Has your green thumb turned into a Hulk-sized monster? If you don’t have space in your home for the planters, potting soil, germination stations, and other tools needed to properly create and maintain your outdoor areas, it’s time to consider investing in garden equipment storage.
Now what do we mean by garden equipment storage?
If you’ve got money and square footage to burn, your garden tool storage could be a shed in your backyard. These sheds range from extremely high-end (think custom-built with windows and doors aplenty) to more basic “set and forget” options. There’s also self-storage, which can be a great option if you are looking for a low-commitment, low-cost space to secure your items.
If you’re deciding between a shed or unit for garden tools and other outdoor supplies, read through our guide below to make your choice easier. We’ve done the dirty work of collecting and analyzing the top outdoor garden tool storage ideas to make this growing season the best yet.
Assessing Your Storage Needs: Shed or Unit for Garden Tools?
The first step to take in your journey towards better garden tool storage should be straightforward: creating a comprehensive list of everything you need or want to store today and may want or need to in the future. Think buckets, soil, wheelbarrows, rakes, trowels – you get the picture. Make a special note if anything needs climate-controlled storage, especially if you live in an area with extreme shifts in weather.
Once you’ve got your list in hand, you will need to assess the available options for garden equipment storage. Keep scrolling for our top tips on how to decide between a shed or unit for garden tools.
Garden Shed for Specialized Storage
You might consider a garden shed for your equipment as an unnecessary expense. In fact, you might have a garage or basement that “does just fine” for the moment. But any serious gardener can tell you that investing in proper storage extends the lifespan of your items and, frankly, makes your hobby a lot more enjoyable.
Dedicated Garden Equipment Storage
It makes sense to be tempted to jam your supplies into an area of your home that is already being used for storage. But there are many advantages of having a dedicated area for garden tool storage, including keeping the rest of your items free from the dirt and debris that goes hand-in-hand with gardening. Additionally, a well-organized gardening shed will increase your overall efficiency and give you a very clear picture of what you have on hand – or need to acquire – at any given moment.
Outdoor Garden Tool Storage Ideas
When it comes to backyard sheds, there are a lot of choices on the market. You can buy prefabricated or build custom. You can choose wood for a classy, traditional look or metal or plastic for long-lasting, low-maintenance features. Before purchasing, you’ll want to make sure to sketch how you want to organize your garden shed. This will help you figure out the space you need and identify any necessary add-ons (e.g., shelves, pegboard, etc.).
Storage Unit for Versatility
While it’ll never be as convenient as something in your backyard, a storage unit can offer a number of advantages over a garden shed. With a storage rental, you won’t have to worry about pests, swings in temperature, or ongoing maintenance. You also won’t have to lay out a large amount of cash to quickly get the garden tool storage of your dreams, as most units are rented on a monthly basis.
Flexibility of Storage Units
The main advantage of a storage unit over a garden shed, however, is flexibility. If you decide to buy new equipment or radically downsize your tools one day, it’s easy to scale the square footage to your needs. With a garden shed, not so much. Make sure to book a unit with drive-up access if you plan on moving anything cumbersome.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Use a Shed or Unit for Garden Equipment Storage
While you’re pondering how to best store and access your garden items, you’ll want to consider the following factors:
Climate Control and Accessibility
While garden sheds may trump self-storage in terms of immediate accessibility, they likely won’t be able to offer the same protection from extreme weather. Over time, your tools and equipment t will take a beating from the freeze/thaw and low/high humidity cycles.
Cost and Maintenance
Building or buying a premade garden shed will require a big upfront payment – as well as ongoing maintenance. Self-storage, on the other hand, is generally rented month-to-month and needs zero maintenance.
Aesthetics and Local Regulations
If you live in a community with an HOA or other strict regulations, you will have to make sure your garden equipment storage shed is properly designed and permitted. You may even have to pour a concrete slab to set it on, though most municipalities will let you get away with a gravel base.
Questions to Ask
When deciding between a storage unit or backyard shed, make sure you have a good handle on the answers to the following questions:
1. What size storage shed do I need?
2. What is a good size for a garden shed?
3. Are there trustworthy shed or storage providers in my immediate area?
4. Will I need to hire a contractor or handyman to put up the shed?
5. What will be required in terms of ongoing maintenance?
6. Where can I find storage near me?
Reading blogs like this – as well as other similar pieces – is a good start, but you must take your individual circumstances into consideration. Be realistic about what you can afford, how much space you’ve got, how much space you need, and how long you plan on living in your current home. Both garden sheds and off-site self-storage can be awesome choices; it truly depends on you and what you need and want in both the short-term and the long-term.
