3 Simple Ways to Stock Your New Garage

If you’re like many hobbyist new homeowners, finally having a garage of your own is almost as exciting as the house itself – maybe even more so. No more heading to your buddy’s house to work on your car or motorcycle or whatever else drives you. No more hanging out in parking lots and mechanic shops. You have your own space to work on your vehicle and the other things you enjoy and you can be out there at all times of the day or night, rain or shine, without having to worry about damaging your vehicle. Plus, you’ll be just a holler away when it’s time to come in for dinner and family quality time.

Designing your garage – installing heated floors, for example, or putting in a TV and a couch for an "entertainment cave" – is only the start. With so much space to store the tools, parts and equipment you need, you have an opportunity you’ve never had before: being able to stock your garage so the things you need are always within reach. Devote some of your redecorating budget simply to purchasing the items that will fill your garage. If you know where to shop, it’s easier and more affordable to stock up than you might think.

Visit a Self-Serve Used Auto Parts Store

Imagine walking through aisles and aisles of used auto parts, each one more of a bargain than the last. Sometimes you need a very specific part to complete a project. Other times, you know you’re going to need a part frequently, so you may as well have a dozen of it in stock. Grab a friend and head to the nearest self-serve auto parts store. Bring a checklist of the things you need the most, but be open to buying more. Parts go fast at these places, so if you want to get them at the most affordable prices, you have to snatch them up when you see them. Make a run to the store at least once a month to replenish your stock.

Sell Your Old Car

What does selling your old car have to do with stocking your garage? Simple. You’ll raise the funds you need to completely outfit your garage with the best décor and the best tools and equipment. If you’re a devoted car hobbyist, you probably have more than one vehicle on hand. Sometimes there’s a really old car you thought you could fix, but it’s just too much to deal with. Make room in your new garage by not bringing that old car with you. Sell it to a place that will scrap it for parts so you get the best offer. Remember, if you couldn’t get it to run, other car hobbyists are likely only going to be interested in it for parts, anyway.

Head to a Thrift Store

Thrift stores are probably not the first type of store that comes to mind when you think of stocking your garage, but you should definitely swing by one. While you won’t find the car parts you need, you may find a new toolset or even a large toolbox that fits snugly in your garage, a multi-drawer toolbox you never had room for before. At the very least, you might walk away with old bed sheets to keep your new garage floors clean.

Now that you have a garage of your own, make the most of it. Stop yourself from having to run out to find the part you need to fix your car by stocking your garage with some of the things you’re most likely to use ahead of time. Be comfortable on your down time and stay home in your cozy garage.

About the Author: Ronald Henkes is a mechanic and car blogger from Orlando. He recommends you find cheap auto parts when you have a new garage to fill.

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