How to organise your garage
WHY not kit out your garage with all the essentials for your car, DIY projects and more? Your garage will become a truly useful storage area and the go-to room whenever you need to get something done.
Daniel Pillay, from Cape Town Handyman, says if you want to make the most of your garage space, there are essential items to keep in it…
Work and storage space According to Daniel, good work and storage space is the foundation of a well-appointed garage. At the very least, he says you will need a sturdy workbench with a generous work surface. Add to that some shelf space, you can fit shelves onto the walls or use freestanding units, and you’ll be sorted.
Daniel says some hanging hooks and a peg board are handy for keeping essential tools close at hand.
He says you also want to invest in some sturdy plastic stacking boxes for all those little bits and pieces.
Finally, make sure your workspace has good, clear lighting to work by.
DIY tools and accessories Having the right tools for the job is vital, says Daniel. Ensure that you have a basic tool kit, cordless drill, orbital sander, jigsaw, level and staple gun.you’ll also need a measuring tape, hobby knife and cutting mat, a good quality torch, light bulbs and batteries, a bench vise and step ladder.
Keep these essential DIY tools and accessories handy and you’ll be ready for any DIY jobs that need your attention.
Garden maintenance essentials According to Daniel, your garage is the ideal storage space for all your garden maintenance essentials. He says if you don’t already have them, buy a basic set of tools (hoe, rake, spade, trowel and some garden shears). Add gardening gloves, kneeling pads, a watering can and a hose, and you have all the basics you need to take care of your garden year round, he says.
Car tools and maintenance items When you think of a garage, you think of a car. To kit out your garage get a jack and stand, a creeper for sliding under the car, wrenches and ratchets, and an air compressor and air tools.
You’ll also need oil and oil vacuum, brake fluid, a multimeter and a car battery starter. These will all make car maintenance easier.
Cleaning items Car, home and garden maintenance can be a messy business. Keep a stack of cleaning essentials on hand and you’ll be able to take care of spills and clean up in next to no time.
Daniel says keep a store of home cleaning products alongside bleach, degreaser and laundry items. He says invest in a good quality stiff bristled broom, mop, dustpan and brush, and plenty of cleaning rags and sponges.
Why not see about getting a sink plumbed in so you can clean up without trailing dirt or grime into the house?
Safety and comfort essentials Whether you’re maintaining your car or making some shelves, safety and comfort is important.
Daniel says good lighting and work benches at a suitable height are important. He says a simple stool to sit on can make DIY work much more comfortable. You’ll also want a supply of protective aprons, gloves and masks so you can tackle any job safely.
If your garage tends to get hot, a freestanding fan will make it much more comfortable, he says.
A first aid kit and a fire extinguisher will complete your safety and comfort list, and make sure you’re ready to deal with minor injuries and accidents.
Laptop with Internet connection Not sure how to drain the oil from your car? Wondering about the best standing technique?
Daniel says chances are, at some point you’re going to run into a car, garden or DIY problem that needs a bit of research.
He says a laptop with internet connection means you can look up what you need there and then, with no need to interrupt what you’re doing, or walk through your house with dirty boots or messy hands.
Use an old or second-hand laptop for the garage — you can always take it indoors with you when you finish if you don’t want to keep it in the garage, he says.
Kit your garage out with these essentials and take it from spare storage to DIY and car maintenance HQ. With a bit of organisation and the right kit, you can walk into your garage and find whatever you need to tackle the job in front of you, he says.
— Property24
Add some shelf space, fit shelves onto the walls or use freestanding units, and you’ll be sorted.
