerators.
Can Sleeping in a Garage Make You Sick?
Many people believe that it is safe to sleep in a garage, as long as the car is not running. However, there are several dangers associated with this practice. It’s important to be aware of these so that you can take steps to mitigate them before you decide to sleep in the garage.
Remember, sleeping in the garage in and of itself is not inherently dangerous – but there are some safety protocols you need to follow in order to make sure you don’t harm yourself.
First, the garage may be full of carbon monoxide from the car. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real risk so it’s important to make sure the garage is well-ventilated and that there aren’t any cars in the garage while you are sleeping there.
But that’s not the only variable to consider. The garage is likely to be much colder or hotter than the rest of the house, making it uncomfortable to sleep in. The garage may also be full of mice or other rodents, which can carry diseases.
Finally, garages are often full of toxic chemicals and fumes, which can be dangerous to inhale.
Final Thoughts
The verdict? You can probably get away with it, as long as you’re comfortable and there are no pets or other inhabitants of the garage. But if you want to be on the safe side, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and find a more appropriate place for a good night’s sleep.
