How to Organize a Shed
How to Organize A Shed
A backyard shed is a great storage solution for the dedicated gardener or lawn enthusiast. But over time it can collect junk that doesn’t belong which makes using garden tools a pain.
Follow these steps to learn how to organize your shed and create easy access to all of your gardening tools.
What to Keep in Your Shed
Wondering what actually belongs in your shed? Before you organize your storage shed, make sure you’re using it correctly. It’s a great place for any of your gardening or lawn care supplies, as long as the products are safe in changing temperatures and can withstand a little moisture. This includes:
- Lawnmower and small amounts of gasoline
- Weedwhacker
- Gardening tools
- Hose
- Workbench
- Lawncare chemicals
- Wheelbarrow
If you’re lacking other storage and have enough space in your shed, it can also be a safe place for bikes or outdoor toys, as long as they are separated from any chemicals or fertilizers.
What Not to Keep in Your Shed
Your garden shed is probably not insulated and will be affected by changes in humidity and temperature. Keep items that could be damaged by moisture, temperature or could attract bugs out of your shed. This includes:
- Clothing
- Pet food
- Paint
- Charcoal
If you’re storing any of these items outside, get rid of them when you clean out your shed.
“Sheds can sometimes be receptacles for old bikes and recreation equipment. As clutter piles up, those items can get buried and outgrown quickly. To prevent this problem, 'purpose' the space in each of your storage and outbuilding spaces. Decide where recreation equipment will live and store all of it together. Whether in the garage or shed, at least all like items will live together.”
Vicki Norris | President, Restoring Order
Make sure to declutter your home or shed before organizing it.
3 Steps to Organize Your Shed
Step 1: Clean Out Your Shed
The first step to having an organized storage shed is to clean it out. Pull out everything and separate it into three piles: keep, relocate and throw away. In the throw away pile, set aside anything that can be recycled or donated to Goodwill.
Pro Tip: Only relocate items if they belong somewhere specific. If you don’t know where the item should live, consider getting rid of it altogether.
After you’ve decluttered your shed, sweep it out with a broom, wipe down shelves and remove as much dirt as possible. It doesn’t need to sparkle, but starting with a clean, empty room will help you feel great about the final product.
Step 2: Arrange Your Tools by Use
Now that you have set aside everything you want to keep, begin arranging items by use. This is an important part of decluttering a tool shed because grouping like items together will help you store them logically and will make them easier to find. Examples of groups are:
- Hand tools
- Power tools
- Gardening accessories
- Lawncare materials
- Long-handled items
There is no wrong way to organize your shed. Whatever makes sense to you is correct. Once this is complete, move on to step three.
Step 3: Add Storage Solutions
Adding storage is the best way to improve your shed organization. Especially if you have a small shed, keeping tools and other materials off the floor of your shed will make the building more usable. If each item in your shed has a designated place, you’ll be more likely to keep it organized even if you use it every day.
“Acquire or build shelving or cabinets to properly store and work with your supplies by category within the space. Reload thoughtfully, containerizing unruly or small items as needed. Beautify as you go.”
Vicki Norris | President, Restoring Order
Looking at the groups of tools and other materials you are storing in your shed, consider these options as the most effective ways to store them:
Small Shed Storage Ideas for Tools and Materials
Long-handled tools |
|
Power tools |
|
Hand tools and gardening tools |
|
Lawnmower |
|
Lawn and Garden Chemicals |
|
Garden hose |
|
Add enough DIY storage to make it easy to keep your shed organized. Then, place all of your tools in their new homes.
To prevent your shed from becoming cluttered in the future, try not to add any items that don’t fit into your new organization system. If you do purchase a new tool, consider getting rid of an old one, or one you haven’t used yet that season, when you add it to the collection.
Finished Organizing Your Shed? Complete These Backyard Projects
Once you’ve decluttered your shed with these tips, make the rest of your yard look just as good by completing one of these other outdoor projects:
