17 Shed Storage Ideas for Better Organization

17 Shed Storage Ideas for Better Organization

by — Andra DelMonico
Published on February 8, 2021
Updated on March 11, 2025

Your garage has limited storage space, and you’re quickly running out. You could keep your car outside, but that isn’t ideal. You need to develop a better storage solution for your tools and garden equipment that doesn’t require you to kick your car out. What you need is a shed.

This backyard storage solution gives you an additional workspace that can house all of your tools, yard care, and gardening supplies. Even if you aren’t the handyman or green thumb type, having a shed can give you the additional storage space that your home or garage lacks.

These shed storage ideas will get you inspired to build your own work shed in your backyard.

1. Bicycle Mini Garage Setup

Place your bicycle in the shed in a standing position. Secure your bicycle in the shed by using a sturdy bike stand or a floor-to-ceiling tension rack. This setup prevents your bike from tipping over and makes efficient use of your shed space.

Wooden shed with dark siding, a bicycle, and hanging lights next to a brick house with a small bush in the foreground — Source: @aleksaglancydesign via Instagram

Small corrugated metal shed with an open door, showing a bicycle and shelves inside, tools and a fire extinguisher are visible — Source: @noricohibino via Instagram

A wooden shed with bicycles, garden tools, a blue helmet, and large white planters inside — Source: @remade.modern via Instagram

Cluttered shed with bicycles, a lawnmower, various tools, and paint cans; shelves hold assorted items and a blue bag hangs from the ceiling

2. Install Wall Bike Racks

Mount a wall bike rack to save floor space. Choose a rack that allows for easy hanging and removal of your bicycle. This not only organizes the space but also protects the bike from damage.

A cluttered wooden shed with bikes, a pressure washer, shelves full of tools, and other various items stored inside

A cluttered wooden shed with shelves, assorted tools, cleaning equipment, a basketball, and several bicycles

3. Wall-Mounted Garden Tool System

Use a wall-mounted storage system with adjustable hooks and shelves. This method keeps your garden tools organized and easily accessible, turning your shed walls into functional storage space.

Wooden shed interior with hanging tools: rakes, shovels, baskets; buckets and boots on the floor; terracotta pots and wooden crates

A tidy garden shed with various tools on walls and shelves, including rakes, shovels, and gardening supplies — Source: @stevegiudici via Instagram

White shed with gardening tools on the wall, wicker chair, woven rug, metal bucket, basket, and a small cart in the corner — Source: @ourtraveledventures via Instagram

Garden tools and utensils hang neatly on a wooden wall inside a shed, next to an open white door leading outside — Source: @119houseonthehill via Instagram

4. Gardening Tool Pegboard

A pegboard is a versatile option for organizing gardening tools. Customize the layout with hooks and baskets to suit various tool sizes, ensuring everything has its place and is visually accessible.

A pegboard holding various gardening tools, scissors, colorful containers, and a can of WD-40 with a small shelf holding more items — Source: @29_and_the_lodge via Instagram

5. Handyman Tool Wall Storage

Set up a wall-mounted cabinet or panel for your handyman tools. Arrange them in order of use or size for quick access, and consider magnetic strips for smaller metal tools.

Wooden shed interior with scattered tools, hanging tarps, cans, tires, and various equipment on shelves and hooks; natural light filters in

Wall-mounted tools and supplies organized neatly on a wooden board in a workshop, including pliers, screwdrivers, and a hammer — Source: @scottydoocreations via Instagram

6. Garden Tool Corner

Dedicate a corner for your lawn mower and stack planters vertically on shelves. This not only saves space but also keeps the floor clear and the tools in good condition.

A small red and white shed in a forest, with open doors revealing gardening tools inside and a woodpile in the background

Green garden shed with white trim, surrounded by plants and tools, lantern on the left, shovel and rake propped against the wall

7. Firewood Outdoor Storage

Designate a dry, ventilated area in the shed for firewood storage. Use a simple rack to keep the wood off the ground and a cover to protect it from moisture.

A wooden shelter filled with stacked firewood, surrounded by trees with autumn leaves

A wood shed with stacked firewood inside, partially open door, and a log with an axe resting on it

A wooden shed in a forest holds neatly stacked firewood on a grassy surface, with trees in the background

A woodpile in a shed on a grassy field with a fence, trees, and snow-capped mountains under a blue sky in the background

8. Metal Shelves for Heavy Items

Metal shelving units are ideal for heavy items, as they are durable and can bear substantial weight. Position them strategically to maintain balance and accessibility in the shed.

Neatly organized shed with shelves of storage boxes, a pink bicycle, ladder, and yard tools against the back wall — Source: @designorganization via Instagram

Open shed with organized shelves holding bins, paint cans, and tools. Decorative heart garland hangs above — Source: @corners_of_jewels via Instagram

Inside a shed with shelves holding gardening tools, LED bulbs, a bucket, and various supplies; rakes and shovels are leaned against a wall — Source: @urbanshedconcepts via Instagram

9. Install Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a sleek way to store lighter items without consuming floor space. They’re perfect for smaller tools, gardening gloves, and other frequently used items.

Interior of an unfinished wooden shed with exposed studs, a window on the left, and two shelves on the back wall under a pitched roof — Source: @eagleridgebarns via Instagram

Neatly organized shed with labeled storage bins on wooden shelves, a workbench, and gardening equipment for efficient space use — Source: @love_create_thrive via Instagram

10. Overhead Space Shelves

Take advantage of the overhead space by installing sturdy shelves. This area is perfect for storing seasonal or rarely used items, keeping the lower space free for everyday tools.

Wooden shed wall with hanging tools: axes, hammers, ropes, and hooks; two tree stump seats in the foreground — Source: @meatwaterwood via Instagram

Rustic shed with wooden shelves, vintage decor, gardening tools, and overhead storage, creating a cozy and functional workspace — Source: @jimcharlier via Instagram

11. Cube Shelving Solutions

Cube shelving units offer versatile storage solutions. They can be used to categorize and separate different types of tools or gardening supplies for a more organized look.

Inside a shed with neatly organized tools, lawnmower, shelves with garden supplies, and an orange extension cord reel — Source: @viptidyuptime via Instagram

12. Sturdy Wooden Shelving Construction

Opt for robust wooden shelving that maximizes space utilization. Custom-fit the shelves to your shed’s dimensions to store a variety of items effectively.

Spacious wooden shed with built-in shelving and large windows, offering ample storage and natural light for an organized workspace — Source: @powersheds via Instagram

13. Add a Hook Rack For Garden Tools

A simple hook rack is an excellent solution for hanging garden tools. It keeps tools off the ground, preventing clutter and potential damage.

A cozy garden shed with tools on the wall, potted plants, a wicker chair and a chandelier, featuring wooden beams and soft pink walls — Source: @no.7_is_home via Instagram

14. Install a Shed Work Desk with Shelves

A work desk with built-in shelves serves as a multifunctional space for potting, repairs, or planning your garden layout, along with storage for tools and supplies.

Rustic garden shed with wooden shelves, pots, baskets, and gardening tools, creating a cozy and functional workspace for planting — Source: @tldawkins via Instagram

15. Full-Height Shelving

Maximize vertical space by installing shelves that extend from floor to ceiling. This approach helps in storing as many items as possible without crowding the shed.

Small shed with gardening tools, straw hat, paint cans, and shelves; nearby, potted plants on a wooden table framed by green leaves — Source: @119houseonthehill via Instagram

16. Smart Shed Organization

Implement a combination of shelves, racks, and bins for smart organization. Label the storage areas for easy identification and maintain a system where every item has a designated spot.

Open shed with shelves filled with tools and supplies, a mannequin on the right, tables holding various items, and trees visible outside — Source: @huewood via Instagram

Organized shed with various garden tools hanging on walls, including shovels and rakes; shelves hold baskets and garden accessories — Source: @aplaceforeverything.co_.uk_ via Instagram

17. Compartmentalize Tool Storage With Panels

Use slatted panels or compartmentalized storage units to segregate tools based on type or usage frequency. This system aids in maintaining an orderly and efficient shed environment.

Gardening tools neatly hung on a wooden shed wall, including shovels, rakes, and a broom — Source: @_welcome.to_.my_.garden_ via Instagram

How do I maximize my shed storage?

Look for ways to organize your shed better to maximize the space that you have available. Add adjustable shelving to the walls that you can customize to fit your changing storage needs. A pegboard is also useful because you can use it to hang and organize a wide variety of tools and bits.

What should you not store in a shed?

Don’t keep anything in your shed that’s delicate. Documents, jewelry, money, clothing, musical instruments, and food should not be kept in your shed. These are all items that will degrade with exposure to the changing temperatures, bugs and insects, and dirt. You also shouldn’t store anything that’s flammable, as this creates a risk of your shed lighting on fire.

How do you insulate a shed?

The simplest way to insulate a shed is by mounting an insulation board on the existing walls. Seal the gaps between the boards with a good sealant to prevent drafts. For more extensive insulation, use sheets of insulating batting that you unroll and place between the studs. Then cover with drywall or concrete board. This is thicker but is more effective.