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Not everyone has the square footage for a full-sized shed, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without. If that sounds like you, whether you’re dealing with a tiny paved garden or you just need to hide away a few things, there are plenty of shed alternatives you can go for instead.
Best Alternatives to a Shed for Easy Storage
You want enough room to protect your stored items from the weather without sacrificing your entire lawn, and these options are good for that.
Garden storage boxes
Storage boxes, true to their name, are box-style storage units. They’re often made of heavy-duty plastic or metal, making them suitable for outdoor use.
Although lightweight when empty, they are weighed down by the items they contain, which means they won’t be picked up or blown over in windy conditions. They’re used for storing outdoor cushions, kids’ toys, and other smaller garden items.
Some can even double as seating, as long as the weight limit isn’t exceeded.
To give you an idea, take a look at our BillyOh Durabox. It’s made from quality polypropylene with a reinforced lid, so it can also be used as a mini bench. Its 270L capacity is ideal for general garden storage, and it comes with wheels and side handles for easier movement around your outdoor space.
Another option is the Falcon, made from heavy-duty galvanised steel panels, with a reinforced floor and lid. It may suit a modern garden or patio better, thanks to its contemporary anthracite finish.
It’s rust-free, fire-proof, and maintenance-free, with a 400L capacity, perfect for a bit larger storage needs. A double-bolted, key-operated lock adds security.
Low-profile storage cabinets
These are often called “sentry boxes” that stand around four to six feet tall (4×4 – 4×6). Despite their compact floor space, they still offer enough depth for items like a lawnmower, long-handled garden tools, or a couple of fold-up bikes.
The BillyOh York Pent, for instance, suits size-limited gardens best. It is designed with a custom-built aluminium frame and thick, waterproof, UV-protected panels. It has a single door with a latch and bolt, and features edge skylights beneath the low-pitch pent roof.
The smaller footprint of sentry boxes makes them easier to fit into tighter spaces and simpler to install than larger sheds. You still need a shed base, but it doesn’t always have to be a full concrete slab. In many cases, a level surface with paving slabs or a well-compacted hardcore base will do. Just make sure you anchor it, because these taller storage units can act like a sail in strong winds.
Wheelie bin stores
Wheelie bins are essential in every household, but they can be an eyesore when left out in the open. The good news is that you don’t need a full shed for this. A wheelie bin store is enough to keep them out of sight, as well as the pests out of the rubbish.
Like low-profile sheds or sentry boxes, bin stores come with front doors and hinged lids for easy access. If you opt for a pent roof-style, that can be turned into a “living roof” with a lightweight sedum. It takes the edge off the look and helps it fit in better outdoors.
Here’s a guide on how to build a green roof on a shed to get started if you’re interested.
Log stores with integrated cupboards
Moisture from the rain or snow, a.k.a. the arch-nemesis of firewood, can infiltrate the logs. They need to be sheltered and protected from the elements, and a log store is one of the simplest ways to do that.
Today’s log stores include a small, enclosed cupboard on one side. This is a handy two-in-one solution for keeping your main firewood seasoned while also storing kindling or fire-starters in a dry, separate space.
You can also take the DIY route using timber battens or pallets to build a raised rack with an open front and slatted sides. Fix a sheet of corrugated roofing or felt across the top for cover. Place it against a wall or fence to save space and add stability.
You can size and design it however you need, depending on your space.
Outdoor shelving units with covers
You can build one with heavy-duty plastic or galvanised steel shelves. To make them a viable shed alternative, buy or make zip-up reinforced plastic covers. It’s essentially a “wardrobe” for your garden.
It’s straightforward, especially if you already have the protective cover. Alternatively, a pop-up fabric shed can do the same job. It’s made from strong steel and durable polythene, with 4 ratchet straps to keep the cover tight.
Place the shelving unit you’ve just built inside, and if possible, anchor it to a wall or a fence for stability. The product mentioned above also features a roll-up door with a zip fastening for quick access, plus an auger anchoring kit.
This type of outdoor storage is best for potted plants, watering cans, and seed trays.
Wall-mounted racks and tool hangers
Sometimes you don’t need a floor-standing unit at all. Wall-mounted racks and tool hangers let you use vertical space instead, such as in a garage, or the side wall of your house under an awning.
It won’t replace a full unit, but it does help keep everyday items organised where space is limited. Get more garden storage ideas here to save space in the best possible way from clutter.
How to Store Things Outside Without a Shed
This is another direction to take if you want to use the existing layout of your garden for storage:
Utilise the space under decks or steps
The space beneath concrete porch steps or a raised wooden deck is often a haven for weeds and spiders. If your garden is on a slope or you have steps with enough clearance, adding a lattice screen or a small hinged door can turn this area into a useful storage bay.
Even standard UK decking (which is limited to 30cm high without planning permission) usually has a narrow gap underneath. It’s the perfect spot for sliding in flat, awkward items like ladders, folding chairs, or timber offcuts. Lay down a weed membrane first, followed by a thin layer of gravel to help keep the area dry and reduce pests.
Side-of-house lean-tos
The narrow “dead” alleyway at the side of many UK semi-detached or terraced homes often goes unused. Fix a corrugated bitumen or polycarbonate roof sheet from the house wall to the fence, and you create a simple covered space.
It’s not a full structure, but it’s enough overhead cover to keep bikes, bins, and other outdoor items dry without the cost of building a formal shed.
Tip: Add wall-mounted hooks in the covered area to hang bikes up and keep the floor clear for walking or extra storage.
Hidden storage coffee table
If you have a patio or seating area, swap your standard table for a heavy-duty resin or wicker-style storage ottoman. These are designed to look like furniture but feature a hollow, waterproof interior. Inside, you can store cushions, throws, garden games, or BBQ accessories.
Garden arbour with under-seat storage
An arbour is a garden bench with a roof and archway that can be built with storage under the seat. This lets you add a fixed garden feature while also creating a dry space for items like garden fleece, birdseed, or hand tools.
Because these are usually made of wood, treat the inside of the storage area with a clear water-repellent coating to help stop moisture from soaking into the timber.
Shed Alternatives Round-up
You don’t need a large footprint to keep a tidy garden. You just need to make better use of the space you already have. If you’re on a tight budget, a storage box or heavy-duty tens that can be moved is your best bet. Or look for arbours or storage tables for a dual-functional piece.
We hope these shed alternatives give you ideas for keeping your outdoor space clutter-free, even with limited space or when storing small items.
See more in our garden storage range:
FAQ
How do I stop condensation in a plastic storage box?
Condensation happens when the temperature shifts. You can prevent this by not over-packing the box, allowing air to circulate. Placing a few moisture-absorbing silica gel packs or a hanging dehumidifier bag inside also works.
Can I store power tools in an outdoor box?
It’s not recommended for long periods, especially in winter. Batteries can fail in freezing temperatures, and metal parts can rust due to the high humidity levels in the UK. If you must, keep them in a sealed, padded case inside the box.
Is it safe to store chemicals in storage boxes or cabinets?
Most can hold household chemicals like weed killer, plant feed, or cleaning products, as long as they’re kept sealed and upright. For safety, always check the label first.
Avoid mixing different chemicals in the same space, and keep them out of reach of children and pets. If the product is flammable or strongly corrosive, it’s usually better stored in a purpose-built, ventilated cabinet rather than a standard storage box.
How do I prevent spiders and pests from moving in?
While most boxes are waterproof, they aren’t always bug-proof. Keep the area around the base clear of long grass, and wipe the interior with a peppermint oil solution once a month to deter them.
