Having a shed out back is one of the simplest ways of keeping your gardening and power tools in order. The problem, however, is that you may not know how to organize your shed, especially when you have so much to store. So, how do you organize a shed?
42 Shed Organization Ideas
Shed organization can be simple, provided you get the right storage solutions. Today, we’re going to look at 42 shed organization ideas that show how you can keep your storage space neat and tidy throughout the year.
Hang Tools on Pegboards
Credit to lommaproperties
One of the best ways to keep a shed (or any room for that matter) clean is to convert vertical surfaces into storage space. You can easily achieve this by getting a pegboard for your shed. Pegboards use hooks and other anchoring inserts that go into the holes to keep all sorts of objects off the floor. The more vertical space you use, the less cluttered the shed’s floor becomes.
Or Hang Them on Nails
Credit to homewithchelsea
Pegboards are great and all, but if you don’t feel like heading to a home improvement store, you can use whatever nails you have on hand. Two- or three-inch nails work best for larger items, such as shovels and rakes. Test the nails for sturdiness before mounting your gardening tools. You can hammer in as many nails as you want, but just make sure there’s enough clearance for all your things.
Get Behind-the-Door Hangers
Credit to carolpolitozwirnrealtor
Remember: all vertical surfaces have the potential for storage space! This includes the backs of your shed doors. This homeowner cleverly used wire racks, old boxes, and even large PVC pipes as storage solutions as behind-the-door hangers for smaller tools. Whatever hanging mechanism you use, make sure they’re secured tightly to prevent them from rocking when swinging the door open and shut.
Install Shelves
Credit to moorejacksonnyc
Here’s a classic solution for the average shed owner. You don’t have to get all fancy with your storage solutions; a traditional shelving system will do the trick. Don’t feel like assembling a shelf? How about constructing one using whatever reclaimed wood you have on hand? It’s also a smart idea to give each shelf different heights so as to accommodate differently sized tools.
Place Small Items in Containers
Credit to roomtonest
Containers are a great storage solution for smaller objects. You can throw whatever tools or seasonal items you have in them, preventing them from cluttering your workspace and floors. Containers are relatively inexpensive, and even plastic ones are durable. The ideal container size is one that fits on or underneath your shelves.
Use Pantyhose to Store Round Objects
Credit to creativecollectiveparksville
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box for a change! This means turning any old piece of clothing you have into a means for storage. Here, we see several pantyhose hanging from nails, each of them filled with planters of different shapes and sizes. Just make sure the objects you stuff into them aren’t sharp, or they’ll tear the pantyhose apart!
Create Designated Zones
Credit to the_edited_nest
One interesting way you can organize your shed is to create imaginary boundaries. Each boundary is a “zone” where specific categories of items belong. In this picture, we see bikes on the left, pool floats on the right, sports balls on the left wall, and so on. Of course, like any storage solution, the key is to stick to what rules you’ve already set!
Get Wire Racks
Credit to simplify_now
Don’t want to spend a pretty penny on organizing your shed? Don’t worry; there are inexpensive solutions out there that go beyond a pair of pantyhose. Wire racks—the same things you probably have in your fridge—are cost-effective storage solutions. Their lightweight designs make them easy to mount onto walls, but you may need support brackets if they’re going to hold larger tools.
Hang a Garden Tool Organizer
Credit to shedrepairllc
A garden tool organizer is a very specific organizing tool. As its name suggests, it’s mainly used to organize garden tools, but any long, narrow object should fit in the organizer’s notches. Here, we see shovels, brooms, rakes, and even the shaft assembly of a backpack string cutter. If you’re a handy DIY-er, you can probably construct your own garden tool organizer.
Use a Heavy-Duty Floating Racks or Shelves
Credit to deltacyclecorp
Wall racks like these are incredible. As you can see, these narrow pieces of metal don’t take much to mount onto walls, but they can bear a ton of weight. Plus, you can customize the height of each rack, though you’ll need to undo screws to reposition them. The bottom-most rack is holding onto a heavy aluminum ladder, while the higher racks can be used as shelves (just need the anchors).
Create a Storage Loft
Credit to fencearmor
Does your shed have rafter ties near the ceiling? If you were to stand on the rafter ties, would there be enough space for, say, a few boxes or containers? Then it sounds like you need a storage loft for your shed! Storage lofts are elevated platforms that are used to keep large items out of the way. You typically need a ladder or steps to access the loft, but it’ll keep seasonal items out of the way for the majority of the year.
Get a Ceiling Hanger
Credit to steelchiefsheds
Maximizing wall and door space can be helpful, but if you really want to take your storage game to the next level, consider getting ceiling hangers for your shed. Ceiling hangers, like the ones you see on the right-hand side of this shed, keep large items, like bicycles, off the ground. Ceiling hangers are only as strong as the support beams they’re anchored to, so be cautious!
Label Your Drawers
Credit to shedextownsville
Here’s a handy storage tip that will work in any part of your home. To stay on top of things, label everything. Containers, boxes, shelves, designated areas—whatever. Everything needs a label so that you and everyone else knows where things go. This person used small chalkboards on each drawer to help keep things organized.
Custom-Make Storage Solutions
Credit to shawnscott77
Look, at the end of the day, only you know what works and what doesn’t in your shed. This homeowner wanted to keep old tires off the ground, but regular plastic containers wouldn’t do the trick. Instead, they devised this storage mechanism consisting of four wooden beams and chains. That way, the tires can fit into the gap while also remaining steady. The chains keep the shelf rack in place.
Separate the Wet from the Dry
Credit to scott_schrapel
Moisture is the sworn enemy of every storage space ever. If you keep pool or gardening tools in your shed, you need to eliminate the moisture as soon as possible. Something you can try is to separate wet objects from dry ones, or your boxes may end up looking like these. Getting a dehumidifier for your shed might be a good option, too.
Get a Log Rack
Credit to sea_view_lifestyle
Outdoor organization can be just as important as indoor. Those who chop their own lumber probably already know to season their logs outdoors. But instead of stacking them haphazardly, think about building a log rack, where you can stack them neatly. Ideally, the rack will have open supports to allow maximum airflow to dry your logs quicker.
Build a French Cleat for Easy Access
Credit to shapingsawdust
French cleats are angled storage solutions that keep your belongings out of harm’s way. The angled surface allows for easier access when working. Here, we see a woodworker with a DIY French cleat mounted onto a wall, holding onto a heavy toolbox. Depending on the style, French cleats can be used for mounting larger objects, like rakes and shovels.
Color-Code Cube Storage
Credit to bunnings_bargains
If you’re going to get cube storages for your shed (a good idea), then think about getting color-coded ones. The colors work similar to labels, but you can immediately know what’s where in a glance. Some paint can help you achieve the same color-coded goal if you already have drawers or containers.
Build Storage Compartments with Reclaimed Wood/Pallets
Credit to white.denali91
Do you have more old lumber in your shed than you know what to do with? Well, it might be time to put reclaimed wood to use by creating your own storage compartments. This particular storage solution required absolutely zero effort apart from propping a wooden pallet up against a wall. The gaps are great for storing large gardening tools.
Get Tons and Tons of Mini Drawers
Credit to independentblogger
Whether you use your shed to work on your motorcycle, to do gardening work, to build birdhouses, or to do arts and crafts, you can never go wrong with mini drawers. They’re incredibly affordable and work wonders in maintaining organization in hobbyist rooms. Some drawers have colorful handles, which can help if you want to color-code your work space.
Rope Off Areas with Bungee Cord
Credit to freshspacehome
This creative homeowner came up with a cheap yet effective way to keep their golf bags from cluttering the floor. Instead of placing the bags in large boxes, they roped off an area in their shed using hooks and bungee cord. The cord is short enough to keep the bags standing upright, while also leaving plenty of room to spare.
Get Freestanding Metal Shelves
Credit to thehautesuite
Investing in wall-mounted shelves may not be feasible, especially if you’re doing a bit of spring cleaning. Instead, consider getting a few freestanding metal shelves, such as the ones you see in this image. They’re lightweight and portable, but their shelves can bear several hundred pounds of weight collectively. Taller models will help you make the most out of the air space in your shed.
Hang Large Buckets and Bags
Credit to editandvibe
Here’s a storage idea that’s as unique as it is effective. Hooks are great for holding onto single items. But what if that single item were a 50-gallon bucket? And what if you had several hooks to hang a massive trash bag to keep large but lightweight items safe? Follow this simple hanging system consisting of utility tracks and multi-prong hooks.
Wall-Mounted Power Tool Charging Station
A wall-mounted charging station turns scattered drills and batteries into a neat, easy-to-use display. You gain more space on shelves and work surfaces when every power tool sits in its own spot. This setup helps you avoid losing track of chargers and keeps your shed ready for every project.
Wall Rail System With Custom Hooks
A wall rail system gives jackets, baskets, and utility items a set home. With bins above and baskets below, clutter leaves the floor for good. This approach lets you see everything at a glance and streamlines daily shed routines.
Vertical Garden Tool Rack
A vertical rack keeps shovels, rakes, and spades off the ground. Your most-used tools stay visible and close by without tripping up your path. This simple upgrade brings more order to your storage and makes gardening tasks easier to start.
Sliding Storage Panels
Sliding storage panels make use of tight shed corners and double your tool capacity. You can move panels aside to grab what you need, then tuck them away to clear the space. A system like this lets you fit more tools into a compact shed without chaos.
Seed Starting Station With Grow Lights
A dedicated seed starting area brings calm to the chaos of spring planting. Grow lights and grouped baskets give young plants a healthy start, while all supplies stay easy to find. Your shed stays organized, and your gardening results improve.
Seasonal Zone Shelves
Sorting supplies by season turns shed organization into a breeze. Each shelf has a clear label for spring, summer, autumn, or winter tools. This method saves time, keeps transitions smooth, and ensures nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Repurposed Shoe Organizer for Seeds and Tools
A hanging shoe organizer offers quick, inexpensive storage for seeds, markers, and hand tools. Every pocket holds a different item, which helps you avoid last-minute hunts. Shed organization improves when everything has a visible place.
Pegboard With Mounted Bins and Holders
A pegboard filled with labeled bins brings order to small-parts chaos. You find fasteners, wrenches, and screws without any digging. This strategy helps every shed owner keep projects moving and the workbench clear.
Overhead Ceiling Storage Loft
A ceiling loft creates extra storage for bins and boxes you use less often. The lower area stays clear for gear you grab daily, while seldom-used items remain accessible but out of the way. An overhead loft is a classic shed organization trick that always works.
Multi-Use “Catch-All” Bin by the Door
A large catch-all bin by the shed door gathers boots, gloves, and stray tools as you come and go. You don’t have to hunt for scattered items, and the entrance stays neat. Every organized shed needs a simple place for daily drop-offs.
Hanging Baskets for Gloves and Small Tools
Wire baskets fill this wall, each holding garden gloves, small hand tools, and spools of twine. Everything remains visible, so nothing gets lost in the mix. A soft light from above adds a cozy touch. This setup in the shed brings order to busy corners and creates a welcoming work area.
Garden Chemical Safety Locker
A bright green locker stands firmly against the shed wall. The bold label sends a clear warning about the contents inside. Hazardous materials stay away from daily tools and supplies. With this locker in place, the space feels safer and more organized.
Freestanding Shelving Units
Bins rest on sturdy open shelves, and every container shows its label at a glance. Each item remains separated, which keeps searching to a minimum. Supplies fill the racks but never look messy or out of place. The result is a shed storage wall that stays practical and clean.
Folding Utility Table on Hinges
A wooden tabletop lowers to create instant workspace, then lifts flat against the wall after use. Pots, tools, and watering cans find their places on shelves above. Metal brackets give the table extra strength. Even tight garden sheds gain more function with this design.
Fishing Gear Organizer Wall in the Shed
Fishing rods stand in neat rows beside matching reels and tackle boxes. Labeled bins along the bottom help keep hooks and lines in order. Each item stands ready for the next trip to the water. The wall turns a favorite hobby into a centerpiece for the shed.
Door-Mounted Organizer Racks
A brown rack covers the inside of the shed door, and deep pockets hold spray bottles, gloves, and small gadgets. Wire baskets at the base hold larger tools and seed packets. This clever use of door space brings supplies closer to hand. No inch of storage goes to waste.
Dedicated Potting Station
A dedicated potting station creates a focused space for repotting plants, mixing soil, and storing seeds. Trays for soil, neat stacks of pots, and labeled bins for tools all encourage a sense of order. Morning sunlight brightens this corner and makes every gardening task easier. You may find your shed feels less cluttered when each supply has a set place.
Custom Workbench With Storage Drawers
This workbench brings order to busy sheds by offering a home for every tool and accessory. Drawers and cubbies hold wrenches, pliers, and gardening shears out of sight. Sturdy wood construction stands up to heavy use through every season. Even on hectic days, it becomes easier to find what you need right away.
Compact Folding Chair Storage
Efficient use of vertical wall space lets you tuck away folding chairs without taking up valuable floor area. Chairs stay grouped together and remain within easy reach for gatherings or garden work. This solution prevents a jumble of legs and seats along the ground. You can always grab the right number of chairs in seconds.
