You may think your garden shed is merely a place to keep tools and gardening equipment out of sight, but that can’t be further from the truth.
Even if you just have a basic storage shed in your garden, you can maximise your storage capacity.
With plenty of free shed plans available online, it will be easy for you to construct your own rustic shed in the comfort of your own home.
Many people have converted their garden sheds into tiny houses, and although this is a useful option for a small garden shed, if you lack space in your house, you will want to use your garden shed for its intended purpose – a shed for storage.
Read on for some tips on designing your small shed to be completely functional and increase the space in your tiny shed.
Consider your Shelving Options
Storage shelves are what your wooden shed needs if you do not have outdoor space to store your tools. You can either construct your shelves or purchase commercial selves to maximise storage space, and here are some common types of shelves to create a functional shed.
1) Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are incredibly easy to install and work well in smaller sheds as they clear space on floors and worktops. With enough shelves, you can have easy access to all your tools.
2) Adjustable Shelves
Adjustable shelves are great for storing different size tools as required. You simply change the height of the shelves or remove any shelves you don’t need.
3) Free-Standing Metal Shelves
A large shed will benefit from free-standing shelves, especially if you have lots of tubs or containers that require storage.
Storage sheds with free-standing shelves can be adapted to suit your needs, as you can move the shelves around.
Metal shelves are solid and durable, making them the perfect organisational addition to your garden shed.
4) Reuse Old Bookshelves
If you are on a tight budget, you can reuse what you already have. Bookshelves are great for storing toolboxes, containers or gardening tools. Don’t have a bookshelf? Ask friends or pay a visit to a thrift store to find an affordable option.
5) Wire Shelving
Wire shelves are one of the most popular shed ideas because they are easy to clean. If you have wooden doors and a wooden interior, adding metallic wire shelves will complement the space.
6) Corner Shelving
Corner shelves are great if your shed is small and you want to free up as much space as possible. Corner shelves are smaller than standard shelves, so they are great in a small shed, but make sure you store the products you use on easy-to-reach shelves.
Tips to Design your Storage Shed
Whether you want to use your shed as a getaway space, potting shed or storage shed, here are some design ideas to make the most of the space available.
1) Store Tools in Clear Containers
You can use clear containers to store smaller garden tools and other pieces of equipment.
Using clear containers means you will easily see what is stored where, and the containers can be neatly stacked on shelves to keep your backyard shed organised. Labelling the containers will make locating what you’re looking for easier.
Using glass or mason jars to store screws and nails is also a great idea, as you will instantly be able to see what is where and find what you need for your next DIY project.
2) Use a Tool Hanger
Larger gardening tools or tools with long handles can be hung up on hooks or nails on the wall to save space on the garden shed floor.
Simply use a string to tie a loop around a handle, or drill a hole into the handle, and hook the tools on the wall.
3) Use Magnets for Small Tools
Use a magnetic strip to free up space on your work or potting bench. Small metal tools can be attached to the magnetic strip (that attaches to the wall). This lets you effortlessly reach whatever you need, leaving plenty of workspaces available.
Final Thoughts
Your storage shed can be a great escape if properly organised and designed. Using shelves and smart storage solutions, proper lighting, and some rustic charm will ensure that you have a beautiful, functional shed in your backyard.
