I just got back from a whirlwind trip to the capitol of the south, Atlanta, where I attended a conference for DIY/home decor bloggers. Yes, that’s a thing. It’s called Haven and it’s in its 5th year, with over 300 attendees. I was able to meet a lot of other bloggers just like me and learned SOO much about improving everything I do from photos to home decor and social media.
Before I left on my trip, I knocked one quick fix off my list I should have done 10 months ago! I added pool noodles to the studs in my garage…
Our garage is pretty narrow and a tight fit for my large Honda Pilot. I can park in there, but then I only have access to one side of doors, the driver’s side.
I couldn’t stand the thought of not parking in the garage once Mary Helen was born. Normally the infant seat would be installed on the passenger side since they’re so large and a tight fit behind the driver’s seat. But I decided I preferred the slight discomfort of an upright seat to having to lug baby and all our stuff to a car parked in the street, especially on rainy days!
Since our garage has open studs, I was constantly having to watch and make sure the door didn’t swing open and hit the studs and scratch the car.
So as soon as summer pool noodles hit the store shelves, I picked one up. In my favorite color, obviously!
It’s so easy to cut it with a serrated bread knife. I only needed 2 studs to be covered, so I cut my noodle in half.
Then I sliced it lengthwise like a hot dog bun.
Without any nails or screws, the noodle slides onto the stud easily and stays put!
If you have one of those fancy garages with drywall, you need to see this quick video on how you can use a pool noodle too!
What tricks do you have for protecting your car in the garage? Does anyone have a tennis ball hanging down to stop you from pulling in too far? Comment below to let me know about your garage situation!
Thanks for Checking In! ~Chelsea
zan says
August 12, 2016 at 3:24 pmIn our previous home, we always parked outside. Apart from the fact that the garage was tiny we had no storage so we used the garage. Just junk on either side. Our current garage is pretty big but we are still in the unpacking boxes stage. We are still parking outside. So no, I have not had this situation.
Alina says
August 13, 2016 at 3:01 amBrilliant idea! I love finding these small tips that can really make a difference, especially when they are inexpensive cuz im a bit cheap but still want the solution hahaha
Chelsea Lipford Wolf says
August 15, 2016 at 1:04 pmHaha! I hear ya! ~ Chelsea
Cristy || W. Collective says
August 13, 2016 at 8:09 amWhat a good trick! Pool noodles can be used for so many awesome fixes, and they are so inexpensive too!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things says
August 14, 2016 at 8:14 amSuch a creative idea! My husband actually backed into our closed garage door one time, so we could have used this back then!! We live in the city now so only street parking. I would give anything to not have to lug the kids through the rain/snow into our house. I don’t blame you for coming up with such a great solution!
Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins says
August 14, 2016 at 8:37 pmWhat a creative idea! Pool noodles are so handy. We don’t have a space problem in our garage but if we ever move into a place that does, I will have to keep this in mind.
Chelsea Lipford Wolf says
August 15, 2016 at 1:06 pmLucky! I wish it was a tad wider, but it was like this when I bought it and new codes keep me from improving the garage too much! ~ Chelsea
Lora says
August 15, 2016 at 8:49 amThis is such a smart idea! Pinning!
Chelsea Lipford Wolf says
August 15, 2016 at 1:06 pmThanks, Lora! ~Chelsea
Colette @ Restyle it Wright says
August 15, 2016 at 7:40 pmhaha i totally need the tennis ball hanging! I never pull in far enough with my beast of a car! This is an awesome hack! I know my husband would appreciate all attempts at avoiding a scratch on the car!
Lynn says
January 20, 2019 at 7:53 amSomeone told me great use for the pool noodles and tried it and its a great tip. When i want to fill a bucket with water and use the sink most of the time trying to get it out i loose alot of the water or the bucket is bigger so it doesnt fit so i have to fill a pot with water to fill the bucket. Instead take a pool noodle and where the hole is place it over your faucet make sure its on snug, then put the other end into your bucket and turn on the water and it fils it r up. Dont have to loose water trying to get it out from under faucet and can act have the bucket on a wagon and fill it then just roll to where you’re needing it and if you have back issues you wont hurt your back trying to lift out of sink
Chelsea Lipford Wolf says
January 21, 2019 at 11:05 amThat’s a good one, Lynn! The use of pool noodles is never-ending! ~Chelsea