Storage ideas for sheds – 10 practical ways to keep your garden shed organized

Does your garden shed frequently turn into the family dumping ground? 

Then there’s no time like the present to get organized with these practical storage ideas for sheds. 

Storage ideas for sheds

We've rounded up the best storage ideas for sheds to help you hide away your essential tools, toys and garden furniture. 

And once you're feeling inspired, our favorite shed ideas will provide even more design advice and inspiration.

So long, clutter…

1. Choose the right storage shed for you

A shed is a big-ticket item that you’ll have in your garden for years to come, so it’s worth considering all the options before buying one – whether you are planning a practical space to store garden tools, or looking for she shed ideas for a restful retreat. 

If your shed has to fit into a small garden space, opt for a slimline design or those with pent roofs (good for positioning next to a wall or incorporating into garden fence ideas). Potting sheds look attractive and are good for growing a few seedlings as well as storing tools. 

It’s usually cheaper to buy sheds direct from online companies (cutting out the middleman), but by visiting a local supplier you’ll be able to see the shed before you buy – and they may be able to tweak the specifications to fit in with your garden ideas better, or make a custom design for an awkward shaped space. 

For an additional fee, some companies will take away an old shed and erect a new one.

2. Start small

First think about what things you’re likely to be storing. If it is only cushions, toys or smaller odds and ends that need putting away overnight, consider a weatherproof timber or plastic box. 

They’re compact – if outdoor space is tight – and come in handy if you want to keep your deck or patio ideas as open as possible for easy access. 

3. Keep it compact

If space is limited but you need to store bulkier items – from lawnmowers and garden tools to children’s play equipment and bikes – opt for a mid-sized solution, such as a garden lock-up unit that can be sited at the side of the house or in a backyard. 

4. Think big

A storage shed is the obvious solution if you have plenty of space to fit outbuildings into your backyard ideas. As well as providing storage for toys and tools, it will also give you somewhere to house garden furniture out of season.  

Make a list of what you plan to store, so you can determine the size of shed you need, and choose a spot for it that will be easy to access, preferably close to a path so you won’t have to traipse through muddy grass to reach it when the garden is wet. 

5. Install a work station and shelf

A garden shed shouldn't be just for storing away tools. Use your shed to create a space to indulge in a joyous activity. 

Head to the shed and potter away with a work station for potting up plants ready for all your colorful flower bed ideas. A potting bench is an essential, providing all the space and storage you need to keep up with the growing season. 

Go for a stylish design in solid oak – the galvanised metal top and shelf make this a practical choice that will age beautifully. 

6. Invest in a multi-tasker 

Torn between a practical need for a garden shed and the more luxurious desire for a summerhouse? Then a multipurpose garden room could is the answer. 

Look for a lockable storage shed that is perfect for stashing away the mower and trowels, whole folding doors create a cozy sun-trap inside the summerhouse. Add a cushion-filled day bed and botanical prints for a comfy interior, or add a desk for useful outdoor office space.

7. Opt for a sturdy shed for storage 

Is your garden groaning under all the outdoor furniture you’ve accumulated? Then a roomy, weather-resistant shed packed full of storage ideas could be just what you after.   

Feng shui your storage shed and clear up the clutter. Keep the floor space clear inside and make your tools accessible by putting up shelves and adding plenty of hooks. 

8. Double up 

Maximize your storage potential by doubling up on sheds. 

This garden boasts two sheds – one rather sturdy shed for storing tools, lawn mowers and garden furniture, and a 'she shed' for entertaining, relaxation and to escape the domesticity of everyday life. Bliss...

9. Shop for second-hand storage

If perfectly neat organization is not your look, fear not. Some of the most interesting furniture options can be found in salvage yards, antique fairs and even on social media. 

Here, a reclaimed shelving unit is not only sturdy, stylish and strong – its weathered appearance complements the steel pieces beautifully.

10. Mix and match furniture

Struggling to find what you need, or even get in the door of your garden shed? It’s time to reclaim that man cave and make it more functional space for storage, potting and repair jobs. 

This shed from The National Trust – with practical double doors – completely throws the rulebook out of the window by using mismatched furniture, colors and styles to create a space that is brimming with character and charm.

How do I maximize my shed storage?

There’s no denying that tidying and decluttering our homes gives a wonderful feeling of inner calm, so why not make your garden spaces totally zen as well? 

Reorganzing how and where you store things in your garden shed and greenhouse can create more space for relaxing, entertaining or growing plants. But where to start? 

Decluttering guru Marie Kondo recommends storing like with like, so keep everything of a type together – for example, bikes in one place and tools all together. Every category should have a designated home. 

What you’re aiming for is clutter-free storage ideas for sheds or storage areas, where items that you frequently use are kept accessible, and items that don’t get used so often are stored in more difficult-to-reach places. 

How do I declutter my shed?

There’s a difference between pretty and functional storage. For example, shiny garden tools beautifully displayed on a shed wall spark joy, whereas you might want unsightly plastic pots kept out of sight.   

As well as buying suitable storage, you need to commit to sorting through everything. Write a check list of things to categorize and store. Be ruthless – get rid of anything broken, unloved, unused – anything that is basically redundant. 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, ‘I might use it one day’. If you haven’t used that stack of empty plant pots and seed trays for the past two years, you probably never will. Move them on to be recycled or give them away.

What should you not store in a shed?

Not all belongings are suited to life in the shed, so are best left out of your storage ideas for sheds. 

Here are a few things you must never storage in a garden shed:

• Money
• Jewellery
• Important documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.)
• Flammable substances 
• Food products (unless your garden shed is properly insulated to handle food and beverages)
• Musical instruments 
• Rubber tires (these need to be in a climate controlled environment)