Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Oct 31, 2018 8:11 AM
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Oct 31, 2018 8:12 AM
Realistic material storag (by Richard [MI]) Oct 31, 2018 8:24 AM
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Oct 31, 2018 8:33 AM
Realistic material storag (by Great Action [NC]) Oct 31, 2018 8:33 AM
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Oct 31, 2018 8:38 AM
Realistic material storag (by Deanna [TX]) Oct 31, 2018 9:17 AM
Realistic material storag (by fred [CA]) Oct 31, 2018 10:34 AM
Realistic material storag (by Robert J [CA]) Oct 31, 2018 10:35 AM
Realistic material storag (by RathdrumGal [ID]) Oct 31, 2018 11:07 AM
Realistic material storag (by DannyC [MO]) Oct 31, 2018 11:08 AM
Realistic material storag (by razorback_tim [AR]) Oct 31, 2018 11:29 AM
Realistic material storag (by Debbie [VA]) Oct 31, 2018 11:31 AM
Realistic material storag (by #22 [MO]) Oct 31, 2018 11:56 AM
Realistic material storag (by plenty [MO]) Oct 31, 2018 3:21 PM
Realistic material storag (by elliot [RI]) Oct 31, 2018 3:21 PM
Realistic material storag (by Ed [PA]) Oct 31, 2018 5:39 PM
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Oct 31, 2018 5:43 PM
Realistic material storag (by myob [GA]) Oct 31, 2018 7:07 PM
Realistic material storag (by Deanna [TX]) Oct 31, 2018 8:07 PM
Realistic material storag (by small potatoes [NY]) Oct 31, 2018 8:50 PM
Realistic material storag (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Oct 31, 2018 10:16 PM
Realistic material storag (by Livethedream [AZ]) Oct 31, 2018 11:36 PM
Realistic material storag (by J [IN]) Nov 1, 2018 4:10 AM
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Nov 1, 2018 4:27 AM
Realistic material storag (by Ken [NY]) Nov 1, 2018 5:08 AM
Realistic material storag (by nhsailmaker [NH]) Nov 1, 2018 5:15 AM
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Nov 1, 2018 5:49 AM
Realistic material storag (by J [FL]) Nov 1, 2018 6:14 AM
Realistic material storag (by Smokowna [MD]) Nov 1, 2018 6:42 AM
Realistic material storag (by Chris [CT]) Nov 1, 2018 1:46 PM
Realistic material storag (by don [PA]) Nov 2, 2018 12:31 PM
Realistic material storag (by Busy [WI]) Nov 2, 2018 1:07 PM
Realistic material storag (by Cjo’h [CT]) Nov 7, 2018 10:21 AM
Realistic material storag (by Mickie [OH]) Nov 7, 2018 11:27 AM
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 8:11 AM Message:
I need to get realistic about what I keep and what I don't keep after project is over. My storage unit is literally bursting at the seams with stuff. When I first started, I saved everything. I still use everything that I have saved, but I don't need to save it anymore. Half the time what happens is when I go to find it, I can't. So it's a matter of getting it organized combined with having too much of it. I probably have 2 5 gallon spackle buckets full of miscellaneous screws and nails. I have a couple of every plumbing fittings under the sun. Many electrical components. You name it, I have it. So what should I realistically save and what should I throw away? Honestly, if I went out and bought all those screws and nails it would be several hundred dollars worth. But is it worth my time to sit there and sort out a 5 gallon bucket of screws?
And I know exactly what's going to happen once I start throwing stuff out. The next day, I'm going to need it. But it's starting to board her on boarding in a way. Like obviously, I'm not going to throw out light switch covers, but should I save 10 feet of 12-2 romex wire?
Here's another example, I had to run a water line from the street hook up into the house and use about 40 feet of a 60 foot roll of three-quarter inch soft copper. I still have the other 20 feet. Now that stuff is expensive, but it might be 15 years before I made it. Should I scrap it? What do you all save no matter what, and what are you get rid of regardless at the end of a project?
--174.201.xx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 8:12 AM Message:
*boarder on hoarding- autocorrect..... --174.201.xx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by Richard [MI]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 8:24 AM Message:
There is no cure until you quit doing the repairs yourself. Even then, if you have helpers or workers, it will continue.
I have a complete old junker mobile home that I use to store stuff. 14x65 and I wonder if it's enough.
Soon though, soon.
Now if you took it all to Habitat Restore and donated it, you could always get part of it back when you needed by going there, but it does not take your time into account.
For me, I have accepted that I am doomed. Doomed I say!
Maybe, sometime, if I ever get to the point where I just concentrate on raising money to get more places and leave everything to helpers, I MIGHT be able to deal with this. In the meantime, I'm stuck. --66.188.xx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 8:33 AM Message:
Oh Richard, welcome to the circle.... --174.201.xx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by Great Action [NC]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 8:33 AM Message:
One idea is you could sell it on Amazon --- at a profit! Then when you need more, buy more and sell that left over material at a profit again!
However, selling it on Amazon may require some effort and possibly a monthly fee. --75.182.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 8:38 AM Message:
Also Richard, you hit on a very good point. Me doing the repairs versus hiring everything out. For example, I have a roof repair coming up. Something hit the roof on top of a two-story building and smashed right through the OSB. I'm assuming it's a branch, but there is no evidence of that. Luckily I have a half a pack of shingles from this project from eight years ago when the roof was first installed. Usually I carry shingles from job to job to use them as Starters underneath the first row going on a roof. This building though, the shingles were saved inside the utility room. So I can take a scrap piece of 2 x 6 and one or two of these shingles and get this project done in about an hour. Versus a handyman having to buy a 2 x 6 and run around trying to match up the shingles to get the job done. Now I know it's a small example, but over time, it adds up to a lot. I wouldn't expect a handyman to stock pile the necessary materials to get jobs like this done in a cost effective fashion. I would expect him to buy new all the time. Adding even more to their costs. So doing the repairs myself absolutely adds to what I have stored. --174.201.xx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by Deanna [TX]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 9:17 AM Message:
If you have a store nearby, it makes a little less sense to keep stuff on hand, but in my area, making a run to Lowes or HD usually results in about two or three hours carved out of my day--- including 1.5 hours' travel time. So when my handyguys say, "Surprise, I forgot to ask you for a strip of metal corner bead for this drywall job" or "Hey, do you have a 2x4?" it's nice to be able to say, "Let me go check." And I've got the lumber organized on one shelf-- here's a 2x4 left over from another project-- and, oh, I've got some corner bead here as well. Or we're trying to widen the hot water heater closet-- hey, I have a leftover hwh drain pan, so let me bring it over to give an idea of how big the closet needs to be.
We bought a batch of properties from a burned-out landlord. One garage was crammed full of junk. Broken junk. Useless junk. Disorganized junk. Trash.
So it isn't so much a matter of "stuff", it's a matter of "is this organized enough to put my hands on it when I need it". So don't organize your leftover screws and nails in 5 gallon buckets-- you might try mason jars. 3" exterior screws in this jar. Finishing nails in that jar. Cupped head drywall nails in that jar. 1 5/8" drywall screws in that jar.
Use totes. Electrical supplies go in this tote. Plumbing supplies go in that tote.
A friend of mine bought everyone Brother P-Touch Label Makers for Christmas one year. I still use mine. It's awesome for files-- but it's also awesome for putting labels on bins, jars, whatever.
Use some wood to build shelves. It's especially good for storing sticks of lumber. 1x6's go here. 1x4's go there. 1x3's go there. 2x4's go there. Leftover sticks of hardwood flooring go there.
Our storage house isn't anything from HGTV-- but at least it's organized into zones. Paint goes here, wood stain goes there, plywood goes there, light fixtures go there, electrical goes here, plumbing goes there... --96.46.xxx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by fred [CA]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 10:34 AM Message:
Only DIYs understand what you're talking about. LLs who hire people to change a light bulb don't. Then complain how stupid that contractor was.
Having a bucket for of various screws is not your fault. The fault rests on the manufacturers who make a thousand kinds of screws.
And don't ever liquidate, because as you know you'll need that staff a week later after you throw it out. Let your kids liquidate.
--99.59.x.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 10:35 AM Message:
For my secure storage I purchased a 8'x 8' x 20' metal shipping container. In excellent condition they run around $2,000. Then I built myself a barn with a loft and several sheds. --47.156.xx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by RathdrumGal [ID]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 11:07 AM Message:
Sorting screws and nails? Isn't that what children are for?
Take some containers -- tape ONE of what you want separated out to the side of the container. Get your kids who are old enough not to choke on nails and let them put the matching nails into each container. Visually matching items even helps children with their reading-readiness, so you can call it education. Pay them, if you like.
When I was in 3rd grade, my mother who was teaching first grade that year, taught me to "print like a teacher" and had me grading her papers. I had to grade papers while she cooked dinner. Never hurt me! --98.146.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by DannyC [MO]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 11:08 AM Message:
I completely understand. I have a garage that I am constantly just putting my extras in. I am expecting this winter to be slow. So my plan is to organize it with bin and shelves etc...... I am also going to make a few basic totes electrical, tile, flooring, etc... with a basic starter kit for rehabs. When I start a project those will be the first things to get taken to the project to work out of. Then if I need something the garage will be organized too. Before going shopping with my list the first stop will be to shop the garage.
All of this saying it is best laid plans. Will see come March when I expected the rehab and turn overs to start and see how that works. --107.77.xx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by razorback_tim [AR]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 11:29 AM Message:
It’s a battle.
I struggle with getting rid of anything that has any “value.”
I my case this trait was learned from the previous generation. --166.137.xxx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by Debbie [VA]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 11:31 AM Message:
Get the kids to sort screws. --67.211.xx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by #22 [MO]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 11:56 AM Message:
If you won't use it soon, probably not worth keeping.Also, being diligent returning items will help. I culled 85% of my materials and tools. I think twice I've gotten rid of things I needed. HOWEVER: if you get rid of things, it will help you find the things you need, as the lesser important items won't be in the way... open space calms my mind... good value in that for me vs massive clutter and being unable and frustrated looking for $5 parts! --173.24.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 3:21 PM Message:
We've found a few pieces of old electrical wire does come in need from time to time. We have been listing stuff on Craigslist for cheap or free. Met alot of interesting people many building homes forcas little money as possible or totally off grid buying and Recycling. But that too takes time. Some things get donated to Restore. Tired of the misc... but we are one house shy of finishing building the empire. Then just upkeep. No more storing stuff. Use it or move it. --99.203.xx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by elliot [RI]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 3:21 PM Message:
If you can, store them separately by category.. The expensive ones and the cheap ones.. Plumbing in one room, electrical in another one..
I don't do flip, so the amount stuff I keep for daily maintenance are contained within 2 basement rooms (shelves are all walls).. then a garage for wood and sheetrocks, keep minimal for repairs so you don't run to homedepot/lowes all the time.. --71.232.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by Ed [PA]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 5:39 PM Message:
I find that once the screws and nails get mixed up more than a few inches deep in a container I can't find what I need and they are worthless. I keep a box of drywall screws, deck screws, roofing nails and 16 penny nails. I have taken the 5 gallon buckets to the scrap metal yard.
Electrical wire 12 and 14 awg are always useful even in 10 ft lengths but other sizes aren't worth keeping. Standard light switch and receptacle covers, receptacles and light switches are always used but I've have boxes for 20 years and when I find I need one I'm closer to the hardware store than home and it's cheaper to buy them. Any special electrical parts that don't get used -scrap.
Plumbing - need all 1/2" copper fittings, 1/2" copper tubing, a small assortment of 3/4" copper fittings and tubing. Fernco couplings all sizes, an assortment of plastic fittings and piping. This knocks the standard 3 trips to the plumbing store down to two. Get rid of the water inlet tubing, scrap it out.
After 25+ I still have trouble letting go but I'm making progress. --100.6.xx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 5:43 PM Message:
So the general consensus is to keep it and spend a week each quarter organizing my chaos along with building a larger storage garage! Cool, got it! --50.32.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by myob [GA]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 7:07 PM Message:
NE gosh you just hit home for me. I JUST HAD MY MM AND HIS WIFE CLEAN OUT MY 20 X 40 UNIT. I had 60 ceiling fan (old) blades-- sink tops that id'd never use-- a 1990 sears trash compactor with bags that's been in the unit 15 years-- 3 garage door openers-- 10 dishwasher racks -- TEN racks!!!!
I have a 3/4 ton Chevy express with shelves with every days parts-- and the warehouse. Its and I am outta control-- I'm a rental parts HOARDER. --99.103.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by Deanna [TX]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 8:07 PM Message:
I'm just little ol' me, and I've still got three places for storage, not counting our home garage... DH is very fond of accumulating stuff and hitting the auctions...
One is a storage house. It's where I keep most of my stuff. (Lumber, plumbing, electric, paint, flooring, etc.)
One is a house that we'll eventually renovate someday. I have a room there set aside for appliances. (Washers, dryers, a spare a/c condenser...)
One is the garage bays underneath an above-garage apartment. We've got a lifetime supply of tile, bulky tools like generators and polesaws and stuff, and lumber longer than 8'. --96.46.xxx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by small potatoes [NY]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 8:50 PM Message:
Save it and donate extra to Habitat if there is one by you. Try creating a primary space w/ some of each category handy. For me it's a basement, and less important stuff is in a garage. My primary space shakes out to plumbing supply side/ drain, electric, paint, lumber, lumber castoffs, paneling/ply, hardware, fasteners, masonry, flooring. Can't have enough plumbing I keep one bucket each of 1.25" and 1.5" drain parts. Bucket of tub n toilet parts, sink supply, smaller pvc and larger pvc and fernco's. Most recently sorted for pex, sharkbite n copper. I keep a large container of mixed fasteners. Has a little of everything. I take that to every job and throw in all the strays. Paint is in another room where I bought library shelves and lined one wall with buckets n cans of paint, stain, solvents, Spackle etc. And don't forget all the cleaning supplies tenants leave behind. Can't go wrong w/ dishsoap, comet and bleach.
The big things to keep in my mind are like you mentioned extra left over from a house. Flooring and countertop materials is what I save. You never know when it will be discontinued, which happened to me w/ HD countertop.
I'm also at a point where I have used up a bunch of what I saved and have to shop for new. Screws are expensive! Aside from plumbing parts, I'm better at returning things RIGHT away.
and I'm on the lookout for another roll of commercial vinyl. Old doors are my nemesis. Definitely have to chuck a few. And storm doors, I will NEVER put up again! --24.194.xx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 10:16 PM Message:
NE,
Full disclosure: been there. Have 3 garages full. Most will never be used. I don’t take time to sort it because the time can be better spent toward income
It’s time you think bigger. Hoarding, yes hoarding all that stuff is OK for onesy twosey Mom&Pop but it will slow you down.
Consider the time it takes to load, haul, unload, store...and as you said often never use. Your time is more valuabke than a half sheet of OSB.
We only save materials we constantly use. Standardizing makes this easier. Full leftovers go back. Large leftovers are moved to the next project. If not usable within 30 days it’s tossed.
Lowes is at one end of town, Menards at the other. THEY are our warehouse. If you need something go buy it.
I DO store small emergency heaters, AC, and ceiling fans bought with quantity prices. We use them and replenish next season.
All you have is TIME. Every movement either consumes time or turns time into dollars. Make EVERY move PRODUCE.
Millionaires don’t drive across town to save 25 cents on cottage cheese. Donate the leftovers or mark them FREE TO A GOOD HOME, or toss them. You’ll make more money.
BRAD --174.231.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by Livethedream [AZ]) Posted on: Oct 31, 2018 11:36 PM Message:
So, are you saying I should throw out the jar of assorted rusty screws and bolts that my father left and I haven't used in 20 years?
I've been selling stuff on CL. Sold some old mobile home windows with chipped flanges I had sitting around for $20 ea.
But I am NOT giving up my pile of scrap metal! --47.216.xx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by J [IN]) Posted on: Nov 1, 2018 4:10 AM Message:
Great discussion. I just picked up a decent set of kitchen cabinets yesterday. I didn’t think about how much space storing kitchen cabinets takes and I dont have an immediate use for them. This business has its challenges. I tried hiring everything out, sold my truck and all my stuff and got a Pontiac vibe. After I had the vibe for a while I added a small trailer and a roof rack (Incase I need something long) next i was loading a riding mower on the trailer. I have a truck again and hire some stuff out but the day to day I am back doing. I need another Mrlandlord intervention, I mean convention. Courage --71.222.xxx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Nov 1, 2018 4:27 AM Message:
J, good luck not needing a truck. One of my go-to landlord friend here that I seek counsel with had 90 units in his prime. Several storage garages, several trucks and vans, does most of all his own work with occasional grunt labor to help.
The largest LL's in my town that I worked for when I was 15 years old still do their own work, still have huge storage buildings. This family is the biggest real estate family around.
You're not going to have a farm and not milk the cows at least once in a while. --50.32.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Nov 1, 2018 5:08 AM Message:
I agree with Brad, I have a saying hanging in my office,You cant do big things when you are being distracted by small things.Do some additional advertising and bring in another deal and make money.When you are concerned about a storage garage you are cluttering up your mind and not thinking about how to put the next deal together. --72.231.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by nhsailmaker [NH]) Posted on: Nov 1, 2018 5:15 AM Message:
Been there - done that
got 2 - 40 yard dumpsters and my life is much better now --73.114.xx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Nov 1, 2018 5:49 AM Message:
I can understand thinning out some materials, but I can't understand getting rid of all of it. Perfect example: 2 years ago I bought several thousand feet of different styles of base molding and door/window casing for $.05-$.20 a lineal foot at auction. A TON OF IT and I'm still using it. I paid around 2 grand for it at that price, retail that would've cost a tremendous amount of money. Probably 10-15 grand or more. That type of stuff is worth storing, especially flipping houses. --50.32.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by J [FL]) Posted on: Nov 1, 2018 6:14 AM Message:
I'm having the same issue. I'm thinking about installing an outside storage shed to store some of this stuff but I need to check with my HOA first to see if it's allowed. --72.188.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by Smokowna [MD]) Posted on: Nov 1, 2018 6:42 AM Message:
I have figured this out. Easy....easy came after many years.
Here is the scoop. I'll use this as an example. When you are working on a home with many repairs. (empty house. no teni)
You get yourself a flat box, or rolling table top and leave all your miss match screws and nails there.
You will find that when you need screws you work from that "tray" of misc fasteners.
At the same time, you must always have a place for everything when storing. There is not box of screws here and box of screws there. They all are in one spot, shelf, cabinet, or rolling cart.
Scrap drywall and plywood are a great example. Plywood can be very expensive and handle moisture when stored. All my plywood storage is in one location and you simply tug and pull out the pieces you need. I do not store drywall as a rule. If you have a job coming up where you will use drywall, keep a bit of it, otherwise it is too difficult to store due to size, dust, and moisture (they curve).
Trim. Easy to store and stack, Cabinets...na, I prefer not to keep them. I have a large selection of IKEA but these are flat packed. Whereas full cabinets take up too much space.
lastly, framing materials are only worth storing on a trailer. In this way, when you are doing a small or large project, you can tow the trailer to the job site and leave it. Even if rain comes, it won't hurt your framing materials. In this way you can constantly have access to small pieces or large pieces and you will work through the pile quickly. You do not have to load and unload. The trailer takes care of holding everything.
Windows and doors. I have room to store them, so I do. The doors have saved me countless times, the windows yes and no. --108.51.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by Chris [CT]) Posted on: Nov 1, 2018 1:46 PM Message:
I used to save everything now I don't. My business partner loves hording he has a shipping container full of stuff that I doubt will ever be used.
I have two metal racks in my garage that's it, if I have no use for it its thrown out. --24.187.xxx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by don [PA]) Posted on: Nov 2, 2018 12:31 PM Message:
I use pigtails to connect all of my electrical outlets, rather than wiring through the outlet. Wiring through the outlet (esp. if using the pushins rather than the screw terminals) will bite you in the future when an outlet connection fails and causes the whole rest of the circuit to fail---and you are not sure which outlet is causing the problem. I burn up all of my short wire scraps making pigtails.
I have a small garage chock full. Needs to be organized again, but works for me because I have the apt. above and the houses on either side rented, so it is very convenient when making repairs to those rentals. On the other hand, emptied out I could probably get $200 a month renting it out to people with motorcycles. --70.90.xx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Nov 2, 2018 1:07 PM Message:
Smokowna mentioned this first- flat out cardboard trays that grocery stores will give away. Produce department and canned goods both have nice selection of trays. Sorting for the right piece is much quicker when it can be spread flat. I have one small flat of screws, nails, small hardware that goes with me whenever I need to do any repairs at a house. I try to g rab any bits out of that tray first, before I reach for the prepackaged boxes of screws. Helps keep that tray from becoming a dump-all.
Having been raised on a farm, way out in the country, far from any stores, by parents who lived through the depression, we grew up ‘making do’ with lots of repurposed stuff. On our farm, we sorted through everything probably once a year or more. Somebody was always building a rabbit hutch or rebuilding an engine . We got our buts whipped if we left a mess, often by the next brother or sister who needed something from our supplies. That’s good incentive to sort and organize as we go... So, the woodpiles, scrap metal bins were always there, but the contents changed with every project. --172.58.xxx.xxx |
Realistic material storag (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Nov 7, 2018 10:21 AM Message:
NE,when we moved here 44 years ago I built a nice 24’x24’ garage with High doors for the van to shelter it from the harsh winters.The. Van has never made it inside yet, and the garage is full to the gills with stuff...............................Charlie..........................................that’s what I get from being born on a farm.............................
--32.214.xxx.xx |
Realistic material storag (by Mickie [OH]) Posted on: Nov 7, 2018 11:27 AM Message:
Can you write off materials that you donate to places like habitat? It might make it easier to get rid of some of it. Apply a time limit rule on how long you're going to keep something. --174.232.xxx.xx |
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