Frustrations and Solutions: Accessing Occasional Items
Accessing items you only need occasionally can be a point of frustration for many people. Whether you choose to buy or borrow these items, there are pros and cons to both approaches. In this article, we will explore the common frustrations and efficient solutions to help you manage your occasional needs.
Common Frustrations with Occasional Items
When it comes to accessing items that are only needed occasionally, there are various challenges you might face. These can range from the cost and inconvenience of purchasing items you don't use frequently, to the hassle of borrowing or renting them. Let’s take a closer look at these frustrations.
Purchase or Borrow?
One of the most common questions is whether to buy or borrow items you only need occasionally. Buying everything in advance can be a hassle, especially when storage space is limited. Similarly, borrowing items from others can be unpredictable, as you may not have access to the items when you need them most. For instance, if you only need a power screed to pour a concrete pad for a garage, renting it might be more practical than buying one and storing it.
Personal Experiences and Solutions
Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into managing occasional needs. As an example, during my first marriage, I tackled numerous DIY projects in three different houses that required extensive work. I learned the ropes of tiling a bathroom and built a pole barn garage. Back then, in the late 1970s, there was no internet, and I relied on books, hardware store advice, and family members who knew a thing or two. There were no DIY shows on television either; even This Old House didn't start until 1979. Thankfully, today's technology makes it much easier with platforms like YouTube.
DIY Projects and Tool Ownership
As an auto mechanic and a tool guy by nature, I was more than happy to buy more tools as needed and rent them when required. By the time I was living in an old farmhouse, I had accumulated a lot of tools. However, I had to sell most of them when I divorced. The most significant items I ever rented were a power screed and a jack hammer, which were both frustrating to use. Renting a gas-powered post hole digger for a pasture was another waste of time.
Current Solutions and Strategies
Fast forward to today, I live in a townhouse with limited space for tools. Therefore, I prefer to park my car in the garage, which leaves minimal room for working on it. Fortunately, my late wife's daughter and family live in a large home with a huge two-car garage only a few minutes away. Whenever I need to repair the car, I can go over there and get a free home-cooked meal, plus a swim in the pool. This solution saves me the cost and inconvenience of buying new tools and provides a convenient alternative.
Home Maintenance and Tool Needs
For home maintenance, the exterior is maintained by the HOA, and the inside rarely needs much attention. When it does, I either go to a local hardware store or Harbor Freight for what I need. Still, it's challenging not to buy new tools I might want, simply because of limited storage space. Over the years, I have done and learned a lot, and can fix almost anything around the house. However, with age, my enthusiasm for DIY work is starting to wane.
The Most Frustrating Aspects
The most frustrating aspect of borrowing or renting is when it's a Sunday afternoon and the rental yards are closed, or when you know of no one with the item you need. This highlights the challenges of maintaining a consistent supply of tools and equipment for occasional needs.
Conclusion
Accessing items you only need occasionally can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, it's manageable. Whether you choose to buy or borrow, always consider the pros and cons. For those with limited storage space, like me, borrowing or sacrificing small rooms for tools can be a viable solution. In any case, leveraging modern technology and staying organized can significantly ease the process of managing occasional needs.