Need storage solutions for garden tools? Want to organize your collection of rakes, shovels and power equipment?
If you’ve got a junk-filled garage overflowing with clutter… you’re in the right place.
Outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with this problem. Garden tools and outdoor equipment accumulate quickly. But before you know it…
Mess.
But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
The right storage solution organizes garden tools with ease. No more stepping over untangled hoses or digging through clutter to find your secateurs. Instead, enjoy a tidy space that functions the way you want it to.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Garden Tool Storage Is Important
- Storage Solutions For Your Garden Equipment
- Choosing The Right Garden Workshop
- Organizing Garden Tools: Maintaining Your System
Why Garden Tool Storage Is Important
Okay…
Let’s talk about why storing garden tools properly is important.
Tool storage isn’t just about keeping things neat. Protecting your equipment should be priority number one.
Quality gardening tools aren’t cheap. When you leave them out in the elements, tools don’t last nearly as long.
Rain, snow, humidity and fluctuating temperatures can ruin expensive power equipment in a matter of seasons. Rust, rot, and wear can wreak havoc on costly equipment.
Tools aren’t the only thing that need protection, either.
According to the National Gardening Association, lawn and gardening activities are performed by 80% of American households. That number is at a five year high. The takeaway? Everyone wants garden tool storage.
As more households participate in gardening, the shed and outdoor storage market grows right along with it. In fact, the market sits at a whopping $7 billion dollars, and it’s only increasing every year.
Why?
Homeowners are beginning to learn that:
- Tools are easier to find when everything has its place
- Garage storage that protects their equipment prolongs the life of their investment
- Storage buildings and garden workshops increase home value
When homeowners begin browsing garden workshop buildings for sale they realize there’s more options than just storage sheds. Garden workshops are purpose-built structures that provide the perfect environment for your equipment. A good starting point would be to look at 1st Choice Leisure Buildings. 1st Choice Leisure Buildings is a UK-based design & build specialist, specialising in premium garden rooms, studios, and bespoke outdoor structures for style-conscious homeowners.
Storage Solutions For Your Space
You don’t need a colossal outbuilding to keep your equipment tidy.
When choosing storage solutions for your garden space keep the following variables in mind:
- Size of garden
- Amount and type of equipment you own
- Space limitations you may have
Ready to learn about your options? Let’s dive in…
Wall-Mounted Storage Systems
Ideal for garage storage and small outdoor spaces. Wall-mounted racks hold long-handled tools vertically for easy access.
Things that work great on wall systems include:
- Rakes
- Shovels
- Brooms
- Brushes
- Hose reels
- Pegboard storage for hand tools
The benefit of a wall storage system? Vertical space is almost always wasted. Accessible wall storage allows you take advantage of that space.
Storage Cabinets
Ideal for power tools and smaller gardening equipment. Cabinets help secure equipment from theft and weather damage.
These are great for garages with power tools. Cabinets provide an added layer of security from would-be thieves. They also keep sharp tools and equipment away from kids and pets.
Garden Workshops
This is where it’s at.
The right garden workshop has it all. Storage, workspace, and protection from the elements. Many garden enthusiasts convert their garden workshops into everything from potting sheds to equipment storage. Hobbyists even use them for diy projects and woodworking.
What can you find in a quality garden workshop?
- Optional climate control features
- Room to move around for larger equipment
- Shelves and storage solutions
- Window for natural lighting
- Electrical outlets
The global gardening equipment market is expected to reach $136.45 billion by 2034. As homeowners continue to invest in quality tools, they’ll need somewhere to store them.
Modular Shed Options
Not sure how big you want or need to go? Try starting with a modular building.
These buildings can easily be added onto when you’re ready. It’s perfect for beginner gardeners that want the option to expand later down the road.
Deciding On Your Garden Storage Solution
Don’t choose your storage solution blindly. Take these tips into consideration before making a choice…
Evaluate Your Equipment
Be honest about how much equipment you have and how much you plan to keep stored. If you know you’ll be swapping out your mower every season due to wear don’t bother trying to find permanent storage.
Make a list of all the equipment you currently want to store. Include seasonal equipment you may not use year-round like leaf blowers or snow removal equipment.
Group your equipment by the following:
- How often you use the tool
- Size of tool
- Power considerations
- Will your equipment be locked up?
Plan For Expansion
Garages and garden tool collections tend to grow over time. That cute little shed in the corner might suffice for now…
But what about next year? Or five years from now?
Always leave room to grow. Planning for 25% more space than currently needed is recommended.
That way you’ll never feel cramped for space again.
Analyze Your Property
Don’t forget about homeowners association and zoning regulations. Some dictate the size structures you can build and where they can go.
Other things to consider:
- Is your grounds sloped? Drainage could be an issue
- How close is your power source? Will you need to run extension cords?
- Can your garage or garden workshop be easily accessed for delivery? Think about parking delivery trucks for large structures.
- Think about sunlight. You don’t want your structure sitting in direct sunlight all day.
Material Selection
Don’t underestimate material importance when housing your equipment.
Wood: wood storage sheds are classic. But they require periodic maintenance and provide better insulation.
Metal: metal buildings are durable and require less maintenance. The downfall? Metal gets hot during the summer.
Plastic/Resin: lightweight and affordable but not always as durable in high wind areas.
Composite: arguably the best of both worlds, but will cost you more.
Organizing Garden Tools: Maintaining Your Toolbox
This is the fun part.
You bought the garage storage of your dreams. Now it’s time to keep it organized.
Here’s the secret…
Maintenance.
Creating Zones
Assigning zones in your storage garage or garden workshop will make it easier to clean up. Long-handled equipment in one corner. Potting shed in another.
When everything has a dedicated space…it’s easier to put things back where they belong.
Cleaning Items Before Storage
Did you know wiping down your tools before storage can actually prolong the life of your equipment? Leaving dirt and grime on tools promotes faster rusting and decay.
Keep some rags and spray cleaner in your garden storage area. You’ll never forget to maintain your tools again.
Annual Audits
Once a season take time to audit your tools. Throw away broken items. Sharpen blades. Oil what needs to be oiled.
Taking care of your equipment prevents costly replacement down the road.
Label, Label, Label
This cannot be stressed enough.
You laugh now, but you’ll be thankful later.
Label shelves. Label bins. When in doubt…label it.
Proper Lighting
Ever spent 10 minutes digging through your garage looking for a tool. Only to realize once you find it you can’t see?
Outdoor workshops should be well lit. Spend the extra money for motion lights.
Time To Wrap This Up
Organizing your garden tools and equipment really can be easy.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to storage solutions. The size of your garden equipment collection and space you have available for storage will determine your ideal solution. Wall-mounted storage is perfect for beginner gardeners with smaller equipment collections. Those with green thumbs and larger collections of gear should look into a garden workshop.
Let’s review:
- Know what you’re storing before you shop for storage solutions
- Leave room to grow
- Pick building materials that will last in your environment
- Maintain your organizational systems
Investing in quality tool storage keeps gardening equipment organized and protects your investment. The more time your equipment spends safely stored away…the more time you have to spend gardening!
And isn’t that what we all want?
Happy gardening!
