De-cluttering Your Storage Shed

If your storage shed is like most sheds it is quickly entropies to its lowest form which is a stuffed closet that looks like a trailer park after a tornado. The only problem is that you need to get inside every once in a while to find that long lost bottle of week killer. If getting your lawn mower in and out of your storage shed feels like losing a game of Jenga then you probably need a shed makeover. Most shed plans do not include plans for storage accessories but with a little creativity and just knowing what is available you can figure out some simple ways to efficiently use the space in your storage shed to get things organized and keep them that way so that every time you go to get that lawn mower it only takes a few seconds to pull it out.

Following are a few great tips to help you organize your storage shed to maximize your storage space and make the space more useable.

The Storage Shed Workbench:
A shed workbench is the perfect way to add another level of storage space to your shed and still leave the floor open for lower tools like a lawnmower or snow blower. If you built your own shed and your shed plans did not have plans for a shed work bench you can find plans on the internet or purchase a bench and install it in the shed. Most storage shed workbenches are built from 2x4 lumber and plywood or O.S.B.

Wall Storage:
Using the walls of your shed is the best way use the space above your shed workbench. There are many different styles of hooks and holders for everything from bicycles to shovels to ladders. If you are putting heavy items on the walls make sure that you screw the holders into the wall studs. Plan out the location of your wall hanging hooks so that the longer items like shovels and rakes do not overlap the shorter tools that you hang from the walls.

Ceiling Storage:
Ceiling storage is done in two ways. First there are storage accessories that hang from the roof on pullys. You load the rack on the floor and then pull on the cords to the pullys to lift the storage rack up close to the ceiling. When you want to get something off the rack you simply lower the rack. Second you can build a permanent shelf overhead just above your head level. These built in upper shelves can either be along the walls of the shed or hang it from the roof rafters in the center of the shed.

Storage Containers:
Using containers to store your smaller items helps to compartmentalize your tools and other things by their use which makes it easy to find them when you need them. Using containers that are clear helps to be able to see what is in the containers without taking them off the shelf. Use a modular container so that when you stack containers they fit nicely with each other and balance well.

Using these tips and ideas will greatly increase the storage capacity and usability of your storage shed. There are many other storage accessories that are built specifically for their respective tools or toys. You can find many of these at your local home store. Look up “shed plans” on the internet to find plans for building your own storage shed accessories to help you de-clutter your storage shed so you can spend more time using the tools and toys in your shed instead of trying to find them.