What deserves a place in the catalog?
Start with tools you use, spare parts you want to find again and things with a story. Give a power tool its own record with a clear photograph of the model number. A tin of ordinary screws can stay one item; nobody is asking you to give each screw a biography.
Photograph a box and its label if you are leaving the contents for another day. When you open it, add the things worth finding again.
How do you find it next time?
Name the location as clearly as you would describe it to someone standing at the door: Garage / Workbench, Garage / Top shelf or Garage / Box 3. Record where you put the object back.
- Photograph model numbers and useful identifying marks.
- Keep project parts together and note what is missing.
- Record whether something was sold, given away or disposed of when it leaves.
The decisions about what to keep can happen at the kitchen table, with the photographs in front of you. The garage will still be there after the kettle boils.
FAQ
Does every screwdriver need an entry?
Group ordinary tools if that is enough to find them. Give specialist tools their own record when their details matter.
What about an unfinished project?
Photograph it as it is and note the parts you have and the ones you need. Decide what happens next when you are ready.
