Having an organized shed can make a world of difference when it comes to maximizing your storage space. A cluttered, disorganized shed is not only an eyesore, but can lead to wasted time searching for tools and other items. Implementing some simple organizational systems can help transform your shed into a functional workspace. Here are 20 great ideas to help you organize your shed for optimal storage and efficiency.
Use Shelving Units and Wall Racks
Installing shelving units is one of the best ways to maximize vertical storage space in your shed. Sturdy, industrial-style metal shelving units come in a variety of configurations and can hold a ton of stuff. Make sure to anchor them securely to studs in the wall. You can also mount wall racks, pegboards, and slatwall panels to hang tools and gardening implements within easy reach. Having everything visible makes it so much easier to stay organized.
Add Drawers for Small Items
Drawer storage units are perfect for organizing all those small items like nails, screws, nuts and bolts, seeds, gloves, and other accessories. Mount shallow drawers with dividers to corral all your hardware and prevent small items from getting lost at the back of cabinets or shelves. Clear plastic drawers are great for seeing contents at a glance. Labeling each drawer helps keep things tidy.
Use Storage Totes and Bins
Plastic storage totes are ideal for grouping like items together in your shed. Use a set of stacking bins to organize gardening supplies like fertilizers, soils, and mulch. Clear bins allow you to see contents easily. Labeled bins keep seasonal items organized. Nesting colorful bins are great for sports gear and kids’ toys. Look for durable bins with secure lids to keep out moisture and pests.
Add a Workbench and Pegboard
Having a dedicated workbench in your shed provides a handy spot for small repair jobs and DIY projects. Make sure it’s at a comfortable height for the main user. A pegboard mounted on the wall above the workbench provides handy storage for frequently used tools within arm’s reach. Outline tool shapes with painter’s tape for a quick visual inventory.
Use Wall-Mounted Storage Rails
Open wall space is prime real estate for extra storage. Wall-mounted storage rails with adjustable hooks allow you to hang ladders, hoses, cables, bikes, and other larger items. Look for solid steel rails that can handle heavy loads. Position them at least 18 inches below the ceiling to utilize vertical space. Make sure mounted items don’t stick out where they pose a safety hazard.
Install Wall Cabinets for Hidden Storage
Take advantage of wall space by installing sturdy wall cabinets with doors. These are great for corralling odds and ends you don’t use often but still need handy. Wall cabinets keep items protected from dust and moisture. Just make sure they don’t block windows or ventilation. Add labels on cabinet doors reminding you what’s inside.
Add a Magnetic Knife Strip
A magnetic knife strip provides safe, visible storage for knives, gardening shears, pruners, and other metal tools. Position it safely out of reach of children. The magnetic strip allows for quick grab-and-go access to essential tools. You can easily see if any items are missing at a glance.
Use Pegboard for Tool Storage
Pegboard panels mounted on shed walls provide a versatile storage solution for hanging tools, extension cords, hoses, and more. You can easily move pegs around to reconfigure storage as needed. Painting a silhouette of each tool makes it easy to return items to their designated spots. Pegboard tool storage allows you to maximize wall space from floor to ceiling.
Build a Hose Hanger
Rolling up garden hoses and coiling extension cords is a pain. Give them a permanent home using a wall-mounted hose hanger and retractable extension cord reels. Install them near the shed exit you most often use. This keeps everything neat while making it easy to grab what you need on your way out.
Add Sturdy Shelves
Outfit your shed with heavy-duty shelving to handle the weight of hefty items like paint cans, paver bricks, and bags of soil and mulch. Steel shelves with reinforced brackets can hold up to 1000 lbs per shelf. Position the shelves at various heights to accommodate items of different sizes. Avoid overloading shelves to prevent sagging.
Make Use of Wall Space
Don’t forget to utilize vacant wall space for extra storage. Mounting a row of large hooks allows you to hang wheelbarrows, rakes, and shovels up and out of the way. You can also mount narrow shelving units or wall-mounted tool caddies to hold small hand tools. Taking advantage of vertical wall space keeps valuable floor space clear.
Add Lockers for Sporting Goods
Installing a set of lockers creates organized storage for sporting goods like balls, shoes, pads, bats, rackets, and other gear. Lockers keep equipment separate from yard tools and cleaning supplies. The compartments prevent jumbled piles. Lockable metal lockers also provide secure storage for valuables. Add molded plastic bins inside lockers to further organize gear.
Use Tension Rods for Added Storage
Tension rods are an inexpensive way to create more storage space in your shed. You can hang storage baskets from tension rods to hold spray bottles, gloves, and other small items. Sliding tension rods across a corner allows you to hang jackets, hats, and towels. Position them out of high-traffic areas.
Mount Storage Hammocks
Hanging storage hammocks are a clever way to take advantage of overhead space in a shed. Use them to hold lightweight seasonal items like tarps and drop cloths. Canvas storage hammocks allow air circulation to prevent mildew. Install sturdy hooks or eye bolts securely into ceiling studs. Load evenly to prevent sagging in the middle.
Add Heavy Duty Shelving
When you need to store extremely heavy items like bags of concrete, paving stones, or lumber, invest in heavy-duty shelving. Industrial steel shelving units with reinforced crossbars can hold thousands of pounds. Bolting them to the shed floor and walls prevents tipping. Allow plenty of space between shelves for easy access to bulky items.
Utilize Wall Track Storage
Wall track storage systems provide flexible options for hanging tools and accessories. The track fastens securely to the wall. Adjustable hooks slide along the track allowing you to reposition items as needed. Wall track storage is great for brooms, ladders, hoses, power cords, and other irregularly shaped items.
Label Everything
The key to staying organized is labeling. Clearly label bins, shelves, baskets, cabinets, and individual storage hooks to show where items belong. Use names, photos, or silhouettes to make it easy to return items to their designated storage spots. Labels prevent tools and supplies from ending up in random places around the shed.
Add Wheels to Large Items
Bulky items like lawnmowers, wheelbarrows, and workbenches take up a lot of floor space. Adding locking casters allows you to roll them out of the way when not in use. This allows you to maneuver them into tight spaces and access other items. Just be sure to use brakes or chocks to prevent rolling. Leave adequate clearance so they don’t block doors.
Designate Activity Zones
If your shed is large, create designated storage zones for different activities. Position lawn and garden tools near the door you exit through to reach the yard. Locate workshop and painting supplies near your workbench. Place pool floaties and patio furniture closest to the door leading to your deck or patio.
Keep Pathways Clear
Don’t block walking paths and doorway entrances with storage items. Maintaining clear pathways allows you to move safely around your shed. Try to allow at least 30 inches width for comfortable mobility. Frequently used items should be easily accessible, not buried behind other stuff.
Add Portable Multilevel Shelves
Free-standing shelving units on casters provide flexible extra storage for sheds with limited wall space. They can roll out of the way when not needed. Look for heavy-duty steel shelves that can be configured with additional add-on shelves. Use them to organize outdoor cushions, pool supplies, or potting soil bags.
Install Bins and Baskets
Small storage bins and baskets are useful for organizing hardware, tools, craft supplies, and other odds and ends on shelves. Look for baskets in different sizes that can nest together vertically to save space. Sturdy plastic bins help corral smaller items. Anything loose will just contribute to clutter.
Corral Extension Cords
Dangling extension cords can easily turn into a tangled mess. Install hooks or clamps to loosely bundle cords and hang them neatly along one wall. Winding cords too tight can damage the wiring over time. Label each coiled cord with tape for easy identification. This keeps cords safely up off the floor and easily accessible.
Maintain Regularly
Organization is an ongoing process. Set aside time periodically to declutter your shed and return items to their proper storage spots. Get rid of trash and anything you no longer need. Rearrange items if your needs have changed. Regular maintenance prevents your shed from regressing into a disorganized mess over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shed Organization
How often should I declutter and organize my shed?
Aim to fully declutter and reorganize your shed at least twice a year – once in spring and once in fall. Quick tidy-ups every month or so will also help maintain order.
What are some good storage solutions for small spaces?
Wall-mounted shelves, cabinets, and racks maximize storage in small sheds. Nesting bins and baskets also conserve space. Go vertical whenever possible.
How can I add storage without taking up floor space?
Utilize walls, doors, and ceilings for extra storage. Hang tools from rails and hooks. Mount wall cabinets up high. Use overhead storage hammocks. Go vertical!
What are smart ways to organize gardening tools?
Use five-gallon buckets to corral shovels, rakes, hoes, and spades. Hang long-handled tools from wall hooks or rails. Use a plastic tool caddy for small hand tools. Keep gloves in a basket on a shelf.
How do I organize sports equipment and outdoor game gear?
Use clear plastic bins for different types of balls, rackets, mitts, etc. Store gear in mesh bags inside lockers or bins. Hang tennis rackets from sturdy wall hooks. Add labels for quick identification.
What are good rules of thumb when installing shelving?
Leave at least 18 inches between top shelf and ceiling for easy access. Position bottom shelf high enough to discourage using as temporary “storage”. Allow space between shelves for bulkier items.
How can I maximize wall space?
Utilize as much open wall area as possible with mounted shelving, cabinets, hooks, rails, and pegboards. Just make sure stored items don’t stick out and become safety hazards.
What types of shelves work best for heavy items?
Opt for solid steel shelving units with reinforced crossbars and extra bracket supports. Particle board shelving will sag and collapse. Bolting tall shelving units to walls prevents tipping. Don’t overload!
Conclusion
A properly organized shed makes your outdoor storage space much more usable and enjoyable. By taking the time to add shelving units, storage containers, wall racks, and other organizational elements, you can transform a cluttered mess into a functional workspace. Labels, designated zones, and regular maintenance help maintain order over the long term. Follow these shed organization tips and ideas to maximize your storage potential.