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?