When you step into a home improvement store, you're bombarded with all kinds of different tools with fancy slogans in colorful packages, and it's sometimes hard to tell what you truly need. Even if you're not an experienced DIYer and do not need fancy equipment, there are just some tools that everyone needs to keep on hand. Check out this list of essential tools and equipment that will get you through most basic repairs and home improvement situations.

Basic Tool Kit

Everyone needs a basic tool kit from seasoned craftsperson to the inexperienced homeowner. This is technically more than one tool, but a tool kit as a whole is one essential everyone needs. This kit usually includes a hammer, both a Phillips head and flat screwdriver, wrench, pliers, Allen keys, utility knife, wire cutters, and a tape measure. These items come in super handy with basic home repairs and putting together furniture. Electrical and duct tape, a level, a flashlight, and safety goggles could also be useful additions to your collection. You can buy pre-assembled kits that already contain everything you need or build the kit yourself.

Ladder

Sooner or later, you'll have to tackle a job that is up high, so it is crucial to have an extension ladder in your garage. Whether you're cleaning your gutters, mounting a shelf or picture, cleaning the windows, or dusting the ceiling fans and light fixtures, a ladder will come in handy.

Snow Removal Equipment

If you live in a climate where it snows, a snow shovel is an essential tool to add to your collection. The weather will often report a snow storm, and everyone will flock to the local hardware or home improvement store to clean out the shovel department. Avoid the crowd and hassle and buy one during the off-season–this way, you have it and are prepared ahead of time. The same thing applies to salt and ice melt; it always disappears from stores in winter. Have a supply in your garage ready to go for the next storm.

Gardening Supplies

Even if you don't have much of a yard, some essential gardening supplies are a great addition to any tool collection—a wheelbarrow, trowel, garden rake, pruning scissors, gardening gloves, and a knee pad. Transporting soil, leaves, or yard debris will be a breeze with a wheelbarrow, and the rest of the items will cover your basic gardening needs. Suppose you don't have a yard at all but do balcony gardening or grow herbs on your kitchen windowsill. In that case, you probably won't need the wheelbarrow, but the other gardening tools mentioned will come in handy for your next green thumb adventure.

Painting Tools

At some point, you'll probably want to paint a room or piece of furniture in your home. If you have some of the basic tools on hand, it'll save you a lot of trouble at the hardware store; all you will need to get is the paint! It's a good idea to have painter's tape, a drop cloth (you can use an old bedsheet for a budget-friendly option), a roller, a paint tray, some paint thinner, and a few different-sized brushes. Put together a kit so you'll be ready to tackle that next painting task with ease.

Even if you're not "handy" or mechanically inclined, there are definitely a few essential tools that you'll need to keep on hand. You don't need to go crazy and get every bizarre tool out there, but having these basic tools in your garage, you'll be in a much better place to tackle most home issues with ease.