As a man who is constantly taking on new projects, taking care of the lawn and doing handy work around the house, it’s important to have all your tools neatly organized. A small shed filled with clutter and tools that are all over the place is probably a handyman’s worst nightmare. Why spend time looking for a specific tool when you can spend time on a building project instead?
Large garden sheds or garages are perfect for storage as they have all the space you need, but some of us have smaller sheds and we just have to get by and work with the limited space we have. Even the smallest shed, if organized properly, can give you enough storage space without having to demolish the walls and expand the shed.
Planning, visualizing and organizing is key. In this article you’ll find some helpful solutions and tips on how to use the limited space to your advantage.
Easy accessibility is the first thing you should pay attention to. This especially goes for garages, where accessibility is vital. In this case your car is the priority, as well as easy and comfortable parking. Keeping as few things on the floor of your garage as possible will free up space so you can easily access the trunk of your car, walk around freely and not worry about hitting something when opening the car door. Of course, the car takes up plenty of space, but you still have 3 walls and a ceiling, which is more than enough to place all your tools and equipment.
When organizing a garage, we often start with the walls and forget about all the free space on the ceiling. Overhead garage storage will help you make the most out of your ceiling space. These are durable steel racks that are tightly secured into the ceiling. You can install as many racks as you need so you can safely store anything: bins, containers, even a small boat or kayak. Overhead racks are great for storing things you don’t use that often. For example, if you’re not planning on going camping every single day, it’s best to carefully fold up your tent and sleeping bags and put them away until the next time you go camping.
This type of storage will also require a ladder so you can reach all the way up to the ceiling. If you want to go all the way out, consider installing a moving step ladder. A step ladder doesn’t take up too much space and can be folded when you aren’t using it.
When it comes to working with the walls of the shed or garage, the storage can be roughly divided into 2 categories. The first one is vertical organizing systems. They come in handy for any type of storage space and allow you to use the whole wall – from floor to ceiling. This can be heavy duty shelving or racks that are drilled into the wall. They can be used for storing bins, tool kits and spare tires.
The second type is pegboards with hooks. These are ideal for people who have a workshop in their garage or shed, so all of their tools are always in arms reach. Pegboards are not only easy to install, but also very versatile. You can add as many hooks as you need and even attach shelves to the pegboard.
Is it worth buying or building a shed if you don’t have one?
Obviously, the answer is yes. Having a shed on your property is something that you definitely won’t regret. But whether you want to build a shed, buy a ready-made shed or re-organize the garage is completely up to you. Some sheds can be a temporary solution to all your storage problems, while other high-quality sheds are built to last and will become a permanent part of your property.
If you are now convinced that getting a shed is a great idea and are ready to invest, keep in mind that price is key. It is quite tempting to save some cash and go for the cheapest option, but if you do, just know that the quality won’t be up-to-par. Instead, consider going for something more expensive. You’re not just paying for a quick storage solution, but a structure made out of high-quality materials that fits the overall aesthetic of your property.
Building a shed yourself, especially if you are going to use it solely for storage, is an easy job, even when it comes to large garden sheds. They can be easily assembled, don’t require windows (unless you wish to add them) or insulation. Ordering a building kit will give you the opportunity to do everything yourself without having to hire professional installers, and, most importantly, save you time and money.