How To Organise And Declutter Your Garden Shed

A garden shed can be a convenient storage space for garden tools, equipment, and other outdoor supplies. However, if left unchecked, it can quickly become a cluttered mess, making it difficult to find what you need when you need it. 

Clutter is not only an inconvenience, it can be harmful to your health with a host of injury possibilities and the introduction of mold, dust, rodents, and other potentially harmful hazards.

Organising and decluttering your garden shed can be a daunting task, but with a few simple steps, you can transform it into a tidy, functional, and most importantly safe space. Failing to keep your space tidy will also create unsanitary conditions.

Here’s how to get started.

Make an Inventory

Before you can begin organizing your garden shed, you need to know what you have. Start by making an inventory of all the items in your shed. This will help you determine what you need to keep, what you need to get rid of, and what you may need to purchase to help you better organize your space. 

Make a list of everything you have in your shed, including hand tools and electrical equipment like your cordless circular saws along with any other outdoor supplies. You can do this on paper or use a digital tool like a spreadsheet or note-taking app to keep track of your inventory.

Clear Out Any Clutter/Outdated Equipment

Decluttering your garden shed is an essential step in keeping it organized and functional. A cluttered garden shed not only looks messy but can also be a safety hazard. Around seven percent of Australian hospitalized injuries are attributed to power tools each year. A cluttered garden shed can increase the risk of injuries by making it difficult to move around and locate tools safely.

Clearing out any outdated equipment is also crucial for maintaining an efficient garden shed. Using outdated equipment can be dangerous and inefficient. Outdated equipment can result in decreased productivity, increased fuel consumption, and more maintenance and repair costs. By clearing out any outdated equipment and replacing it with newer and more efficient tools, you can save time, money, and energy in the long run.

Keep Your Workspace Clean

Cleaning your garden shed is not just about aesthetics, it’s also about maintaining a healthy and safe environment as poor indoor air quality can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and fatigue. If your garden shed is not properly ventilated or cleaned regularly, it can become a breeding ground for mold, dust, and other allergens.

In addition to health concerns, a dirty garden shed can also attract pests like rodents and insects. These pests can damage your tools, chew through wiring, and create unsanitary conditions. Rodents can be a serious problem and can eat insulation, wood, and wiring leading to thousands of dollars in repairs. 

The Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association reports that insurance companies receive about 200 rodent damage claims nationwide every year. By regularly cleaning your garden shed and keeping it free of clutter, you can reduce the risk of pest infestations and save money on repairs.

Assess Storage and Placement of Tools

Now that your garden shed is clean and clutter-free, it’s time to assess your storage options and placement of tools. Consider how you use your garden shed and what types of items you need to store. Do you need to hang tools on the wall, or do you need more shelves for storage? Would a pegboard be a good option for storing smaller items like hand tools and gloves?

Once you have determined your storage needs, it’s time to start organizing your items. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Group similar items together: Grouping similar items together can help you find what you need quickly and easily. For example, you may want to group all of your hand tools together or all of your lawn care equipment together.
• Use shelves and storage containers: Shelves and storage containers can help you maximize your storage space and keep your items organized. Consider using stackable containers to store smaller items like screws, nails, and bolts.

• Hang tools on the wall: Hanging tools on the wall can help you free up space on your shelves and make them more accessible. You can use hooks or pegboards to hang larger tools like rakes, shovels, and hoes.

• Label your items: Labelling your items can help you find what you need quickly and easily. Use a permanent label maker or sticky labels to label your storage containers and shelves and develop an organization system like keeping smaller parts in alphabetical or sequential order.

• Keep frequently used items within reach: Keep frequently used items like gloves, pruning shears, and watering cans within reach so that you can grab them quickly when you need them. This should especially apply to safety items like your first aid kit and fire extinguisher. Not being able to find them in an emergency could be catastrophic.

• Consider adding lighting: Adding lighting to your garden shed can make it easier to find what you need, especially if you need to work in your shed at night. LED lighting is a low-cost solution that will last for ages before you need to replace them.

• Create a designated workspace: If you use your garden shed as a workspace, consider creating a designated area for your workbench and tools. This will help you keep your workspace organized and tidy.

• Use the space above: Don’t forget to use the space above your shelves for additional storage. You can install hooks or shelves above your existing shelves to store items like pots, hoses, and other bulky items.

Organizing and decluttering your garden shed may take some time, but it’s worth it in the long run. A tidy and functional garden shed can save you time and energy by making it easier to find what you need when you need it. By following these simple steps, you can transform your garden shed into a space that is both organized and efficient.