This post is sponsored by Chamberlain Group (CGI). These are my own thoughts and opinions.
This has been one of my favorite years as a dad and it's only going to get better with the holiday season getting closer every day.  As soon as Halloween is over, the holiday shopping begins! I haven't written much about Isabela since she was born but since she started walking at 9 months, we have been non-stop. During the holidays we will be on the move, traveling, visiting family and of course, lots of shopping. What are we going to do with the packages we ordered online? As online shopping has increased exponentially over the last couple of years, it is likely that you or someone you know has had packages go missing from their door steps. Christmas is our family's favorite time of year and we cannot have anyone mess with our holiday spirit. That is why I partnered with Chamberlain Group (CGI) to let you know of a smart way to keep your packages safe and away from the elements with their myQ Smart Garage Hub technology.




This year we have done a lot of smart home improvements and the addition of the myQ Smart Garage Hub is pretty awesome. Being able to control our garage door from our smart phones or tablets is convenient, safe and smart! The myQ Smart Garage Hub is really easy to install and I'll also be sharing how you too can enjoy peace of mind with Key by Amazon in-garage delivery. This is way easier than you'd think.



First thing you want to do is to make sure the myQ Smart Garage Hub is compatible with your garage opener through this link (it works with all major brands), check the Wi-Fi signal in your garage and have a mobile device connected to the same Wi-Fi network that your myQ Smart Garage Hub is connected to. Next, we want to go ahead and unbox the product. Unboxing with the kids is always fun, we always open Amazon Prime packages together. Gather the products and then read over the instructions; you'll only see 2 steps and that's because you can find the rest of the installation instructions on the free myQ App. Now we head over to the garage and finish our set up. You will need a ladder tall enough to reach the garage opener, a screwdriver, a drill (preferably cordless) and a 5/32" drill bit. That is all. I love spending as much time with my family as possible so the installation part became a family activity, it didn’t take long and the time together outdoors was fun. As mentioned above, the step by step instructions are very easy and soon you'll be up the ladder drilling 2 holes for the myQ Smart Garage Hub. It'll go right next to the garage door opener so you can connect it to the power outlet above it.

Finally, you have the sensor that attaches to the garage door itself and the installation is complete! Now you can receive updates and track records of activity and also close your garage door from your smart phone (in case you forgot on a Monday morning). If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can unlock more useful features of your myQ Smart Garage Hub – such as FREE in-garage delivery with Key by Amazon. When it comes to the security of our packages and goods this App is a real winner. All you need to do is download the free Amazon Key App. Once that is complete, you can go ahead and link your myQ account with the Key App and you are set. The next time you're shopping on Amazon simply select 'In-Garage Delivery' at checkout. Amazon drivers are then able to open your garage with an encrypted code, leave your packages securely in the garage and close the door before leaving your property.



This holiday season will be a fun one and with the accessibility that technology allows us, we can place an Amazon order while traveling and know that our holiday gift shopping and decorations will be safe from the winter elements or from going missing. Now that I'm done writing this, I should probably go and make a designated area in my garage for all the Amazon Prime deliveries that are coming my way!