3 Steps to an Organised Shed

Have you ever wanted to find something in your shed—but been so overwhelmed by the mess that you didn’t know where to start? Ever bought an object because you didn’t realise you already had one in your shed? Or ever gotten in an argument with a family member over the state of your shed? If so, you’re not alone! Sheds can be an excellent storage solution, keeping things out of your living space, but still conveniently accessible. But a disorganised shed can lead to stress, fighting, and even financial waste! Follow these tips to get your shed back in shape.

Step 1: Empty the shed

The first step to getting your shed organised is to get everything out of it! And we mean everything – tools, sporting equipment, and that leaf blower you haven’t used since 1993. Lay it all out in the yard. Once everything is out, use the time to clean your shed: sweep the floor, get rid of the cobwebs in the corners, and maybe even paint the walls!

Step 2: Moment of truth

Go through each item and ask yourself the following:

• Does it work? If not, is it worth fixing or having fixed? A bicycle that will cost you $20 or an hour of your time to fix is probably worth it. A dilapidated baby stroller probably isn’t—especially if your children are now in secondary school!

• Do I have more than one of this object? Do I need duplicates? Two rakes…okay. Two window washers…probably not!

• Do I use it? Look at all those things you thought “could come in handy one day.” Have they?

Sort the contents of your shed into three piles: keep, trash, and donate (or sell). Everything that you plan to donate, sell, or throw away should not come back into the shed!

Step 3: Organise

You will probably find that your shed is a lot roomier with all the junk gone. Still, you’ll need to use the space that you have wisely. Think beyond the floor! When you’re moving the “keep” pile back into your shed, remember that floor space is at a premium! Use this space for large items such as power washers or motorcycles—not for piles of tools or sports equipment. Look at the walls; can you hang the hose on a hook, or put up some nails or a rack for tools? Consider adjustable metal shelving, which is sturdy and can be set at whatever height you need. Plastic shoe organisers, or see-through plastic boxes in different sizes, can be a great way to manage things like tools, nails, and smaller items. Remember, your shed storage solutions don’t need to be beautiful—just practical!

There are many ways to organise a shed. How do you tackle it?

The Many Advantages of the American Barn

When the Americans settled their own version of the Outback, they came up with a few innovations that are still worthwhile today. American pioneers took the traditional styles of European barns and added their own twist, making them bigger and better. The result is an iconic design for a barn, stable, garage or storage shed which combines maximum interior space and structural stability with an attractive silhouette.

Considering an American barn for your land? There are several advantages:

• Maximum space – The essential footprint of an American barn is to take a standard European barn and buttress it with two lower side-sheds. The result is a single structure that is both tall and wide, yet incredibly stable as the side structures take up some of the weight of the high central roof. That means you have nearly triple the floor space of a regular barn of similar height, while also gaining tremendous versatility in terms of how you can use the interior. It can be one big space or three (or more) divided spaces, each for a different purpose.

• Fully enclosed – One major advantage of American barns is how much fully enclosed interior space they give you. Unlike a carport, the American barn design protects your equipment from the wind, rain and dust in all directions. Since it is fully enclosed, many people use at least part of the barn as a recreation space or workshop. It can be as comfortable as your own house, and even have sliding glass and screen doors installed.

• Multifunctional – Because of the dividable space, people put their American barns to all kinds of different uses. We have seen sections of them used as stables, garages, equipment storage units, work spaces, game rooms, boat sheds, caravan storage areas, or general large storage spaces.

• Options for verandah – Although standard American barns come with both side-sheds fully enclosed, you can easily have one built open-sided to use as an open carport or as a verandah for your family.

• Extra tall ceiling space – Perhaps one of the biggest selling points of American barns is how tall the main space is. With all that ceiling height, you can not only park large vehicles, but also hang things overhead for more storage options.

• Mezzanine available – In case you don't want to hang things up, an American barn can also be built with a mezzanine level in the main space, essentially converting it to a two-story barn with a garage below and workspace or storage space above.

Are you considering an American barn? What do you like about it?

Not All Carports are Designed the Same

If you're considering a carport, you have plenty of options and several decisions to make. The variety of carport designs has come a long way since the first simple designs, and modern carports give you choices both in terms of the roof style and how you place your carport. When deciding between the following options, make sure to consider your lifestyle, storage needs, and how much form or function you want to get out of the structure.

Options for roof style:

• Flat. A flat roof carport design is generally the most economical. A simple flat roof gives your carport a low profile and reduces both the complexity of construction, as well as the cost of materials. When a homeowner needs a taller carport for a mobile home or RV, they often choose a flat roof because the carport is already quite tall without adding a peaked roof above it.

• Gabled. For those who prefer a more traditional house-like carport design, a gabled roof is the way to go. Gabled carports generally follow a prefabricated design, but because of the wide variety of roofing colours and styles, they can be made to match almost any house. The huge advantage of a gabled carport roof is that it blends more naturally with the rest of the home design and doesn't stand out as a carport. Additionally, the sloped roof sheds water more easily.

• Dutch Gable. For those who want their carport to stand out as a decorative structure, the Dutch gable roof is the way to go. This is the probably the most attractive of the basic carport designs and is often used when the carport is a standalone structure away from the house, or when the house itself has a Dutch gabled roof.

Placement options:

• Adjoining the house. This is probably the most basic placement for a carport. Many people prefer to have the carport placed directly next to the house so that they can come and go in inclement weather without having to make a mad dash. While generally the best choice for convenience, it is not always possible, depending on the space and shape of the yard and house.

• Detached. Even though adjoined may seem more convenient, a large number of people prefer a detached carport. That's because detaching the carport allows you to place it anywhere on your lot that suits your needs, without having to worry about how much space is next to the house. This can allow for a shorter driveway and avoid disrupting landscaping around the home, or even function as a partial privacy screen for the home or yard.

As you can see, there are carport designs for every taste. What are your favourite types of carports?

Thinking of Skipping your Holiday this Year? Plan Ahead and Take One at Home

There are no two ways about it – travel is expensive. And it's probably only going to get worse. After all, the cost of flights is going up for everyone and, considering how expensive it is to fly from Australia to . . . well, just about anywhere, that's a bad thing for people trying to go on holiday. Worse yet, the federal government has just proposed a change in the fuel excise that will increase the price of petrol according to the rate of inflation every six months. If you're already struggling, then taking a trip may seem a bit gratuitous.

If you're looking for a reasonably priced alternative to a big holiday, have you ever considered taking a 'staycation'? Relaxing at home is always a good way to use your time off, but maybe you don't really love your yard and can't see yourself enjoying it for any period of time. Not to worry! Here are some tips for how to make your yard into a retreat not just this coming spring and summer, but also after work, on boring weekends, and all the days in between. And by planning now, you can save up for some of the larger things on the list:

Invest in a Carport

You may not equate carports with luxury and relaxation, but trust us – they're truly versatile. With customisable options, like the colour and roof design, carports offer a stylish shelter from the sun, a great place to read or work on a hobby, an obvious spot for a barbecue, and a great opportunity to build the garden patio of your dreams! You don't have to use it for car protection unless you want to. Also, with our sturdy steel structures, you know that the carport you get will be able to withstand the crazy weather we get here. If placed next to your home, it can also shelter you during a rain storm, meaning that you don't have to run inside or cancel your party at the first sign of drops.

Create Some Privacy

If your property currently abuts that of multiple neighbours, which is likely, you may feel it's hard to relax in your yard. However, there are several ways to block noise and views, some of them less costly than others. For instance, planting a few trees or tall bushes in problem areas is a great way to avoid seeing and being seen at a relatively low cost. For an even budget-friendlier option, buy some large ornamental pots and plant thujas or the like around the edges of your patio area. You can also try some careful placement of garden accents such as small trellises, fountains, and statues. If you already have a chain link fence, invest in some privacy slats to insert into the links.

Buy Some Comfortable Lawn Furniture

There's nothing like an uncomfortable chair to keep you from relaxing outside. If you opted for the cheapest furniture on the market for your backyard, consider an upgrade. You don't have to go crazy – but get something that doesn't start to irritate you in less than a minute. Head to the gardening store and experiment a little. Sit for a few minutes. Lay down as well (if applicable). Does the furniture stay comfortable? If you want to save some money and keep the chairs you have, consider buying some comfy cushions for them instead of replacing them outright.

Making the Most of Colder Months with Your Plants

When most people think of gardening, they think about pulling weeds and planting seeds during the spring and waiting to see them sprout in the summer. A lot of gardening does happen during the warmest months, but garden maintenance doesn't stop as soon as the temperatures drop a little bit. Depending on where you are in the country, fall may not bring a lot of dramatic changes to your part of Australia. If you're living somewhere that usually experiences a bit of a harsh winter, you'll need to start preparing your garden for the months ahead. Maybe you maintain a small garden in your home, or maybe you manage a garden that's large enough to need some farm sheds. Either way, if you're managing a garden make sure you follow these tips this fall.

                                          

Don't stop growing

Summer is considered the most bountiful season for gardeners, but the slight drop in temperature doesn't mean that you need to stop growing. If you live in a chilly part of the country, now is the perfect time to plant arugula, collard greens, and spinach. If you're lucky enough to live in a warmer climate, you can branch out and try growing some kale, cauliflower, or broccoli. If you stick with members for the cabbage family, you should see some nice leafy greens before winter. If you like root vegetables like carrots and radishes, now is the perfect time to plant them. If you want to start something you'll see next summer, plant some shallots and garlic. Before you start planning, make sure that you…

Clear your yard

The first rule of gardening is to plant in a clean field. Before you start planting your fall vegetables, make sure that you do a thorough job of cleaning out any detritus left over from your summer plantings. Some people leave yard waste strewn across their garden because they think it'll provide extra nutrients for plants, but it'll just serve as a virtual squatter's house for insects and other pests. Add yard waste to a compost pile so that you can get the actual nutrients you need for your plants.

Add yard waste to your compost pile

Composters can add to their piles throughout the year, but fall brings a wealth of yard waste that can help give your plants they nutrients they need. Save your final grass clippings and get as many fallen leaves as you can for green waste. Smaller twigs, tree trimmings, and branches from pruning could be run through a wood chipper to help them decompose at a faster rate. This will be your last time to get some primo yard waste before the winter comes, so be sure to take advantage of it.

Plant bulbs for next spring

When you're working on protecting your garden from harsh winter weather, the last thing on your mind is next spring. Now is the perfect time to plant certain flower species to ensure that you have a colourful garden when spring comes. Bulb plants like tulips and crocuses need a winter freeze to start their growing process. If you plant before the ground freezes, you'll have much better results.

Want a Wine Cellar? A Garage or Shed can do the Job

Are you a big wine aficionado? Maybe you long to have a place to start a real collection, but a wine cellar just isn't in the cards for you. Maybe the basement is a family area or perhaps you don't even have a basement. The good news for you is that there are alternatives to building a costly underground room or kicking your kids out of their play area.

Rather than just having a tiny little wine refrigerator in the kitchen filled with your Bordeaux and Burgundy wines, and that Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon you managed to snag, you can have a full collection by buying a garage or shed. With one of our customisable sheds, you can not only have the space you need, but also control the layout and the features to create the optimal conditions for your endeavour. Here are some things you may want to consider when creating your wine 'cellar':

Design

You'll probably want to keep the collection away from the immediate vicinity of the door to avoid too much temperature fluctuation when you enter and exit. Therefore, it's probably a good idea to ensure there is a little extra space or invest in a shed layout that allows for some clearance. Another big thing to remember is to avoid adding windows. Natural light is nice, but it affects the temperature a little too drastically – and temperature control is going to be your main concern with a valuable wine collection. Also, direct sunlight can age wine prematurely.

Location

Where you place the shed will matter for several reasons. Obviously, if you can place it in a somewhat shady area, that'll help with cooling costs. And if you can place it in the backyard, it's probably the smartest way to discourage theft – that and investing in a simple pad lock. People looking for valuables may not know you have wine in there, and may be hoping for items that they can throw in a truck and take away to sell (like bikes, jet skis, etc.). When they find wine instead, they might take it to sell – or they might just drink it! So the harder it is to break in, the better. Also, it'll keep the neighbourhood teens out, too!

Climate Control

You'll obviously need to keep the wine cool. The ideal temperatures for wine range from about 7°-18°, with 13° being considered the ideal. In addition to the measures mentioned above, you'll need to invest in some kind of cooling system to manage the temperatures throughout the year – especially in the summer. You can either go for a really large wine refrigerator that you can store the bottles in, and the electricity to run it, or you can install a cooling system or unit in the shed. A climate controlled room is probably the better option if you are planning an extensive collection, but a refrigerator might not be bad for a smaller number of bottles, so consider what you want and plan accordingly.

Lighting

You'll need lighting in the building so you can choose the wine when you are actually planning to drink it. Try to keep it on the dim side to show off your collection in style and not be too hard on your wines, and remember not to set any lights too close to the bottles. And always turn off the lights before you leave – remember, ideal wine storage conditions are cool and dark.

These are just some of the things to consider if you are making a real investment in your passion for vino. By using a garage or shed for the project, you are avoiding possibly months of work creating a new basement (our sheds can be put up over the weekend), as well as saving some money. Take a look at our many designs for sheds and get started today!

Facets of Designing Your Carport

After making the decision to get a carport, there are still many factors to consider. What style, size, or materials should you choose? It all depends on how you plan to utilise your carport. Overall, carports protect vehicles from the environment, but they can also provide extra storage space or an entertainment area. When creating your optimum carport design, think about the following:

Location

First, decide where you wish to put your carport. Will it be attached to your house or garage or will it be free standing? The bonus of free standing carports is that they are 'do it yourself,' if you wish to save on expenses. Carports can be placed anywhere on your property, so choose a spot that is most suitable.

Size

Measure your vehicles, machines, or the space you wish to cover. For cars and other vehicles, make sure to account for room to open doors, trunks, hoods, etc.

Style

Depending on the function, choose the right style for you. The most economical design for a carport is a Flat Roof carport, which optimises space at an affordable cost. A Gable Roof carport adds a touch of style and has the ability to match or complement any standing structure. For those with an eye toward design, the Entertainer Dutch Gable Carport is an even more stylish option that can easily be used as a carport or an entertaining space.

 Flat Roof Carport, Gable Roof Carport, Entertainer Dutch Gable Carport

Materials

Steel and timber are two possible materials from which to choose. Steel needs little-to-no maintenance. Timber requires more upkeep since it expands and contracts from season to season. We prefer to use steel as it benefits our clients better in the long run.

Customisation

After choosing the specifications for your carport, you can decide to go further and add your own flair. Flat Roof, Gable Roof, and Entertainer Dutch Gable carports allow designers to add skylights or doors. Storage cabinets can also be added to a carport in order to optimise the usage of space.

Carports are great structures to protect your car from the environment or to protect you and your guests from the elements during outdoor gatherings. Whether the space is for storage or entertaining, design is a key element. Keep all these aspects in mind when creating your carport design. The decisions may seem endless in the design process, but will be worth it to have the extra space in the end.