Looking after your house and garden can feel like a never-ending job. There’s always something to clean, repair, trim or tidy, and even simple tasks can become frustrating if you haven’t got the right equipment.
Fortunately, you don’t need a whole shed’s worth of specialist tools to keep your property in good condition. A carefully-chosen collection of essential items will enable you to complete most common maintenance jobs safely and efficiently.
Hand Tools
No home should be without a basic toolkit for minor repairs and spur-of-the-moment DIY projects. At the very least, you ought to have a pair of pliers, a tape measure and a few different-sized screwdrivers. A claw hammer, an adjustable spanner and a utility knife are also likely to come in handy for certain tasks.
Ladders
Many important maintenance jobs require a bit of extra reach. Cleaning the gutters, repainting the living room, even just changing a light bulb: all of these tasks are easier to accomplish if you’ve got a sturdy ladder to stand on.
Keeping one or more suitable ladders at home will mean you’re well prepared for jobs like these. A step ladder can be useful for light indoor maintenance, while a long leaning ladder may be needed for certain outdoor jobs.
Always choose a ladder that’s long enough for the task at hand, and inspect it for signs of damage before you climb. Ladders should always be placed on firm, level ground and positioned away from doors and other potential hazards. Never stand on the top rung/step of your ladder or stretch sideways to reach something; climb down and reposition the ladder instead.
Gardening Gloves & Cutting Tools
If you’ve got a garden to look after, a dependable pair of gardening gloves will protect your hands from all manner of pain. Look for gloves that are tough enough to offer protection, but flexible enough that you can still grip tools properly.
You will also need a few cutting tools to keep your garden under control. Shears, loppers, secateurs and pruners are all suited for different types of garden maintenance – having a pair of each in your shed will mean you’re ready for just about anything.
Spades & Forks
A garden spade is useful for digging holes, edging borders and moving small quantities of soil. A fork can loosen compacted ground and incorporate compost without cutting through as many roots as a spade.
Try to find garden tools that suit your height and feel comfortable in your hands. If a tool is too short or heavy, you may find yourself bending awkwardly and putting unnecessary strain on your back.
On the smaller end of things, a hand trowel and hand fork are also worth keeping nearby for planting bulbs, removing weeds and taking care of other fiddly jobs.
Hoses & Watering Cans
Plants need to be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. A watering can is perfectly adequate for pots, hanging baskets and small gardens, while a hose makes it easier to cover a larger area.
If you use a hose, consider adding an adjustable spray nozzle. This will give you a gentle setting for delicate plants and a stronger jet for cleaning tools, paths and garden furniture.
Water plants near the base rather than spraying the leaves. This directs moisture towards the roots and reduces the amount lost through evaporation.
Cleaning Equipment
Regular cleaning can prevent dirt, moss and debris from causing problems on your property. A stiff outdoor brush is useful for sweeping patios and paths, while a softer broom is good for keeping floors tidy indoors.
A bucket, sponge and microfibre cloth will do for a wide range of household jobs. If you need to do some heavy-duty cleaning, a pressure washer can be great for removing built-up dirt from paving stones, walls and garden furniture. Use it carefully, though, because a powerful jet may damage certain surfaces.