Six Steps to Organizing Your Garden Shed

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When you finally decide you need a new or bigger garden shed, it's usually because you've acquired so much stuff through the seasons, that the space is ready to burst at the seams.

When you open the door, inevitably the rake you need is jammed up against the far wall and blocked by a literal obstacle course of pool toys, gas powered tools, fertilizer, and garbage cans. Help!

But before you invest in a bigger barn, try optimizing the space you've got first. And remember, the shed doors should actually be able to open without everything spilling out on top of you!

1) De-clutter. If you haven't used it in a year, pitch it. If it's broken, pitch it. If it's actually GARBAGE, like empty plastic bags, seed trays, scraps of twine, pitch it. Consolidate half filled bags of potting soil, throw out chipped pots and stack the rest.

2) Install hanging hooks...everywhere. Nails will even do in a pinch although pegs or hooks are probably better for the long term. Hooks are excellent and cheap garden shed organizers and allow you to store large or bulky equipment, such as garden hoses and extension cords off the ground and out of your way. Hang other tools according to size or purpose. For example, keep all pruning implements together.

3) Install instant shelves, utility racks, or storage organizers to reclaim floor-space.

4) Use plastic bins or drawer units for storing small garden tools and other implements such as hose nozzles, plant food, and black plastic bags.

5) Label the hooks and/or color-code shelf space and tools themselves so that EVERYONE in the family knows where to return them.

6) Hang a clipboard and pencil for notes, items to purchase and those wonderful ideas of yours!

About the Author

Leanne Tremblay is the successful publisher of Learn About Garden Sheds, an information site all about choosing and maintaining garden sheds, designing your own shed with shed design software and plans, and adding arbors, trellises, and other garden structures to your garden.