As soon as your house runs out of storage space, your backyard easily becomes a practical choice for an extension, especially when you add barn storage sheds. With enough room to store just about anything from lawnmowers to seasonal items, it can help you declutter efficiently. Combine with other storage ideas, and you can get the most out of every square foot in your backyard.
1. Start with a Clean Slate
The first step to maximising space is to get a clear view of what you’re working with. It’s easier to organise clutter if you comb through items you already have. Use a guide to efficient decluttering if needed for better success.
- Sort your belongings into piles labelled as to keep, donate, or toss
- Remove duplicates, any broken items, or those you no longer need
- Group whatever’s left by category, such as gardening, power tools, recreational needs, etc.
Once you’ve completed this process, you’ll have a good baseline for what you actually need to store.
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2. Use Vertical Space
With plenty of shelves, wall-mounted or otherwise, every inch of an empty wall can be turned into storage. Most people overlook the wall and ceiling as a potential storage space, however. But if you use them wisely, you’ll have a lot of extra room without taking up valuable floor area.
- Install wall-mounted shelves of various sizes for various storage needs
- Add pegboards and use them for hanging tools, extension cords, or gardening equipment
- Hang bikes, hoses, and other larger items from sturdy hooks
- Add tall storage cabinets in addition to, or if wall mounting isn’t possible
3. Choose Multi-Purpose Furniture
Storage doesn’t always have to mean cardboard boxes or plastic bins. It doesn’t even have to look like a storage at all. A good example is outdoor furniture with hidden compartments, such as an outdoor bench, stool or ottoman. They can help keep things tidy while serving another purpose.
- Store small tools or toys inside benches or ottomans with lift-up lids
- Use planter boxes with built-in storage underneath for extra room.
- Look for outdoor tables that double as storage bins and use them to hold cushions or pool gear.
4. Make the Most of Your Shed
Depending on the size and structure, a barn storage shed can do wonders where storage and organisation are concerned. You just have to use the interior layout efficiently.
- Have a barn custom-built for your specific needs
- Add shelving units or build custom shelves to maximise wall space
- Use clear, labelled bins for easy storage and access to stored items
- Free up floor space by hanging long-handled tools vertically
If you go for a shed that is tall enough, because some can go as tall as 4 metres, you can create an overhead loft storage for seasonal items.
5. Use Outdoor Storage Boxes
Look for weatherproof outdoor storage boxes so that you can store some items outside of a shed or multi-purpose furniture. Using this trick will ensure that what’s stored in the shed and well-protected from the elements are more sensitive items.
- Place weatherproof boxes on patios, decks, or even along the house
- Use waterproof blinds for things like cushions, kids’ toys, or barbecue accessories
- Keep everything secure by choosing bins with lockable lids, especially when storing more expensive gear.
A well-organised backyard makes outdoor living easier, and everything just looks better, too. Remember to reassess regularly to ensure you’re not creating more clutter over time, which can increase your storage needs. If you’re ready to maximise backyard space, Best Sheds offers amazing barn sheds you can use.
