Organizing outdoor spaces like sheds and garages can be a challenging and often overwhelming task. Unlike closets or file cabinets, which are smaller and more confined, outdoor spaces typically contain a wide variety of items, many of which are bulky, seasonal, or seldom used. This can make the idea of organizing such spaces seem daunting.
However, with the right approach and mindset, transforming these spaces can significantly enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your entire home. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the strategies, tips, and considerations for tackling outdoor storage organization, ensuring you have all the tools and knowledge you need to create a well-organized and efficient space.
Why Organizing Outdoor Storage Matters
Outdoor storage spaces, including garages and sheds, are often overlooked in the grand scheme of home organization. Many people tend to focus on the interiors, leaving exterior spaces as catch-alls for items they don’t know what to do with. However, your space doesn’t stop at the back door. Treating your outdoor areas as an extension of your home can lead to the creation of beautiful and functional spaces outside, just as you would inside.
Proper organization of outdoor storage spaces can also extend the life of your belongings. When items are stored correctly, they are less likely to be damaged by the elements, pests, or simple neglect. For example, gardening tools left haphazardly on the ground may rust or become dull, while properly stored tools can last for years. Moreover, organized spaces make it easier to find what you need when you need it, saving you time and frustration. This can be especially beneficial in emergency situations, such as when you need to quickly find a tool to make a repair or access outdoor gear for a last-minute trip.
Beyond practicality, organizing outdoor storage also contributes to the overall aesthetic of your home. A well-organized garage or shed can enhance your property’s curb appeal, making your home more inviting and visually appealing. It can also increase the resale value of your home, as potential buyers often appreciate well-maintained and organized spaces, both inside and out.
Getting Started: Overcoming the “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” Mentality
One of the biggest challenges with outdoor storage is the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. Because you don’t see these spaces as frequently as you do your indoor storage areas, it’s easy to let them become dumping grounds for all sorts of items. The first step in organizing your outdoor storage is to overcome this mindset and commit to a thorough cleaning and evaluation process.
Start by taking everything out of the space. Yes, this means unloading all the items in your garage or shed onto your lawn or driveway. It might seem daunting, but this is an essential step in assessing what you have and what you no longer need. More often than not, there’s stuff that hasn’t been touched in years. Once everything is out in the open, you can begin the process of sorting through it all.
This initial step serves several purposes. First, it gives you a clear view of the entire scope of the project. It’s easy to underestimate the amount of stuff you’ve accumulated over the years, especially when it’s hidden away in various nooks and crannies of your garage or shed. Laying everything out in the open forces you to confront the reality of the situation and motivates you to make decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard.
Second, this process can be surprisingly cathartic. There’s something satisfying about decluttering and letting go of items that no longer serve you. It can also be a reflective process, as you come across items that remind you of past projects, hobbies, or memories. This can help you refocus on what’s important and what you truly need in your life going forward.
Sorting and Decluttering: The Key to Success
The process of sorting and decluttering is similar to organizing any other part of your home, but with a few key differences. Outdoor spaces often contain a more diverse array of items, from lawn equipment and gardening supplies to holiday decorations and sports gear. This diversity can make the sorting process more complex, but it’s also what makes it so rewarding when you finally achieve a well-organized space.
Begin by grouping like items together. For example, place all your gardening tools in one area, your sports equipment in another, and your holiday decorations in yet another. This will give you a clear picture of how much space each category of items requires and help you make decisions about what to keep and what to discard.
As you sort, be ruthless about letting go of items you no longer use or need. If something has been sitting in your garage or shed untouched for years, it’s probably safe to say you can live without it. This is also a great opportunity to earn some extra cash by selling unwanted items. If you’re planning to have a garage sale, now is the time to set those items aside.
Another helpful strategy during the sorting process is to create a staging area for items that you’re undecided about. These might be things you’re on the fence about keeping or items that have sentimental value but no practical use. By placing these items in a separate area, you can continue with the organization process without getting bogged down by difficult decisions. Once you’ve organized everything else, you can revisit the staging area with a clearer mind and make more informed choices.
Organizing by Zones: A Strategic Approach
Once you’ve sorted through your belongings and decided what to keep, it’s time to get strategic about organizing the space. A great way to organize outdoor storage is to think in terms of zones of activity.
Group like items together on shelves or in bins. For example, create a zone for lawn equipment, another for gardening supplies, another for outdoor entertainment supplies, and so on. This zoning approach not only makes it easier to find what you need, but it also helps maintain organization over time. When everything has a designated place, it’s easier to put things back where they belong.
Here are a few common zones that are useful for most outdoor storage spaces:
- Lawn and Garden Zone: This zone is dedicated to all things related to lawn care and gardening. Include items like lawnmowers, rakes, shovels, pots, soil, fertilizers, and garden decorations. Consider using hooks or pegboards to hang tools, and install sturdy shelving for heavier items like bags of soil or fertilizers. If you have a lot of small gardening tools, use labeled bins or caddies to keep them organized and easily accessible.
- Sports and Recreation Zone: If your family enjoys outdoor sports and activities, designate a zone for all your sports equipment. This might include bicycles, helmets, balls, rackets, and camping gear. Install bike racks or wall hooks to store bicycles vertically, saving floor space. Use large, clear bins for smaller items like balls and helmets, and label each bin to keep things organized.
- Holiday and Seasonal Decor Zone: Holiday decorations can take up a lot of space, but they only need to be accessed a few times a year. Store these items in labeled, stackable bins that can be easily rotated depending on the season. Consider using overhead storage racks to maximize space for items that are not needed year-round.
- Car Maintenance Zone: Keep all your car maintenance supplies in one area, including car wash soap, wax, sponges, towels, and tools. Use a rolling cart or caddy for easy access when working on your vehicle. Shelving units can store heavier items like car jacks or spare tires.
- Outdoor Entertainment Zone: If you enjoy hosting outdoor gatherings, create a zone for all your outdoor entertainment supplies. This could include outdoor furniture cushions, portable grills, lanterns, and picnic supplies. Use weather-resistant containers to store items that might be exposed to the elements, and keep everything organized for quick setup when you have guests.
By organizing your outdoor storage space into zones, you create a system that’s easy to maintain and adapt over time. As your needs change, you can simply reassign or adjust the zones without having to overhaul the entire space.
Choosing the Right Storage Solutions
The storage solutions you choose are crucial to the success of your outdoor organization project. Solid shelving systems, for example, are just as useful outside as they are inside your home. Wall-mounted shelving units are particularly effective in outdoor spaces because they keep items off the floor, away from pests, mold, and dampness. They also make it easier to see and grab what you need quickly. When installing shelving units, consider the weight and size of the items you’ll be storing to ensure that the shelves can support them.
For smaller items, hanging organizers and pegboards are excellent options. These allow you to keep tools, garden supplies, and other small items easily accessible and off the floor. Pegboards, in particular, are highly customizable and can be arranged to suit your specific needs. You can add hooks, baskets, and even small shelves to store everything from hammers and screwdrivers to seed packets and twine.
Another consideration when choosing storage solutions is durability. Outdoor storage spaces are often exposed to varying temperatures and humidity levels, so it’s important to select materials that can withstand these conditions. Metal shelving units, for instance, are more durable than plastic ones and can support heavier loads. Similarly, heavy-duty plastic bins are more resistant to moisture and pests than cardboard boxes.
The Importance of Proper Containers
When it comes to storing items outdoors, not all containers are created equal. Cardboard boxes, for instance, are not suitable for outdoor storage due to their vulnerability to temperature fluctuations, moisture, and pests. Instead, opt for metal or plastic bins with solid lids to protect your belongings.
Clear containers are particularly useful because they allow you to see what’s inside without having to open them. This can save you time and frustration when searching for specific items. If you prefer metal or opaque plastic containers, be sure to label them clearly. Labels might seem like a small detail, but they can make a big difference in keeping your space organized over the long term.
In addition to standard bins and boxes, consider using specialized containers for certain items. For example, a rolling tool chest can be a great solution for organizing and storing tools in your garage. These chests typically come with multiple drawers and compartments, making it easy to keep everything organized and within reach.
For items that need to be protected from moisture or pests, consider using airtight containers. These are especially useful for storing items like pet food, seeds, or anything that might attract rodents or insects. Airtight containers come in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
What Not to Store Outdoors
While outdoor storage spaces are versatile, there are some items that are best kept indoors. For instance, food storage, even canned goods, should always be kept inside to ensure the best shelf life and to avoid attracting pests. Pet food is another item that should not be stored in garages or sheds unless it’s in a heavy-duty metal container with a tight locking lid.
Other items to avoid storing outdoors include electronics, photographs, family heirlooms, paper goods, and musical instruments. These items are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and humidity, which can cause irreversible damage. If you have valuable or sentimental items that you want to protect, it’s best to find a place for them inside your home where they’ll be safe from the elements.
For security reasons, avoid storing big-ticket items like expensive power tools or electronics in your outdoor storage spaces unless they are securely locked away. Garages and sheds are often targeted by thieves because they are less secure than the main house, so it’s important to take precautions to protect your belongings.
Security Considerations
In addition to considering what to store and how to store it, security is another important aspect of outdoor organization. Big-ticket items, such as expensive tools or equipment, should not be stored in easily accessible outdoor spaces unless you have a secure lock in place. Investing in a good-quality lock can provide peace of mind and ensure that your belongings stay safe.
There are several security measures you can take to protect your outdoor storage spaces. First, ensure that all doors and windows in your garage or shed are properly secured with sturdy locks. Deadbolts or padlocks are good options for securing doors, while window locks can prevent easy access through windows. If you store valuable items in your garage or shed, consider installing a security system or motion-activated lights to deter potential thieves. Security cameras can also be a valuable addition, providing you with a record of any activity around your storage areas.
Another consideration is the visibility of your outdoor storage spaces. If possible, try to position your shed in a location that is not easily visible from the street. This can reduce the likelihood of it being targeted by thieves. Additionally, avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight, as this can attract unwanted attention.
Maintaining Your Organized Space
Once you’ve gone through the process of organizing your outdoor storage spaces, it’s important to maintain them. This means regularly decluttering and reassessing your storage needs. Seasonal changes, in particular, may require you to rotate items or make adjustments to your storage system.
A good rule of thumb is to do a quick inventory of your outdoor spaces at the beginning of each season. This allows you to address any issues before they become overwhelming and ensures that your storage system continues to meet your needs.
To keep your space organized over the long term, make a habit of returning items to their designated zones after each use. Encourage other members of your household to do the same, so everyone is on the same page about maintaining the organization system. It can be helpful to label shelves, bins, and other storage areas to remind everyone where things belong.
Another tip for maintaining organization is to periodically review your storage zones and make adjustments as needed. As your needs change or as you acquire new items, you may find that some zones need to be expanded, consolidated, or reconfigured. Being flexible and willing to make changes will help you keep your outdoor storage spaces functional and efficient.
Organizing your outdoor storage spaces, such as garages and sheds, is a worthwhile investment in the overall functionality and aesthetics of your home. By treating these spaces as extensions of your indoor living areas and taking a strategic approach to organization, you can create beautiful, functional, and efficient storage solutions that will serve you well for years to come.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply looking to refine your current setup, the tips outlined in this guide will help you tackle your outdoor organization project with confidence. With a little time and effort, you’ll transform your outdoor spaces into areas that are just as well-organized and inviting as the rest of your home.
Remember, the key to successful outdoor storage organization is to start with a clear plan, stay focused on your goals, and be willing to adapt as needed. With these principles in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating outdoor storage spaces that enhance your home and make your life easier. Happy organizing!
Portable Storage Solutions
What if you still don’t have space for your newly organized belongings, or you need somewhere secure to store items whilst you are embarking on a big de clutter? Portable Storage is the solution. At My Stack Box storage we offer flexible rental terms starting from one week up to annual rental. We deliver your chosen container size directly to your door and then keep the container as long as you need to get your space sorted! Contact Us today to discuss your storage needs.