I feel like I’m still in back-to-school mode, how did we get to November already?! I think it snuck up on me this season for a number of reasons, most notably that the temperature is still consistently in the 80s or 90s (if you get real quiet you can hear my boots and sweaters crying). That, and really nothing feels normal with one kid being away in college (still getting used to setting the table for three around here).
So it seems (in my head, anyway) that there was no respite between busy-back-to-school time and busy-holiday-season time this year. So I’ll just keep the momentum going and push through to December, when I plan to do nothing but sit on the beach and… well, that’s it. Until then, it’s full steam ahead to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and lots of cross-country travel.
Smart home devices are the perfect solution for preventing potential disasters when it comes to getting the holiday season to run smoothly. One in particular, an unlikely suspect, helps with so many things around this time of year, and that’s my myQ-connected garage door opener, the LiftMaster 8500. Chamberlain Group (CGI), makers of LiftMaster brand garage door openers, have sponsored this post, but make no mistake— this is a product I have had in my house for the last five years, and I use it every day to make my life easier.
Usually when I tell people I love my garage door opener, I get a bit of a puzzled look, but think of it this way: If the kitchen is the hub of the home, then the garage is the main port of call. People are constantly coming and going by car, skateboard or on foot. In the winter it’s home to ice skates, snowy boots, hidden presents and decorations in storage.
Having a myQ-connected smart garage opener makes the arrivals and departures much more convenient, and it’s easier than you think to get one: You can either buy a new Chamberlain or LiftMaster myQ-connected garage door opener, or get the myQ Smart Garage Hub, which allows homeowners to add connectivity to their existing garage door opener (works all major brands). This is a much more affordable option, and is a cinch to install. Both options allow you to remotely control your garage door from anywhere using the myQ app. Plus you can see the status of the door on the app as well, and even set alerts if the door has been left open for a long period of time (I set mine up to let me know it’s been open for longer than 10 minutes).
The Complete Package
If you’re an Amazon Prime member and have a myQ-connected garage, you have access to a whole new way to ensure all those packages are securely delivered. Simply select “in-garage delivery” at checkout, and your packages will be safely stowed in your garage until you get home (and you’ll be able to track it all using the app). Not only will you be able to track your packages, but they also won’t be left out in the rain or snow. I once waited weeks for a pre-ordered coffee table book, only to find it in a soggy heap on my front lawn after my sprinklers went off all over it. If that were a present, close to the holidays? It would have been a gift-mergency.
In-garage delivery is now available in 50 cities and surrounding areas. Customers can check availability here.
Be My Guest
The holidays involve a lot of coming and going, whether you are visiting family, hosting friends, or heading out on vacation. Having remote control of your garage door comes in handy in a number of ways: If you’re away, you can ensure that the garage is closed, but if a neighbor wants to borrow your sled, you can pop the garage open while you are sipping cocktails poolside. And if you’re the one hosting guests this season? A myQ-connected smart garage is a great way to give guests access to the house— you can invite up to three guests to control your myQ devices so they can come and go as they please. Lastly, whether you’re out at a holiday party or on the slopes, you can rest assured that your packages will continue to arrive safely.
That Nagging Feeling…
Whether it’s the holidays or any other day, there’s nothing worse than driving down the block and then asking yourself that dreaded question: Did I leave the garage door open? Honestly, this is THE killer app of the myQ App. I pop open the app multiple times a week just to double check that I remembered to close it, or that a kid hasn’t accidentally left it open after an evening bike ride or driveway basketball match. During this busy time of year, I’m truly grateful to have one less thing to worry about!
This post was written in partnership with Chamberlain Group. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting our sponsors— they help me create great content all year long!