You don't want items you never use cluttering up your home, so you just add one more thing to your outdoor storage building. Out of sight, out of mind and before you know it, you've got a cluttered and disorganized mess. Not only does this make finding anything you need, like searching for a needle in a haystack, but you can't use the space for anything else either. Maybe you would like to have a workspace for woodworking or potting plants. Garden sheds are great for either of these activities and many more. Even the smallest of areas can prove useful if the space is used efficiently. Let me show you how to regain control of your garden shed.
Take Advantage of Loft Space
Ceilings and lofts are the least utilized spaces in storage buildings. If your structure already has a loft, then you're in great shape and you can use it to store items that you barely use or seasonal belongings such as holiday decorations. If not, no worries. You can always have a loft added to your shed to give you more storage space. If you are searching for the perfect garden shed plan, there are many that offer overhead storage options.
Other appealing options include installing shelving high on the walls, near the ceiling or hanging hooks from the ceiling to store items like hoses, rope, electrical cords, etc. If your shed is large enough, you may consider incorporating a couple of different ideas to make the most of your space.
Walls Offer Maximum Storage While Using Minimum Space
If you aren't utilizing the walls for storage, you are missing out on a huge space-saving opportunity! Walls are ideal because they are versatile and can withstand a generous amount of weight. Mix-and-match several different storage solutions to meet your organizational needs.
â— Floating Shelves - Shelving never goes out of style. They are easily mounted onto the wall, most commonly with brackets. You can customize the height, width, and length of the shelves based on how you intend to use it for storage.
â— Free-standing Shelves - Another type of shelving option is free-standing shelves that sit on the floor versus being mounted to the wall. This type of shelving tends to take up slightly more space, however, it can also hold more weight.
â— Hangers - Hangers are available in a variety of sizes and are ideal options for gardening tools including rakes, shovels, loppers, etc. Smaller hangers are ideal for tools such as hammers, pliers, and even keys to lawn equipment such as the mower.
â— Pegboards - The installation of a pegboard on the wall offers greater versatility when it comes to hangers. Most of the time, pegboards are used for smaller tools and the hangers can be popped in and popped out with a single motion, which means you can easily adjust and organize your tools as you see fit.
â— Tray Organizer - Some items such as nails, screws, nuts, and bolts are not large enough to hang. Mounting a tray organizer is a great way to neatly store small items on the wall and keep tools in easy reach at the same time.
â— Magnet Strips - These are easily installed on any wall, are amazingly strong, and a great way to neatly store miscellaneous tools that otherwise don't have a home.
Keep Chemicals Safely Out of Reach of Kids and Pets
Garden sheds make a great option for storing chemicals such as pesticides, weed killers, bleach, etc. that you do not want in your house. This is completely understandable. However, they do not need to be littering the floor. Precautions need to be taken to make sure that these chemicals are out of the reach of children and pets. The best solutions are to either store chemicals up high, away from both children and pets or in a locked cabinet with the keys safely hidden. Both of these ideas will save you valuable floor space and ensure the safety of your family.
A Space Saving Work Bench that Doubles as a Storage Solution
If you want a workbench but are worried about taking up a large amount of space that can be used for storage, you will be pleased to know that you can have both. Easily install a workbench flush against the wall so that it takes up a minimal amount of space. You can then use the space above and below for additional storage.
Miscellaneous Storage Options
It would be nice if everything fit conveniently onto shelves, on the ceiling, in drawers or on the wall. Unfortunately, this isn't the case and you are bound to be left with at least a few items that just don't fit anywhere. Plastic totes, organizers, and even baskets can help you find a home for even the most awkward items.
Make the Most of the Space in Your Garden Storage Shed
The uses of your storage building are as unlimited as the styles you can choose from. Check shedplans.org to look at free and premium designs. Using these creative space-saving tips will help you make the most out of your garden storage shed for years to come!