Whether you are new to the home improvement world or a seasoned professional, this corner of Pinterest, magazine stands, and social media reels highlight the importance and beautiful aesthetic of organizing your space! We know that organizing can be a daunting task, but we also know that organizing eases stress and brings joy to the process of a new project!
Recognizing your need for organizing your tools, supplies, and space – many of you have a shed or are in the market for one. A shed is a great place to store tools for your new landscaping project, use as a mini workroom for your 4-H projects, or to store all your DIY project hobby tools and supplies! Whatever you use your shed for, over time, it may become messy and cluttered, causing stress levels to rise once again. Your shed is intended to make life easier and help you do what you love.
Here are our top five tips to make your shed work for you!
1. Simplicity is the best policy.
When it comes to organizing your shed, simplicity will be your best friend. Whether you go Marie Kondo on all your tools and supplies, or you simply scrap everything and start from scratch, we suggest taking the time to go through everything and ask these questions:
#1: Have I used this in the past year?
• If so, keep it.
• If not, is it necessary for what you do?
• If not, consider tossing or donating it.
#2: Do I have multiple of these?
• If so, pick one for you to use and toss or donate the rest.
• Is this in good condition to use or donate?
• If not, and you need this tool, purchase one that works for you.
• Toss what doesn’t work, and donate what works, but you don’t need.
Once you’ve done this, take the appropriate actions. This is the first step! It will be the most tedious task, but look at your shed! It already seems to be more inviting. It’s full of what you use and need. Finally, put on your favorite playlist or podcast and start cleaning! Sweep the floor, dust the shelves, wipe down the walls, and put everything in its place. Now you’re ready for the next step!
2. Map it out.
Once you determine what you actually need in your shed, start visually imagining what you want your shed to look like and the type of storage solutions that could help you get there. By mapping or drawing out how you want your shed to be organized, you can create or purchase the necessary storage solutions. We recommend pegboard as a way to be flexible with what you store.
Think about each piece and where it will be assigned to go. Will the water hose extensions be placed in the corner on the floor? Or on a hook on the back wall? Will the weed eater be placed next to the charger for its battery? Will the push mower be near the door for easy access? Think about how you’d like to feel when you use the shed: Peaceful? Excited?
Energized? Inspired? Start small by assigning one item at a time, adding hooks and shelving as you go. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it can make.
3. Make cleaning up easier.
Set a goal that when you clean the shed, it takes no more than 15 minutes. Does your game plan lend to that time limit? If not, consider simplifying how you store things or simplify your tools again. Ask yourself if everything has an assigned place.
We also recommend leaving empty space for more supplies and tools as your projects grow. Leaving the floor as empty as possible also makes it easy to see when your shed needs a good clean and allows easy access to everything you store in it.
4. Flexibility is a must.
Now that you’ve followed through with your map, everything is in its place, and the shed is clean, you feel much better, right? Take note over the next month or so as you use your shed and ask yourself:
• Do you struggle to find what you need?
• Do you take more than 15 minutes to clean up the shed?
• Have you lost or damaged what you store in your shed?
• Do you buy multiples of your tools or supplies because you still can’t find what you need?
• Have you lost joy and gained frustration for your project, side hustle, or upkeep of your home’s outdoor space?
If you answered yes to these questions, consider adjusting your organization for what still creates a problem for you. Flexibility is key! Your hobby might change and your tools change with it. Whatever it is, pinpoint what creates stress for you in using your shed and make adjustments. And again, we stress leaving room for flexibility and new tools and supplies as your skills grow!
If you’ve gone through these steps and still feel like you’re running out of space in your shed, it might be time for an upgrade. Consider shopping around for a larger shed, with optional features that suit your lifestyle.
5. Make it fun!
Your shed should be both practical and well made, but also inviting as you work and create! Add a pop of color with paint or flowers! Landscape a perennial flower bed around the outside! Add matching furniture and string lights to the inside! Whatever makes you feel more comfortable and relaxed as you begin your next DIY. Make it fun!
When shopping for a shed, it must be practical for its intended purpose, but it should also add to the exterior landscape of your property. Consider customizing the siding, trim, and roof of your shed to match the rest of your home.
Do you want a place to relax after your work is done? We offer a porch addition to most of our shed models. When you’re shed shopping, consider the optional accessories, shelves, and types of doors that will make your shed best work for you.
Congrats! You deserve to relax and enjoy a job well done! Welcome to your new shed! Or shall we say, a shed that works for you! As you plan your next project, don’t forget to keep up with your shed organization, and have fun! We can’t wait to see what you create next!
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