When it comes to maintaining an orderly and efficient shed, a little planning goes a long way. Whether your shed is bursting with gardening tools, outdoor gear, or DIY materials, organizing this often-overlooked space can make a world of difference.
In this article, I’ll share nine shed organization tips that will help you declutter, maximize storage, and create a space where everything has its place. Say goodbye to the chaos and hello to a neat, functional shed that makes your outdoor projects a breeze.
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How Do I Get More Storage in My Shed?
Shed Wall and Door Storage Ideas
Shed Ceiling and Attic Storage Ideas
Secure and Weatherproof Storage Solutions
4 Shed Organization Tips
Taming the shed beast can be a rewarding task. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1] Utilize Wall Space:
Floating Shelves… Add shelves for easy-to-reach storage of planters, cleaning supplies, or smaller tools.
Pegboard or Slat Wall… Great for hanging a variety of tools, keeping them organized and visible.
Utility Hooks… Perfect for hanging rakes, shovels, or other long-handled items, freeing up floor space.
2] Maximize Vertical Space:
Freestanding Metal Shelving… Durable and versatile for storing heavier items.
Stackable bins or crates… Utilize vertical space for loose items or seasonal decorations.
Plastic Bins… Perfect for storing smaller items like gardening gloves or fasteners, labeled for easy identification.
Tool Organizers for Drawers… Keep screwdrivers, wrenches, and other tools sorted and accessible.
Mason Jars… Upcycle these for storing nails, screws, or craft supplies.
3] Utilize Unexpected Spaces:
Magnetic Strips… Attach these to the wall for screwdrivers or other metal tools.
Back of the Door… Hang hooks, baskets, or small organizers for frequently used items.
Upcycled Wood Pallets… Repurpose them into a garden tool holder with hooks or cubbies.
4] General Tips:
– Declutter Before You Organize: Sort through your belongings and discard anything broken, unused, or expired.
– Categorize as You Go: Group similar items together for easier retrieval.
– Label Everything: Clearly label shelves, bins, and containers for efficient use of space.
– Consider Lighting: Improve visibility within the shed, especially if it has limited natural light.
By following these tips and tailoring them to your specific needs, you can transform your shed from a cluttered mess to an organized haven for all your outdoor gear.
How Do I Get More Storage in My Shed?
There are two main approaches to gaining more storage in your shed: maximizing the space you have and potentially increasing the physical size of the shed itself (depending on your resources and comfort level).
Maximizing Existing Space:
Utilize Walls and Doors… This is a prime strategy. Install floating shelves, pegboards, slat walls, or utility hooks to get items off the floor and utilize vertical space. Hang organizers on the back of the shed door for frequently used tools or gardening supplies.
Vertical Shelving… Freestanding metal shelving is a great option for heavier items. Consider adjustable shelving to adapt to different storage needs. Stackable bins or crates can maximize vertical space for seasonal items or loose parts.
Compartmentalization… Use plastic bins with labels for smaller items, drawer organizers for tools, or repurpose mason jars for hardware like nails or screws. This keeps things sorted and easy to find.
Think Upwards… If your shed has a tall ceiling, explore a loft shelf system along the trusses. This is a great spot for storing lesser-used items. You can even hang ladders horizontally with hooks from the underside of the loft.
Potentially Increasing Shed Size:
Shed Extension Kits… Some shed manufacturers offer extension kits that can add a few extra feet of storage space to your existing shed. This can be a good option if your shed is structurally sound, and you only need a moderate increase in space.
Consider a Second Shed… If you have the space and budget, a strategically placed second shed can be a good solution. This allows you to categorize your storage needs and keep things separate (garden tools vs. bicycles for example).
Remember, Before implementing any storage solutions, it’s important to declutter your shed. Get rid of anything broken, unused, or expired. This will free up a surprising amount of space. By combining these strategies, you can significantly increase the storage capacity of your shed and keep your outdoor essentials organized and accessible.
Shed Wall and Door Storage Ideas
Utilize Walls:
Floating shelves… Add floating shelves for easy-to-reach storage of planters, cleaning supplies, or smaller tools.
Pegboard or Slat Wall… Great for hanging a variety of tools, keeping them organized and visible.
Utility Hooks… Perfect for hanging rakes, shovels, or other long-handled items, freeing up floor space.
Utilize Doors:
Hanging Organizers… Hang organizers with pockets or compartments over the back of the door for frequently used items like gardening gloves, seeds, or small tools.
Shoe Pockets… Repurpose over-the-door shoe organizers for storing smaller gardening tools or hardware.
Magnetic Strips… Attach magnetic strips to the back of the door for screwdrivers or other metal tools.
By utilizing your walls and doors for storage, you can free up valuable floor space in your shed.
Shed Ceiling and Attic Storage Ideas
Here are some shed ceiling and attic storage ideas to maximize the space in your shed:
Shed Ceiling Storage:
Loft Shelf System… If your shed has a tall ceiling, explore installing a loft shelf system along the trusses. This is a great spot for storing lesser-used items like holiday decorations or out-of-season tools.
Hanging Storage Unit… Another option is to install a hanging storage unit from the ceiling. This is a great solution for bulky items that you don’t need to access frequently, like pool floats or patio furniture cushions.
Overhead Hooks… Screw heavy-duty hooks into the ceiling joists for hanging bicycles, kayaks, or other large items. Make sure the weight capacity of the hooks and joists is sufficient for the items you plan to store.
Important Considerations for Shed Ceiling Storage:
Weight Capacity… Ensure the shed’s ceiling joists and overall structure can handle the weight of the items you plan to store overhead.
Accessibility… Consider how you will access these stored items. A sturdy step stool or a small ladder might be necessary.
Attic Storage in Sheds:
Some sheds, particularly those with gable roofs, may have a usable attic space.
Here are some ideas for maximizing this storage area:
Flooring… If there’s no existing flooring, consider adding plywood sheets between the rafters to create a stable platform for storage. This provides more usable space and prevents you from accidentally stepping through the ceiling below.
Shelving… Build shelves around gable windows or between the rafters for organized storage. Since attics often have angled walls, custom shelves can be a good fit to utilize the space efficiently.
Bins and Crates… Utilize plastic storage bins or stackable crates to store loose items or seasonal decorations. These are preferable to cardboard boxes, which can attract rodents and become damaged over time.
General Tips:
Declutter Before You Organize… Regardless of your storage solution, declutter your shed first. Get rid of anything broken, unused, or expired to free up valuable space.
Label Everything… Clearly label shelves, bins, and containers for easy identification and efficient use of space.
By implementing these ideas, you can transform your shed’s ceiling and attic space into valuable storage areas, keeping your shed organized and functional.
Outside of Shed Storage Ideas
While sheds are great for storing a variety of outdoor essentials, there are situations where you might need additional storage solutions outside.
Here are some ideas to maximize your outdoor storage space:
Utilizing Vertical Space:
Deck Boxes… Invest in weatherproof deck boxes to store patio furniture cushions, pool toys, or other seasonal items on your deck or patio.
Vertical Storage Sheds… Consider a smaller vertical storage shed specifically designed to hold firewood or gardening tools. These can be a space-saving option and come in various sizes.
Wall-Mounted Organizers… Install weatherproof wall-mounted organizers outside your house or garage for frequently used gardening tools or cleaning supplies.
Clever Repurposing:
Upcycled Pallets… Repurpose old pallets into a compost bin enclosure or create a vertical garden with climbing plants.
Rain Barrels… Utilize rain barrels to collect rainwater for watering plants, reducing reliance on the hose, and providing a sustainable solution.
Secure and Weatherproof Storage Solutions
Lockable Outdoor Cabinets… For added security, consider lockable outdoor cabinets to store tools, equipment, or pet supplies. Choose weatherproof materials like galvanized steel or treated wood.
Tarps and Waterproof Covers… Protect larger items like lawnmowers or grills with weatherproof tarps or custom-made covers.
Additional Tips:
Consider the Elements… Choose storage solutions that can withstand the elements in your area. opt for weatherproof materials and ensure proper drainage to prevent water accumulation.
Accessibility… Think about how often you will need to access stored items and choose a location that is convenient.
By implementing these ideas, you can create additional storage solutions outside your shed, keeping your yard organized and clutter-free.
Related Reading
6 Shed Shelving Ideas for Beginners
Is it Cheaper to Build or Buy Storage Shed Shelving?
Are Plastic Shelving Units Good for Storage Sheds
Are Plastic Shelving Units Strong Enough for a Shed?
Messy to Organized – Installing Plywood Shelves in Your Shed