What You Should Keep in Every Outbuilding to Save Yourself Extra Trips
Running back and forth between buildings sounds harmless—until you’re doing it every five minutes. A few basic supplies in each outbuilding can make daily chores smoother and save your knees in the long run. You don’t need to stock a second toolbox in every barn, but the right handful of things can make all the difference.
Flashlight or Headlamp
Even if the shed has lighting, things go out. Keeping a flashlight or headlamp handy means you’re not fumbling with your phone light while trying to find a part or chase off a critter. Go for one that runs on the same batteries you keep around the house.
Spare Gloves
You’d be surprised how many times you’ll walk out without gloves and regret it. Keep an extra pair tucked in a dry container so you’re not stuck grabbing splinters or digging around bare-handed. It’ll save your hands—and save you from an extra trip.
Zip Ties and Wire
Something always comes loose when you least expect it. A small stash of zip ties, twine, or basic wire can fix latches, fencing, or feeders long enough to get through the day. Keep them in a weatherproof tin or hung up where they won’t tangle.
Basic First Aid Supplies
You don’t need a full trauma kit, but a few bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a roll of tape go a long way when you get scratched up in the barn or pinched by a gate. You don’t want to walk half a mile bleeding from a chicken wire nick.
Notebook and Pen
Sometimes it’s easier to jot something down than to try to remember it later. Keep a dry notebook in each outbuilding so you can track feed levels, note repairs, or write down things you need to grab next time you’re at the hardware store.
Multi-Tool
When something needs tightening or snipping and you don’t have the right tool, a good multi-tool gets you by. Toss one in each building so you’ve always got something that can turn a screw or cut baling twine without walking all the way back to the house.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
