Garden storage ideas to keep your outdoor space in order

Need some garden storage ideas? Any keen gardener will tell you that whatever the size of your garden, keeping things preened and looking amazing requires a huge assortment of garden tools. They will also tell you that all the tools and garden accessories that have been accumulated over the years need homes to go to at night and protection from the bad weather. There's nothing more satisfying than knowing that everything is safe and in its own place, whether it is your trusted lawnmower, logs for your fire, or garden bins.

Luckily, there are plenty of garden storage ideas and solutions these days that are stylish as well as functional. From larger garden sheds to bike stores that all serve a specific purpose. In this guide, we'll take you through all the different types of garden storage and share our favourite examples to suit your budget and garden style.

Perhaps, you're thinking: what to think about when buying garden storage? Well, we have some ideas. First, assess the size of your garden or outdoor space. From vast country gardens to courtyard city gardens, every space will allow for different-sized storage, so it is important to think about what will fit. Make sure you evaluate and measure before deciding to splurge on a big project like a shed or greenhouse. With that, remember to be practical. If you lack space, go for some multifunction storage instead of a big shed that you might not be able to fill.

Garden storage ideas at a glance:

• Best value wooden shed: Argos Mercia Wooden Overlap Garden Shed - View on Argos
• Best storage box: Lifetime 6 x 3.5 ft Heavy Duty Plastic Storage Box - View on Amazon UK
• Best durable wheelie bin storage: Bellus Double Wheelie Bin Storage - View on Wheelie Bin Storage Direct
• Best storage rack: House Of Home Tool & Garden Storage Rack - View on Amazon UK

Lastly, we recommend thinking outside the box. After all, getting creative with your outdoor space will do wonders. Instead of a larger storage unit or shelves, you could invest in potting tables with drawers to store more things out of sight. The same goes for inside your shed, using peg boards and hooks will transform a smaller space and will make room for all the fiddly bits (string and screws, for example). All of this - and more - with the best garden storage ideas...

Garden Storage Ideas

Garden sheds

Garden sheds are an outdoor essential, especially if you love to be organised or have a lot of excess stuff that you need to store. Sheds are great for storing and organising just about anything, from seasonal furniture and accessories like BBQs and sun loungers to, of course, all your gardening tools. The best sheds will keep all your outdoor accessories protected and safe all year round from bad weather and any little animals that may venture into your garden during the night.

They are typically a large size (enough to stand up in), made of wood and weather-proof. As per usual, the price is determined by the materials used and the size. Plastic and metal sheds will be more budget-friendly, whereas hardwoods like timber are more expensive.

Storage boxes

If a classic shed isn't what you're after, a smaller and more practical version to help keep your garden tidy would be a storage box. Storage boxes are durable and reusable containers that house all sorts of different items. They're available in many different sizes and will protect all sorts of things - from cushions to pool floats.

Garden storage bench

If you're after a multifunctional storage solution, we'd recommend a garden storage bench that is built for a dual purpose - to relax on and to store things away.

Perfect for smaller gardens and patio spaces, storage benches combine comfortable seating with hidden storage, makes for a great space-saving solution for small gardens. They often fit two or more people with plenty of room underneath the seat to keep cushions or tools hidden out of sight.

Wheelie bin storage

Bins and rubbish are a fundamental part of every household, but when you are making your front and back garden look lovely, hiding them away is a much-preferred option. Wheelie bin storage units are specifically designed to tuck your recycling bins away neatly and securely. There are also some storage units that can multi-task, doubling up as log storage or a handy shed space for storing gardening tools for a spot of weeding.

Wheelie bin storage needs to be sturdy, as it will have to withstand harsh weather all year round - from blistering heat in the summer months to snow and rain in the winter. Modern Gardens contributor Geoff Hodge says, "Most stores are made from timber, which has a rustic charm, looks smart and fits in with cottage garden and traditional garden styles."

Some more great advice, "Always check the store dimensions to suit the size of your bin (before buying), most bins are 240L."

Garden log stores

Garden log stores are popular, with those lucky enough to have open fireplaces and stoves in their homes will likely stocking up on dry wood to get them through the winter months. They're not only used in winter either, as many choose to use wood for BBQs and firepits. The more dry wood we use, the more we find piles of wood building up inside the home, which is why many choose to bulk-buy wood and use a more cost-effective storage solution to store wood.

They are typically made of FSC-certified wood (such as pine or larch) that is treated to prevent rot and dampness. They normally have a raised platform, a roof and two sides in order to be able to stack wood. Some garden log stores have lids and covers and can also be made of steel or metal.

Toolshed storage

Garden sheds are empty vessels that can easily become full and cluttered if you're not savvy with your space. This is where tool shed storage comes into play, as you can make use of the walls with shelves, boards and hooks. Pinterest is full of ideas for savvy space storage, but we've chosen a few of our favourites.

Greenhouses

Garden greenhouses- typically made of glass and wood or steel - are like a warm cosy environment for your precious greenery, giving them enough light and warmth to grow without facing the tough UV rays or unpredictable British weather. Perfect for jungle plant enthusiasts and those who love taking cuttings and repotting plants. They come in all shapes and sizes, and there are so many to choose from.

They can start anywhere from £30 to over £10,000 depending on what you buy and design, so there's a lot to think about before choosing to invest.

For instance, plastic, steel, and wooden frames can be cheaper if they're smaller in size, but they may not be as sturdy if you buy them so cheaply. On the other hand, you can spend lots of money on a specially designed greenhouse with doors and windows, but you may find this isn't necessary for your budget or how much use you'll get out of it.

Garden potting tables

If you haven't got the room for a greenhouse or a shed, you can make gardening tasks so much easier with a potting table and have some room for extra storage.

Designed to comfortably suit a standing person, much like a kitchen counter, a potting table should have a large surface area for you to work at and storage for all your gardening essentials. This could include shelves for your pots and compost bags, drawers for seeds, string, labels, and hooks so you can quickly grab your tools.

FAQs

Any shed organisation tips?

If you want to make the most out of your new shed, we have some tips on how to keep things in order.

First, empty your space by taking everything out of your previous storage. Start from scratch. Lay everything out on the lawn if you have to. It will give you a clean slate, a better perspective on what you own and here, you can reorganise everything with plenty of space.

Next, use storage shelves or boxes - as chances are, the space will become messy over time. Luckily, simple shelving and wall units will make a huge difference to your garden storage. Ensure that all your most-used items are in an easily accessible spot to avoid moving things around and creating a mess.

Lastly, hang items to save space - which is another great way to make the most of your space. Whether hook, pegboards or tool hangers, wall storage is ideal if you're lacking space. you can easily attach hooks, hangers, and strips to the inside of your shed door, too. It keeps the sharp and dangerous away at a height away from curious fingers.

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Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, A Modern Kitchen, Yours and Take A Break. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands including John Lewis, Daily Mirror and Grazia. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle.