An outdoor shed is more than just a storage space—it’s a sanctuary for your tools, supplies, and seasonal items. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a DIY hobbyist, or simply someone looking to declutter, a well-organized shed can help you maintain a seamless outdoor lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll explore what to store in your shed, tips for organizing it, and what to avoid keeping there, along with premium shed options from Walpole Outdoors.
What Should You Keep in Your Outdoor Shed?
Your shed is the perfect place to store essential items for outdoor living. Here are the essential categories to consider:
Gardening Tools and Equipment
Store rakes, shovels, hoes, pruning shears, and wheelbarrows for easy access during gardening projects. Larger equipment like lawnmowers, trimmers, and seeders can also fit comfortably in a spacious shed. The Vineyard Overhang shed boasts a wall height of 7’4” on both the front and back walls and includes a ramp with a wide door to accommodate larger outdoor equipment. The practicality of this structure is enhanced by the fact that it looks like a beautiful Martha’s Vineyard cottage, bringing elegance to your backyard space.
Outdoor Furniture and Covers
Protect your outdoor furniture cushions during off-seasons by storing them flat on shelves or in sealed containers. Winter covers and umbrellas can also be safely tucked away to prolong their lifespan.
Bird and Animal Feeding Supplies
Keep bird feeders, seeds, and small bags of animal feed organized in your shed for quick access. This creates a dedicated space to support backyard wildlife.
Soil, Mulch, and Fertilizers
Seal gardening soil, mulch, and fertilizers in sturdy containers to avoid spills and keep them fresh. Label each container clearly for efficient use. The Stoney Brook Saltbox is an excellent option for housing your gardening material while enhancing the aesthetic of your yard. The New England saltbox-style roof maximizes floor space, making it ideal for storing bulky gardening equipment. The doors and windows of the Stoney Brook Salbox can be customized to fit your needs, and its design blends seamlessly into the landscape.
DIY and Maintenance Supplies
Reserve space for utility knives, gloves, trash bags, extension cords, and other tools to streamline home maintenance tasks. Pegboards or wall hooks are great for keeping these items visible and organized.
5 Tips for Organizing Your Shed
A well-organized shed ensures you can find everything you need quickly and efficiently. Follow these tips for an orderly and functional space:
1. Install Shelving for Vertical Storage
Add sturdy shelves to maximize wall space. This keeps items off the floor and within easy reach while preventing clutter. The Cape Codder is reminiscent of an old Cape fishing shanty and offers plenty of vertical space for your shelves. This steep-pitch building is designed to maximize space while keeping a traditional Cape Cod style. There is plenty of room with an interior wall height of 7’4” on both the front and back walls, a steep 10/12 roof pitch, and the included 4’ storage loft. The exclusive TIMBERPANEL® Frame System uses beautiful and durable fir beams that allow for flexibility in door and window layout. The Cape Codder comes with an extensive library of options.
2. Use Labeled and Clear Bins for Storage
Small items like gloves, seed packets, or repair kits can easily get lost in a busy shed. Group similar items into labeled bins to maintain order and save time when searching for specific items. Clear, stackable bins make it easier to see the contents at a glance, preventing them from being scattered or damaged. For added convenience, stackable bins maximize your shed’s storage capacity while keeping everything neatly contained. This method ensures that even the smallest items have a designated home in your shed.
3. Add Hooks or a Pegboard for Tools
Hooks and pegboards are excellent solutions for organizing frequently used tools, such as pruning shears, spades, and trowels. By hanging these items, you keep them visible and within arm’s reach, reducing the time spent searching for them during projects. Also, arranging tools by size or function on the pegboard creates a visually pleasing and highly efficient workspace.
4. Create a Seasonal Rotation System
Organizing your shed by season ensures that the items you need most are always easy to access. Store out-of-season, such as snow shovels or beach chairs, toward the back of the shed, while keeping current essentials front and center. This system saves time and helps you maintain a clutter-free and efficient storage space throughout the year.
What You Should Not Store in Your Outdoor Shed
While sheds are ideal for housing tools and outdoor equipment, some items are better kept in climate-controlled or secure spaces. Delicate items can be damaged by temperature fluctuations or humidity. Additionally, storing food or chemicals in a shed can attract pests or pose safety risks, making it crucial to evaluate what belongs in your shed and what should be stored indoors.
Electronics and Appliances
Moisture and temperature fluctuations can damage electronics, so storing them indoors or in climate-controlled spaces is best.
Delicate Fabrics and Clothing
Avoid keeping clothing, linens, or delicate fabrics in your shed as they may attract pests or succumb to damp conditions.
Perishables and Food
Storing food in your shed invites rodents and insects. Keep pet food, canned goods, and other perishables indoors.
Paint and Chemicals
Extreme temperatures can cause paint to separate or chemicals to degrade. For safety, store these items in a temperature-controlled area.
Valuables or Sentimental Items
Avoid placing irreplaceable or valuable items in your shed, as they may not be adequately protected from theft or damage.
Explore Outdoor Sheds from Walpole Outdoors
By following these storage and organization tips, you can transform your shed into a functional and stylish part of your property. Whether you’re storing gardening tools, seasonal decor, or outdoor furniture, a Walpole Outdoors shed ensures that your items are secure and your space remains clutter-free. If you’re looking for a premium shed that combines elegance and functionality, Walpole Outdoors offers an exceptional selection of small buildings and sheds designed to elevate your outdoor space.
You can also build your own multi-use space from various custom small buildings. Walpole Outdoors offers a wide range of customizable Pine Harbor products and the option to design something completely unique. Whether you need a modest storage shed, an expansive pool cabana, or a bespoke workspace, we’ll customize your building to fit your specific needs and lifestyle.
Schedule a complimentary design consultation with Walpole Outdoors today to find the perfect solution for your storage needs!