Scissors hanging up on a rack in a shed

There are numerous creative and practical ways for providing storage solutions for sheds. A small shed can be turned into the ideal outdoor storage space for all the garden and landscaping needs of the homeowner.

The following ideas are suitable and practical for just about any small shed. In fact, the homeowner can save a great deal of time and energy when the garden or tools shed is well organised. Having an outdoor storage area that is organised can also save money. However, when the small shed is in disarray, the homeowner cannot find everything readily and therefore may end up purchasing items that may already be in the storage area but may be misplaced. Check out these 25+ tips for an organised storage shed.

Editor’s Note [15.12.23]:

Our original guide to ideas & clever storage solutions for small sheds was first published in January 2017. Today's update is extensive with new tool storage sections about cup hooks, garden tool racks, pegboards, and tool rolls. We have sub-analysed the shelving ideas into new sections for corner shelves, freestanding shelving units, suspended shelving units, wall-mounted shelves, and under-shelf baskets. We also added some new clutter-busting solutions, taking this post to 25+ storage solutions for sheds, including small shed shelving ideas. As well as these new sections, we have also made numerous enhancements for readability and enjoyment throughout the guide.

a photo took through the open doors of an apex shed showing shelves insidea photo took through the open doors of an apex shed showing shelves inside

Small garden shed storage ideas

Listed below are some small garden shed storage ideas we strongly recommend you consider. In total there are seven groups of ideas and 25+ storage and shelving ideas, so read on to learn how to maximise shed space in your small shed.

1.    Hand tools should be kept handy

Here are some great ideas to keep garden tools handy and in reach:

A Tall Small Pent Storage Shed filled with ToolsA Tall Small Pent Storage Shed filled with Tools

Cup hooks for small items

Super handy, these tiny hooks are perfect for hanging keys, scissors, or anything else that is small and often lost. Easy to Install, with just a few twists you have instant storage with no fuss. Use unused spaces, as cup hooks can go under shelves or in little nooks, using available space that would otherwise be wasted.

Garden tool racks

Say goodbye to that pile of rakes and spades in the corner, or maybe buy a model on wheels. A garden tool rack keeps everything in one spot, so you can grab what you need without digging through a heap. It is all about making your outdoor shed look neat and keeping your power tools in good shape.

Pegboards for tools

Efficient and easy to use, pegboards are an ultimate hack for tool storage, letting you see everything immediately. With a customisable set-up, you can rearrange hooks and shelves to fit any tool, which is handy. By using wall space, you are keeping your floor clutter-free, making more room for activities. This storage ideal is particularly suited to garden workshops.

Sturdy tool hanger

On the inside of the shed door install a sturdy tool hanger. This is the best way to hang tools and make long-handled tools easily accessible, but while also placing them out of the way. The walls of the shed are then freed up to install shelves and a potting bench. We also sell a bicycle hanger, which fulfils a similar purpose.

A small spex shed with tools hung up on the far wallA small spex shed with tools hung up on the far wall

Tool roll

Compact and portable, tool rolls are great for keeping all your small tools together and they are easy to carry around. Wrapped up in a roll, your tools are protected from the elements and rust. There is no more rummaging through storage boxes, unroll it and there is everything you need.

2. Get hoses rolled up and hung up

Most homeowners who have worked in the garden have probably tripped over or got their feet tangled in the garden hose. The best way to get the hose out of the way when it is not in use is to purchase a large hook with a steep angle. Install the hook in the shed and wrap the hose around the hook to get the hose up off the floor of the shed. There will be no more tripping or getting tangled in a coiled-up hose.

Other hose storage solutions include:

  • Retractable garden hose reel - a retractable reel keeps the hose tidy and easy to use
  • Wall-mounted hose holder - keep that hose tidy and kink-free

3. Small shed shelving ideas

The type of shelving is important depending upon the style of the shed.  The unsung hero in the world of shed storage, garden shelves are not just about stacking storage; they are about making the most of your space and keep a tidy shed. From corner shelves turning dead space into prime storage to freestanding units you can shuffle around, there is a shelving solution for every shed dilemma. Read on for some exciting small shed shelving ideas:

Corner shelves

These turn awkward spaces into awesome spaces. Avoid wasted space with corner shelving. They are prime real estate and are a perfect snug fit for corners. These shelves help owners to maximise every inch of the shed. We feel these are also where style meets storage, not only do they store items, but they also add character too.

Freestanding shelving units

Your flexible storage friend, move freestanding shelves as you need. They are great because you can shuffle them around as your storage needs change, e.g., by season. A portable shelving unit is ideal for sorting out all your garden storage neatly and visibly. They are perfect for having your most-used items exactly where you can see them.

inside a shed with suspended shelving across the far wallinside a shed with suspended shelving across the far wall

Suspended shelving units

Install floating storage magic with suspended shelves, which give you that much-needed storage without eating up floor space. Out of the way, they are perfect for things you do not need every day but still want within reach. They make the shed feel more open, which is always a win in a small space.

a potting bench underneath a window in a sheda potting bench underneath a window in a shed

Wall-mounted shelves

This vertical lifesaver means the sky is the Limit, with shed wall storage. Wall-mounted shelves take your storage game to new heights, literally. They are not just practical; they are also a cool way to display your favourite tools or plant pots. Keep your shed floor clear for easy moving around or that impromptu garden project.

Under-shelf baskets

Also, do not forget about the sneaky extra space offered by under-shelf baskets. You can save space by easily sliding and storing under-shelf baskets and sneak in extra space where you least expect it. Convenient to use, just slide them under a shelf and you have extra storage with easy access immediately. These are real clutter busters and are great for all those small items and small stuff that usually get lost during shed shuffles.

How do I retain daylight when installing shed shelving?

We are often asked this question, so here is our solution. For those garden sheds basking in natural light, a clever shelving solution is to opt for open-frame metal shelves (which could apply to several solutions above). These shelves not only offer sturdy storage, but their open design allows daylight to filter through unobstructed, brightening up every corner of your shed. This maximises the use of external daylight, ensuring even the smallest items tucked away are easy to spot and reach, enhancing both the functional space and visibility in your sunlit shed.

4. Avoid clutter

The inside of outdoor storage sheds is not generally seen by anyone outside of the homeowner who does the gardening and upkeep of the landscape. Furthermore, the tools and garden equipment are not generally used daily. So, it becomes very easy to just toss tools onto shelves or even onto the floor when finished with them. The shelves are there for a reason; to help with organisation.

Stackable and wall-mounted bins

Instead of just piling tools on the shelves, where they end up in a different place and/or position after every use, purchase some plastic or metal bins that will fit on the shelves. Why not level up with stackable bins? They are building blocks for adults, super fun and mega practical, they let you build up your storage without taking up extra space.

These bins can even be labelled to ensure the tools end up in the same place every time. Or, if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, opt for wall-mounted bins. This is like having extra pockets on your walls, perfect for those smaller tools and bits.

a shed with a shelving unit insidea shed with a shelving unit inside

This will make the tools easier to find and will add to their longevity since they are less likely to get damaged from a fall from the shelf to the floor. Plus, these bins are a great way to keep your shed looking tidy and organised.

Other clutter-busting storage solutions for sheds

We can also tackle shed clutter with some smart and savvy storage solutions. Here are a couple of neat storage ideas that will transform your shed from a jumbled mess to an organised shed space:

  1. Tall, narrow storage units - these are the skyscrapers of shed storage and are perfect for squeezing into tight spots while giving you much-needed vertical space. It is like having your own mini storage tower, keeping everything organised and within easy reach
  2. Window box storage - who said window boxes are just for flowers? Pop them inside your shed and you have some nifty little storage units, perfect for seeds, small tools, or even your gardening gloves. It is a fresh twist on outdoor storage, adding a dash of garden design inside your shed

5. The use of magnetic bars is a great idea for shed storage

This is another way to organise garden tools such as pruning shears, trowels, and other metal gardening tools. It is important to choose a magnetic bar with a very strong magnet because metal gardening tools do have some weight to them.

6. Do not let smaller items like twine, thin wire, and/or rolls of string go missing

These are items that are readily used by gardeners and are sometimes the most difficult to find in a small shed lacking organisation. To remedy this problem, purchase simple toilet paper holders and mount them within the storage shed. Not only will the twine, wire, or string be easy to find, but it will also be easy to reach, unroll, measure, and cut.

7. Use a potting bench or fold-down workbench

Even in a small shed, making room for a potting bench can go a long way to tidying up the storage area. Since the potting bench is located inside the small shed, planting and re-potting container plants can be accomplished at any time. So, there is no waiting until the rain stops; potting can be done at any time.

a potting bench - Click HERE to viewa potting bench - Click HERE to view

We should also mention the magic of a fold-down workbench. It is a pop-up workspace that is there when you need it and gone when not needed. So, there is no waiting until the rain stops; potting can be done at any time. This fold-down wonder is perfect for those DIY moments or quick fixes, making the most of your space without cramping your style!

8. Other small shed storage ideas

As if all the above was not enough, we have more. The following six small shed storage ideas do not warrant their own individual section, but we mention them here as they are invaluable ways to maximise your storage space:

  • Ceiling hooks - your shed's ceiling space is prime real estate for storage. Whack some wall hooks up there and you have got the perfect spot to hang your bike or those bulky garden chairs. It is like a secret storage layer that keeps your floor space clear for more important things, like your wellies
  • Door racks - ever thought about the back of your shed doors? It is the perfect spot for some sneaky storage. Fit a rack on there and you have an instant home for all those small, fiddly items that always seem to disappear when you need them the most
  • Pull-out crates - picture this, heavy duty crates that slide out, making it super easy to grab what you need without turning the shed upside down. They are perfect for those things you are always reaching for, like gardening gloves or your favourite spade. Plus, they keep everything neat and tidy
  • Ceiling-mounted ladder storage - ladders are awkward, to store. Get them up and out of the way with some ceiling-mounted storage. This gives your ladder its own little loft, freeing up tons of space for more fun storage item
racks of climbing equipment inside a large reverse apex shedracks of climbing equipment inside a large reverse apex shed
  • Overhead loft area - if you have a bit of height in your shed, why not make use of it with a loft area? It is a top spot for stashing those less-used items, like seasonal décor or old paint cans. Although out of sight these storage items are still there when you need them
  • Bike pulley system - for all cycling enthusiasts with space-challenged sheds, a bike pulley system is a storage boost. Hoist your bike up to the ceiling and voilà, tons of free floor space and your bike safely stored away. It is like having your own mini garage in your shed

Buy Sheds Direct small storage video

If you are after some small storage solutions, take a look at our video below to see what we have to offer:

Conclusion

An empty shed is rare, so above we have brought you a whole treasure trove the best shed storage ideas and clever storage solutions to transform your small shed into a masterclass in organisation. From hooks that make use of every inch of ceiling space to pull-out crates that slide out like magic, every idea is about maximising your space without cramping your style.

Let us not forget those stackable bins and wall-mounted wonders, turning your shed into a clutter-free zone where everything has its place. With these small shed shelving ideas and small garden shed storage ideas, you are not just tidying up; you are upgrading your whole gardening experience. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to turn that chaotic shed into a sleek, organised outdoor space where every tool and trinket is just where you need it. Happy organising!

Contact methods

a rack of hanging scissorsa rack of hanging scissors

If you would like to speak to us about storage solutions for sheds our team are on standby. The Buy Sheds Direct team has expert knowledge of small shed storage ideas and can advise on areas including sheds to buy, shelving, accessories and much more. Contact us using these methods:

  • Phone - 0333 003 0514
  • E-mails – our contact form, is the way to send us emails
  • Text chat – our real-time text chat app is perfect for instant messaging