Jump to:
A small garden shed can handle only so much; if bigger, bulkier stuff starts taking over the whole space. This guide on how to store awkward garden items walks you through some tips to make them fit and stay organised.
How to Store Awkward Garden Items in Your Garden Storage
Big, awkward, and often in the way, such as these gardening and outdoor essentials below. Here are simple, smart ways to store each one, whether you have a compact unit like the BillyOh Master Tall or a more spacious shed like the BillyOh Master T&G Apex.
How to store a wheelbarrow
Wheelbarrows are unevenly shaped and take up more room than you’d expect. The wheel sticks out, the handles are long, and they don’t stack or fold.
Hang them on heavy-duty wall hooks or a vertical bracket to free up floor space. Mount it low enough so you can lift it down without strain. Where the floor space allows, store it handle-first under a shelf or bench. That way, the tray faces out and doesn’t block access to other tools.
Turn it upside down to stop water or debris from building up in the tray. Lock it to a wall or post with a chain for security.
How to store a ladder
Don’t leave the ladder on the shed floor. Instead, try mounting it along the inside of a door or high up near the roofline—out of the way but still within reach. Or slide it behind tall shelves or along unused wall space, as long as it’s supported at both ends and won’t tip.
No room inside? Fix it under a lean-to or side wall outdoors and use a weatherproof cable so it stays put.
How to store a barbecue
A BBQ isn’t the kind of thing you want jammed in beside everything else in the shed. Parts like burners or fuel lines can get knocked around or damaged when it’s crammed in tight. What you can do is roll it into a corner with some breathing room.
For removable parts, such as side trays or shelves, take them off and stack them flat to save some room. And don’t forget about the gas bottle—that should always come off and stay outside. Best is somewhere covered, upright, and out of direct sun.
Tip: If the whole grill is too big, store the main frame and pack the smaller parts into a container.
How to store a trampoline
Trampolines are mostly open frame and air, so they’re easier to store once taken apart. Dismantle it, even just partially, starting with the legs and frame. Stack the metal parts flat against a wall or behind a shed. Use bungee cords or ties to hold the pieces so bits don’t end up scattered.
Fold the mat and net, then pack them in a sealed bag or large container. Store them in the loft, on a garage shelf, or behind taller items inside the shed.
How to store propane tanks
Propane tanks should not be stored inside any kind of building. When stored outside, they must be kept upright, away from direct heat, and with the valve fully closed.
Never store a propane tank near electrical panels, tools with motors, or anything that could spark. Keep it off the ground if there’s a risk of water pooling, and use a strap or bracket to stop it tipping.
If there’s any sign of damage or the tank is out of date, don’t store it at all and return it to your supplier.
Read this guide next for more storage tips: What to Store in Your Garden Shed
