Now that the summer is well and truly here you can begin reorganizing your shed to make room for spring and summer yard supplies. Keeping things organized can be difficult, especially in the coming months when you will be in and out of your shed more frequently. We have compiled a list of the do’s and don’ts of shed organization to assist you in determining what and what not to store in your shed.
The Don’ts
First and foremost, while a shed appears to be the ideal location for storing a wide range of items, there are some items that should be stored elsewhere.
Paint should not be stored in a shed. As the temperature rises in the summer, your shed will undoubtedly become quite warm. Paint’s consistency will change if it is stored in extremely hot or cold temperatures, rendering it unusable. Instead, store your paint in a cool, dry place inside your home, such as a basement or closet.
Paper goods such as cups, plates, and napkins should not be stored in your shed. Although it would be a lot easier to keep them in there for outdoor barbecues or picnics, paper goods can attract cockroaches and other pesky bugs. That is the absolute last thing you want in your shed! Put the paper products in the kitchen pantry.
Do not keep pet food in your shed. If you have outdoor pets, it may make sense to do so. However, raccoons, hedgehogs, and other animals may be able to detect the food. You don’t want them hanging out in your shed! Insects could also get in there. To ensure that the food lasts as long as possible, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
The Do’s
Of course, there are numerous items that can be stored in your shed. Tools, gardening equipment, snow blower parts, sporting goods, lawnmowers, bikes… The list is endless!
Make an investment in adjustable shelves. When trying to save space, it is best to work vertically. Getting everything off the ground and onto shelves will allow you to make the most of your available space. Adjustable shelves are an excellent choice because they allow you to store supplies of various sizes.
Give pegboards a shot. Hooks, bins, and other storage options can be used to hang everything from power tools to screwdrivers, hoses to sprinklers, and paintbrushes to gardening sheers. The options are limitless. You can even paint the pegboard to designate a space for each item. They’re simple to set up, versatile, and truly are a must-have organizational tool.
Overall
Do not be afraid to be inventive! To save space and organize things efficiently, you sometimes have to get a little creative. Do you need a place to store small screws, nails, bolts, and other small hardware? Attach muffin tins or plastic food jars to the backs of shelves. Install PVC pipe on the wall to organize your shovels, rakes, hoes, and other long-handled tools.
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