It’s been months in the making, but we finally have our new shed! We’ve been planning this since we moved into our house 6 months ago but to actually see it (and store things in it) feels like a dream come true.
I know, it sounds like a little TOO much enthusiasm for a shed, but hear me out. Sheds are just pure awesome.
Why are they so great you ask? Because they can completely transform your storage situation by giving you…wait for it… more storage!
And they cost a whole lot less than adding additional square footage to your existing house.
Even better, they can be used for so much more than storage. Need a workshop? She Shed? Extra guest room? When you go with a wood shed, your options for customization are endless.
In case I haven’t convinced you, here’s why sheds are awesome for storage:
– Provide storage for lawn and garden tools
– Protected storage for patio furniture in the winter
– Keeps smells from gas powered equipment out of your garage
– Provide a place to keep bikes, toys, camping gear, sports equipment and all the other things you wish you didn’t have to store, but you do.
Now, shed storage isn’t perfect. I’m really picky about what types of materials I store in my shed since it’s not insulated or heated. I don’t store anything with delicate fabrics or materials. So, no sleeping bags, clothing, bedding or towels. I will store weather resistant fabric, like outdoor cushions and umbrellas, since they seem to hold up better in the heat and the cold.
Items that store well in a shed:
- Lawnmowers
- Yard tools – rakes, shovels, trimmers, spreaders
- Outdoor furniture
- Bikes
- Golf clubs
- Tools
- Camping gear
- Boating gear
- Yard chemicals
- BBQ gear
- Christmas lights
- Holiday decorations
- Yard games
- Wheelbarrows & wagons
And more. Really you could store anything that can handle being in a non-heated, non-air conditioned environment.
Shed buying tips:
Always buy the biggest shed that you can afford that will fit in your space. Go as tall as you can. You will never regret having the storage space.
Choose wood with all weather siding if budget allows. Plastic sheds are great, but wood sheds usually last longer, are watertight and customizable inside since you can build shelving and hang things directly on the studs.
Price shop. Google for local builders, check your local Home Depot and ask around. There are a wide range of prices out there, so you need to make sure you are getting the best price on a shed that fits your budget.
Use crushed gravel or pavers to create a level base. Landscaping bricks can create a weatherproof edging that holds the gravel in place and is preferred over treated lumber which can eventually erode.
Our new shed was built by a local company directly on a leveled crushed gravel pad. We were able to choose the style, dimensions, and shingle color. We paid extra to add the two windows, which was 100% worth it since they let in so much light. It did not come painted, so that’s something we will have to do this summer.
The dimensions are 10 feet by 14 feet, with 7 foot sidewalls. We went BIG and I love it.
Adding a shed to our newly landscaped backyard is seriously the cherry on top of a large (very expensive) backyard remodel. The need for a shed and LOTS of drainage is what initiated our yard project this past spring, so to see it complete just feels amazing.
I’ll share more pictures of our completed backyard and shed organization soon, since you better believe we started using it immediately after construction. Be sure to follow along on Instagram and TikTok for video updates and more organizing tips & tricks.
