What size garden shed suits my needs, and how can I maximise storage space

Many people opt for a garden shed as a useful place to store, well… pretty much everything that doesn’t have a place inside their home. And while a shed undoubtedly proves invaluable for addressing storage challenges, dedicating time to its organisation is crucial. This involves both maximising the use of space, as well as making it much easier to find the tool or piece of equipment you were looking for in the first place. However, before you begin, it’s crucial to make sure you start with the right-sized structure to begin with… Read on to find out how to go about both!

How big should I go

From bikes to garden rakes, snow shovels to bags of compost and, of course, the lawn mower, the list of things you might want to store in your trusty garden shed is endless – but most things tend to take up quite a bit of space! With this in mind, it can be tempting to shop for the biggest shed you can possibly fit in the space available, but this isn’t always the right thing to do. Firstly, as well as potentially breaking regulations around shed size, opting for something too large relative to the rest of your garden can prove detrimental to your outdoor space’s aesthetics.  

Evaluate the size of your existing outdoor space

One of the primary considerations in shed size is the space you have available. However, just because you have a large garden doesn’t necessarily mean you should fill it with the biggest shed you can find. Moreover, having a smaller garden or patio area doesn’t always mean a shed is off the cards; sometimes, it’s just a question of thinking creatively. 

• Small sheds are ideal for those with limited space or people who don’t want a larger shed to dominate their garden space. They are perfect for storing a few basic garden tools or even a small lawnmower. Consider a tall, thin shed with shelves to store extra tools higher up. Vertical storage over a compact footprint is a great space-saving strategy.

• Medium sheds are useful for those with an adequately sized garden. They can be used to store lots of outdoor equipment and can even potentially include a small DIY area. They work well for those wanting to combine the usual outdoor tools with a space for hobbies. 

• Large sheds suit those with extensive storage needs – and plenty of empty outdoor space! These sheds can serve as multi-purpose spaces, with plenty of room for outdoor furniture or perhaps even accommodating a workshop, particularly suited to a metal garden shed. Steel sheds also offer more security and protection against the elements (particularly important when looking for a metal garden shed in Ireland!) compared to other materials. 

Keep in mind another general guideline (and a legal consideration in the UK): A shed should occupy less than half of the remaining outdoor space once the house is considered. As well as from a legal point of view, this is important aesthetically, too. Remember that there is a myriad of clever tricks that can maximize your shed’s space, as well as help keep you organised. 

How to maximise storage space

Once your shed is in place, it’s time to plan how to use it effectively. This will allow you to make the most of the space – and be able to find it all again!

• Ceiling space

While the ceilings in our homes are rarely used for anything other than lighting, in a shed they’re the ideal place to install overhead racks or hooks. Use these to store large items such as ladders, long gardening tools (such as rakes or snow shovels), or even bulkier items that are not often needed, such as Christmas decorations. 

• Have clearly defined areas

Designate specific “zones” within the shed for different categories of tools. Keep gardening equipment in one “zone”, items needed for DIY in another, and bike repair gear somewhere else. This makes it easy to know where to look, depending on what you are working on. 

• Clear labelling

Have you ever faced a line-up of cardboard boxes, each vaguely familiar but leaving you clueless about their contents? That’s where clear labelling comes in – as well as clear storage containers! This simple organisation trick maximises space but also saves valuable time in the quest for a specific item later on down the line. 

Maximising your shed’s potential goes beyond its physical dimensions; effective organisation plays a crucial role as well. With a few simple tricks and a little thought into your existing outdoor area, you’ll soon have an inviting and functional environment that blends into your surroundings, while making life that little bit easier. Enjoy!

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