It’s Time To Get Organized

Storage Sheds

Colonial Dutch style storage shed in backyard setting

So you’ve purchased a storage shed? That’s an excellent first step in getting organized. But without a plan to keep order, many homeowners discover that their new shed soon becomes a way to hide clutter. Getting into the shed and finding stuff becomes a nightmare.

Don’t let this happen to you! You’ve invested in a lovely shed, and you’re going to put it to good use. So here are a few tips to help you develop an organized storage space that’s a delight and not an irritation.

Six Ways to Organize Your Storage Space

Don’t overcrowd the floor space. Yes, you want to store things in the shed. But when spring arrives, you don’t want to hop over the snowblower to get your bike. Give yourself enough space to get to the back of the shed without stumbling.
Buy or build some freestanding shelves. Shelves are a great way to organize paint cans or lawn and garden supplies. If you’re afraid your shelves will get messy, use labeled storage totes to keep things tidy. Consider putting these items in storage totes on your shelves:
- Outdoor equipment – toys, biking helmets, knee and elbow pads, baseballs and gloves, camping gear, tire pumps
- Car supplies – engine oil, windshield washer fluid, cleaning supplies
- Seasonal décor
- Extension cords
- Gardening supplies – small trowels, hose sprayers
- Straps and bungee cords
- Caulk, caulk guns, and glue
Make good use of your wall space. Magnetic toolbars and pegboards keep tools in the proper place. Label the space where each item belongs. That way all the family members can see where items go, and you can easily see if a tool is missing. You also could get hooks at your local hardware store to
hang larger garden tools directly on the wall. Don’t forget to count the shed door as wall space. Install toolbars or pegboard on the inside of the shed door for small items like trowels, shears, or dandelion diggers.
Use hanging jar organizers under cabinets or shelves.Get some clear plastic jars with screw-on lids. Fasten the lids underneath the cabinet, and screw the jars onto the lids. This is a great way to store screws, nuts and bolts, wire connectors, etc.
Use the overhead space.Hang extension cords or garden hoses from the shed rafters using hooks.
Clean up your workbench drawers. Purchase some simple drawer organizers to store items like pens and pencils, screwdrivers, scissors, tape measures, earplugs, and gardening gloves.