Transforming a Rental Garage into the Ultimate DIY workshop!

I believe having a clean and organised workspace is essential—no matter what you do. Unfortunately, that was far from the case in my garage. Poor lighting, no storage, and a lack of organisation made everything harder, whether it was filming content for myself or the brands I work with, or even working on my cars—especially my Skyline for Project Precision. It was time for a change.

Starting with a Blank Canvas 

Like building a race car, the best place to start is with a blank canvas. For me, that meant completely emptying the garage. Once everything was out, I got the green light from the real estate agent to repair damages, repaint, and install proper lighting.

Create your dance floor!

Just like a bad set of wheels can ruin the look of a great car, a dirty or poorly chosen floor can make even the best garage feel grungy and unappealing. Flooring sets the tone for the space, so it's worth choosing wisely. 

Store your s*** in an organised manner

Shelving and storage are absolutely essential! With the right system, you can practically create storage space out of thin air. Even in a small garage, proper shelving helps you maximize every inch, keeping your tools, parts, and gear organised and within easy reach.

An organised workspace doesn’t just look better—it feels better. It makes projects smoother to tackle because you always know where everything is. Plus, it transforms the space into a place you actually want to be, making those big projects more enjoyable and less stressful.

For my garage, I went with the RACK-IT Shelving System, which you can find at Bunnings Warehouse. In my opinion, it’s the best shelving system out there (and no, I’m not sponsored). To complement it, I used 52L and 80L EZY  Storage Solutions tubs and TACTIX collapsible crates for larger car parts.

 Brigher than the sun!

No one likes working in the dark, and no one liked how dim Season 8, Episode 3 of Game of Thrones was—so don’t let your workspace or content suffer the same fate! Lighting is crucial for any garage, whether you’re filming or working on projects, so I decided to go all out. 

To fix my dim garage, I bought hexagonal (honeycomb-style) LED tube lights from Wheely Cool Stuff. These lights were super easy to assemble and far brighter than I expected. To keep the garage evenly lit, I used the borders that usually surround the honeycomb pattern and placed them above the workbench for consistent lighting across the space.

For Stage 2 of the lighting upgrade, I installed two ARLEC 87cm linkable bar lights above my toolboxes. These provided overhead lighting and side-profile illumination, perfect for filming and making the workspace more functional. 

The best part? All the lights are rental-friendly and require no hardwiring—they simply plug into a power outlet. For maximum convenience, I connected them all to a single power point, allowing me to light up the entire garage with just the flick of a switch. It’s a game-changer for both work and content creation!

Make her pretty

Decorating a garage is all about personal preference. Some people are swayed by aesthetics or what they think others might expect, but the most important thing is to make the space reflect you. 

For my garage, I decided to showcase a collection of road signs I’ve picked up over the years (legally, of course!) and some flags gifted to me by the brands I work with. I also added a few random "nick-nacks".

The bottom of the right-side wall still feels a bit blank, so I’m toying with the idea of adding a quote to give it some character—or maybe hanging another road sign or two. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space that feels like home, inspires creativity, and makes you want to spend time in it.

DO NOT NEGLECT THIS!

Safety. So many of us petrolheads overlook it—whether it’s skipping proper PPE or failing to prepare our workspaces. But let me tell you, looking after the senses and the body God gave you is non-negotiable. And in case of an emergency, having the right items on hand can make all the difference.

In my garage, I installed a 1kg fire extinguisher near the main entrance, clearly signposted for quick access. I also hung a fire blanket by the window near the garage door, ready for emergencies. To top it off, I invested in a Handyman’s first aid kit, packed with essentials and mounted above the toolboxes where it’s easy to see and reach. 

Here’s the kicker: all of this cost me just shy of $100—less than most tools, car parts, or upgrades you’ve probably bought. So, spend the money and be prepared. It’s a small investment to protect yourself and your space, ensuring you’re ready for anything.

Work smarter, not harder

In the world of DIY and car builds, efficiency is everything. There’s a ton of equipment and accessories designed to make jobs quicker and easier—so capitalize on them! While the list of handy tools is nearly endless, I’ll highlight a few standouts that have made a big difference for me (some are obvious but underrated). 

First up, a retractable extension lead. I only discovered these recently on a video shoot, and they’re a game changer. No more wrestling with winding up a generic extension cord—it’s quick, tidy, and hassle-free. Along the same lines, a retractable air hose reel is a must-have. It serves the same purpose: keeping things neat and saving time. I’ve plumbed mine directly into my air compressor, which is mounted under the bench, with the reel positioned near the garage door. This setup makes it easy to work outside or maneuver the hose anywhere in the garage. 

Speaking of air hoses, let me emphasize the importance of an air compressor. This is a non-negotiable for almost any car-related job or workshop project. It’s one of those tools that, once you have it, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it. 

Lastly, don’t forget a hydraulic press and bench vise. Sometimes, a hammer or a pair of vice grips just won’t cut it. For tougher, more specialized tasks, these tools are indispensable. They’re strong, reliable, and will save you time and frustration on countless projects. 

Investing in these tools not only makes jobs easier but also ensures you can tackle tasks efficiently and professionally, leaving more time for what you love—building, creating, and enjoying the process.

Don't worry about the price tag

This entire garage transformation adventure cost me over $5,000—but don’t let that scare you off. (This figure doesn’t include things I already had, like toolboxes, jack stands, air compressor, etc.) As you can see, the garage has been completely transformed—not just in appearance, but in its practicality and functionality.

Yes, I spent more than I initially planned, but I believe it was worth every dollar. The difference it’s made in how I work and create is night and day.

Here is an approximate breakdown:

NOTE: The listed costs are reflect the actual total of the retail prices of these items. However, thanks to sponsorships and discounts, my out-of-pocket expenses were significantly lower.

The moment you've been waiting for!

The final result speaks for itself—I’m genuinely satisfied with how it turned out. While I did spend more than I initially anticipated, I know it’s an investment that will pay dividends in the long run. The improved workspace will save me time on both projects and content creation, making every task more efficient and enjoyable.

Since completing the makeover, I’ve already filmed plenty of content and tackled some major car projects (which you’ll see in the near future). Everything is now so much easier to access, see, and film.  

So, if you’re thinking about revamping your garage, don’t hold back. Invest in your workspace, and you’ll make your life easier, your projects smoother, and your time spent in the garage far more enjoyable. Get stuck in—you won’t regret it!

Got questions about the process or recommendations for other must-have tools? Let’s keep the conversation going! Drop a comment or DM me on Instagram!