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Small garden shed storage solutions

UsFourUsFour Posts: 49
in Problem solving
I have a very small garden shed 6' x 6' ish ....it has some shelves inside but I find they hinder storage of some items rather than make it easier to get to them. I think I am going to remove some of the shelves. I have no room for a larger shed. 

Just wondered what you used to store bought in compost and grit etc plus long handled tools. Needs to be cheap and easy to install as I don't do intricate DIY.

I also have a small freezer in there just to make things even more complicated !!

I know some people will just say .. go and buy some cheap plastic boxes with lids .... but I am sure there must be a better way as lids just get in the way IMO.

Thanks in advance.
UsFour 

The older you get, the more you realise that it is OK to live a life others don't understand.

Posts

  • GemmaJFGemmaJF Posts: 2,286
    Long handle tools, I have a piece of wood horizontally between the shed uprights, the tools drop in behind it.

    Compost and grit, that I could do with a solution for myself! It just goes on the floor and gets in the way. I do have a bench I made for potting, but I like to keep it clear for working on, rather than crowded with bags of compost.
  • young codgeryoung codger Posts: 543
    Get some plywood
    3/4" (18mm) thickness, about 2 feet (600mm) deep by just under the width of your shed-70 inches long? 

    Then fix this at a comfortable working height-about similar height as the kitchen worktop.

    You have then doubled your storage area on one side. You can fit large bags of compost on the floor underneath, and lighter items such as trays/plant pots  on top of the plywood you have fixed. The bags of grit will be fine outside.

    To visualise just think "greenhouse staging". You could even put another piece down one side and do the same.

    Preferably support the plywood with at least 2"x2" (50mmx50mm). Screw or bolt together don't use nails.

    One of the surfaces could be used as a work bench/potting up area.


  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I don't keep either compost or grit in my shed, just fold the top over and secure with a brick and keep it outside. For long handled tools, you can buy special metal clips for sheds which just need screwing to the horizontal wood supports on your shed wall. The tool handles are then just pushed into the clips to hold them in place. On the back of the shed doors, I have used old big cuphooks to hang a 12 pocketed canvas/plastic hanger thingy (like the ones for shoes) for smaller items. I find this invaluable for small hand tools, string, spray bottles etc.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If you don't have purpose made hooks for hanging, just put a couple of nails or screws in, and hang them from the handle. I use both methods  :)
    I also repurposed an old chest of drawers - just the carcase - to use as a potting bench. I have a small bedside chest underneath for odds and sods, plus room at the side for pots etc. Room for a bag or two of compost, although I often have it outside too, somewhere out of the rain. 
    I have brushes/brooms on the back of the door, done in the same way as for long handled tools, and an extra support half way down - just old bootlaces secured with a screw at one end. The other end loops across and over another hook. The saw is over the door - a similar method. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I keep grit and compost in their bags outside, sealed. Seems to be fine.
  • UsFourUsFour Posts: 49
    Thanks for all your suggestions. The problem with keeping bags outside is that I just don't have the room ... very small garden. Like GemmaJF's idea of a piece of wood horizontal between shed uprights for long handled tools. 

    Been looking at tubs to use for compost and grit .... found these 25 litre brewers tubs on amazon look good and strong for a good price and the reviewers state they can be stacked on top of one another. Work out at £9 each with lid and should go in a corner.

    https://tinyurl.com/yczvlrtm
    UsFour 

    The older you get, the more you realise that it is OK to live a life others don't understand.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Two possible thoughts - using standard, off the shelf, materials the attached is what I use to keep bits and bobs out of the way but easily accessible.  15" wide.  9" sides and 6" shelves to hold coffee jars, with 2.5" wire racks on the door holding emptied spice jars.  Also, if you have a birthday coming up, a collapsible 'Workmate' folding bench can be used in the shed or outside as required, but then hung up out of the way when not?
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