With the days getting longer and less touches of frost landing each morning, you might be thinking about spending more time in your garden.
As the thoughts of spring and summer's bloom are not far off, now is a great time to prepare for those busier days in the garden by showing your shed some love and getting it organised. A well-ordered shed not only protects your tools and equipment but also makes it easier to find what you need when spring rolls around.
Grab a brew, put on your gloves and wellies and let's get started!
Shed Storage Ideas
A cluttered shed can feel overwhelming and a struggle to find the right tool might put you off ticking off those all-important jobs.
Start by making the most of your shed's vertical space. Install shelves and hooks to keep items off the floor and create more room.
The RYOBI Link Modular System is a great way to fully utilise your space for your exact needs. This versatile and rugged system allows you to configure a range of storage options from shelves and drawers to organisers and even a bike hook.
You can easily adapt RYOBI Link to your specific needs and change your setup if those needs change (perhaps when building a swing set suddenly takes priority over the swanky bar!).
Think about what you use most often. If you're a keen gardener, keep frequently used items like trowels, secateurs and watering cans in readily accessible areas.
Declutter and Designate Spaces
Now for the ruthless part of shed organising! Take everything out of your shed and assess each item. Ask yourself: 'Have I used this in the past year?' If the answer is no, and you don't have a very good reason to keep it, then donate, recycle or dispose of it.
Once you've decluttered, think about how you want to use your shed. Do you need a space for potting plants or DIY repairs? Would you like a dedicated area for storing seeds and plant labels?
Create zones within your shed for different purposes: a gardening zone, a DIY zone and a sports equipment zone – whatever you need. This will make it much easier to find what you're looking for. Use storage bins to keep smaller items organised and label everything clearly. You can even add pictures to the labels if that helps identify things more quickly.
How to Organise Tools in a Shed
At some time in life, most of us will have been the type to chuck tools into a bag or box and forget about them until they're next needed. Then, when it's needed, cue a frantic rummage around said bag or box while saying "I know it's here somewhere!".
Well, it doesn't have to be that way, thanks to the RYOBI Link Modular System. This innovative solution has a hook, box or shelf for just about anything. Let us worry about the tool shed layout ideas for you.
RYOBI Link Shed Organisation Solutions
- Small tools: For smaller tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, scissors or even safety glasses, the Screwdriver Hook is the perfect solution for neat storage of multiple items. Use the clear Parts Organiser to keep things like screws, nails and fixings neat.
- Long-handled tools: Consider the Small Hook or Large Power Tool Hook to keep longer-handled tools such as spades, shovels, rakes or brooms neat and tidy. These can also be used for long-handled power tools such as Grass Strimmer’s and Brush Cutters.
- Power tools: Storing power tools in their original cases keeps them dry and prevents rust and corrosion. If you're using the Link system, the Tool Hanger Shelf is specially designed to house power tools like drills and drivers neatly. If you need additional storage for your smaller power tools, the LINK Small, Medium, and Rolling Toolboxes provide the extra space required to keep them organized and secure. Add the ONE+™ Battery Shelf to keep your batteries in order too.
- Other shed items: No prizes for guessing what Bike Hooks can be used for on the Link system, while XL Multi-Purpose Hooks are sturdy enough to support ladders and other bulky items.
All of this organisation is made possible because of the RYOBI Wall Rails. These rails are the heart of the system, giving you the flexibility to customise your storage however you like. They’re designed for super easy installation, with pre-drilled visible mounting points and a solid, durable construction that’ll hold up to whatever you need, indoors. Plus, the system features interlocking technology, so you can easily add as many rails, hooks, or toolboxes as you need to really make it your own.
Maintaining Your Tools
Before storing your tools for winter, give them some TLC. Clean dirt and debris from your garden tools and sharpen ones for cutting like shears and secateurs to ensure they're ready for next year. Treat wooden handles with linseed oil to prevent drying out.
Follow power tools' manufacturer instructions for maintenance and storage. Remove batteries from cordless tools and store them separately in a cool, dry place. Don't store batteries on a charger as this can sap their power in the long run.
Winter-Proofing Your Shed
A damp shed can damage your tools and equipment, especially when cold snaps can bring damaging frosts. A well-ventilated shed will keep condensation at bay to counter this. Install vents or simply leave the door slightly ajar on dry days. Check the roof and walls for any damage and repair promptly to prevent leaks. If you are patching up the roof or walls, you may be able to add some insulation at the same time to protect your belongings from frost damage.
Don't forget about pests! Mice and rats love to seek shelter in sheds during the winter months. Block any holes or gaps that they could use to enter. Keep the shed floor clean and tidy to keep your items out of nibbling reach. Avoid storing food or birdseed in your shed as the scent will attract more vermin.
Enjoy the Benefits of our Shed Storage Ideas
If it's an afternoon or even an entire weekend, taking time to organise a shed can transform yours from a chaotic dumping ground into a well-organised and functional space.
It will make your gardening life easier come spring, as well as speed up any DIY jobs over the winter while helping to prolong the life of your tools and equipment.