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Sheds don’t start out messy, but they slowly get that way. One tool gets leaned against the wall. A bag of compost gets shoved in the corner. Kids’ toys land inside “for now”. Before you know it, you’ve run out of storage in your storage shed.
The goal of this blog is to help you organise yours and maintain it so it doesn’t fall apart a week later. You don’t need perfection—just these practical shed storage ideas.
Empty Your Shed (Yes, All of It!)
First things first.
This is the part many shed owners skip, and it’s why sheds never stay organised. This could be a multi-hour, all day job, but it’s worth doing.
Everything needs to come out. Tools, boxes, half-used tins of paint, old plant pots, mystery cables, bikes—all of it. Lay everything out on the patio, decking, or paved area. As you do this, you’ll notice:
- duplicates you forgot about or lost
- broken items you’ve been keeping “just in case”
- things that haven’t been used in years
Be honest with yourself here. Not everything earns its place in the shed. If it’s broken beyond repair, unsafe, or hasn’t been touched in a long time, let it go and make room for things you use every year.
When the shed is finally empty, clean it. Vacuum, brush, cloth… get it done.
How to Organise a Shed
Take advantage of the blank canvas to plan the layout before putting anything back. We’ll leave the details to you, but a simple rule is to keep a clear path from the door to the back of the shed. This might run down the middle or along one side, depending on shelves and doors.
Shed Storage Ideas for Every Item
You don’t need to use all of them. Pick what suits your space.
1. Wall hooks for long‑handled tools
Fix strong hooks or tool holders along one wall. This is where you’ll hang your spade, fork, hoe, and broom, keeping them from taking up floor space when left leaning. Handles sit upright, and heads stay off the floor.
Arrange similar tools together in groups. For instance, spades with spades, rakes with rakes. This makes it easy for you to see everything and grab the right tool without rummaging about.
2. Pegboards for hand tools
Use a pegboard for your smaller tools, such as secateurs, trowels, and screwdrivers. Space them out with room to lift each one off the board. You can add small baskets for items that don’t fit on hooks, like tape measures or seed packets. Corners and shelf edges can also hold extra hooks for awkward items – be sure to make use of these spaces.
This storage idea keeps drawers clear, and you get tools back in their place quick and easy.
3. Shelving for pots, paints, and supplies
Store pots, trays, fertilisers, paint tins, seed boxes, and cleaning supplies on shelves. Put heavier items on the lower levels and lighter or less-used ones higher up. Organise items by type or season, e.g., spring planting supplies together.
4. Clear, labelled storage bins
You can never go wrong with clear plastic boxes or labelled containers. Slide small items like screws, garden clips, gloves, and odd bits into individual bins. Dedicate a spot on a shelf or under a workbench for each one. Stack them, if needed, and because they’re clear, you won’t lose track of what’s inside.
For odd-shaped items, we recommend shallow trays or baskets. Might as well keep a couple empty ones ready for things you pick up while working outside.
5. Door-mounted storage
The inside of your shed door is a trick that saves space, especially if it opens outwards. Attach shallow racks, hooks, or hanging organisers. From there, tuck helmets, gloves, or sports gear such as tennis rackets or skipping ropes.
Only use slim or low-profile organisers, so you won’t have problems opening or swinging the door. If you can squeeze in more, clip small pouches or use the edges for narrow stuff like a folding step stool. That way, every inch of the door is working for you.
6. Hose corner spot
Roll your hose onto a wall-mounted reel or a freestanding one near the door. Coil it instead of leaving it in a pile on the floor, and clip or hook the end so it doesn’t unravel. Proper coiling prevents damage occurring due to kinks, and therefore makes your hose last longer.
If wall space is tight, a freestanding hose reel can be placed out of the way. The area above is also handy for lightweight watering cans or spray attachments. Go make the most of that corner!
7. Floor zones for larger equipment
This includes lawnmowers, strimmers, barbecues, and pressure washers. Place them along the walls – handles pointing out so you can pull them out without moving anything else. Most-used items should be closest to the door.
Leave a clear path in front, allowing you to wheel or lift them straight out. Another tip is to mark the floor with tape or use a mat to define each piece’s spot.
Tip: For items with long cables, invest in a way to wind them in a loop and keep them looped. No more bunches of wires on the floor.
8. Lift the bikes off the floor
Bikes can be unwieldy to store. Leaning them against a surface is a precarious option, as they can easily topple over, and in a lot of sheds they’ll still be in the way. A proper bike mount for the wall suspends your ride on two long prongs, which can keep it out of the way but easy to access. We’d recommend the back wall if possible, so you don’t bump your head on it during other activities.
This storage technique works in a large shed. But even a single bike can benefit from being lifted off the floor. If you have multiple bikes, stagger their heights or alternate hooks to fit more.
9. Toy storage for outdoor play gear
Prepare open crates or low bins at a height the kids can reach. Balls, bats, folding scooters, and pool items can go there. Bigger items can lean against a wall or be slotted behind a divider to stop them from falling over.
If possible, create a small “play zone” in one section of the shed, leaving the rest for tools or garden supplies.
10. A small cupboard for messy supplies
This could be an old but still functioning cabinet, a sturdy box with a lid, or a stackable storage unit. Paints, oils, and chemicals can be stored here, with taller bottles at the back and smaller tins at the front.
If you want to be extra safe, use a shallow tray inside the cupboard to catch any leaks or spills. As for the cupboard itself, a corner will do, or on a shelf or along a well – out of the way but still easy to reach.
11. Seasonal storage rotation
Some things only get used once or twice a year. Snow shovels, paddling pools, and festive lights, to name a few. Even so, make sure they have a place in your shed. The high shelf is a perfect spot. Not the front or middle, as these are for the stuff you grab all the time.
Give one shelf or corner just for seasonal gear. That way, it’s obvious what belongs there when it’s time to pack it away again. Come the change of seasons, swap things around so that what you need is always at hand.
12. Basic workbench with storage underneath
Treat yourself to a workbench with shelves or drawers underneath for more space. This is a must if your shed doubles as a workshop or you like having a corner for small builds and repairs. And the storage below can hold the bits and pieces you use most often.
You can build one yourself and customise the size to fit your shed perfectly. Even a simple plywood top with a few legs and an under-shelf is all you need to get started. While you’re at it, add hooks, dividers, or small cubbies. A strip of holders on the side keeps drills and cordless screwdrivers ready for action.
Try to place the bench near an electrical outlet if you’re using power tools. No power in your shed yet?
Top 5 Questions to Consider Before Installing Garden Building Electricity
Why Organising a Shed Is Worth the Effort?
A messy shed isn’t just annoying, but it also wastes time. You end up buying things you already own because you can’t find them. You avoid small jobs because getting the tools out feels like too much effort. Or you drag half the contents outside to grab one item.
But a tidy shed gives you:
- Clear floor space without tripping over things
- Tools that are ready when you need them
- Less damage to equipment from damp piles and bad stacking
- A space that feels useful rather than stressful
We hope these shed storage ideas give you plenty of inspiration. Good luck with getting the inside under control, and keep it that way for good!
Should you upgrade to a larger shed?
You’ve organised the shed, but you can still barely move in it. If you’ve truly optimised every inch but still can’t move freely, it might be time to invest in a bigger shed.
Check our available units in sizes up to a massive 200 square feet (20’x10’). There’s something for you below that can give you all the space you need for effective shed organisation.
