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The end of summer and beginning of autumn are always good times to tidy up your outdoor space, whether it's sorting out old tools you no longer want, finding a new home for your wellies and garden shoes or thinking about where you're going to store your furniture cushions.
Of course, if you have a garden shed, you can add shelves, tool racks and other accessories to save space and conserve maximum floor space, encourage you to compartmentalise things and make it easier to locate what you need.
So what are the options if you have limited space?
Smaller garden sheds
If space is limited, there are sheds that can store tools, gardening shoes and wellies. They often have shelves for storing smaller hand tools, balls of string and other small gardening items.
Multifunctional space savers
“We love using multi-functional storage items that not only enhance the overall look of a room, but also help keep the space looking its best,” say Gemma Lilly and Charlotte Reddington, founders of Style Sisters, specialising in home and wardrobe detoxes.
“A bench with hidden storage is the ideal place to store a variety of items, from outdoor cushions to children’s toys,” they suggest.
Small garden containers are ideal for storing essential items such as small tools that you use frequently, they add.
Storing pots
There are novel ways to store plant pots, suggests Bex Lund, co-founder of YardArt UK, which produces creative artwork for outdoor spaces.
“Wall planters are usually installed on walls or fences in outdoor gardens, but can also be placed on the side of a shed to display and store smaller pots of flowers or herbs, freeing up floor space.
“Not only will this clear up the ground in your garden, but it will also add an interesting vertical touch to your outdoor space. These stands come in different styles, from simple metal stands to more elaborate wooden or ceramic designs, so you can choose something that will suit your garden aesthetic.”
Shelves for boots
If your back door (or front door, for that matter) is littered with wellies and garden shoes, throw out any that are leaky or have become worn out by years of exposure to the elements and place your favourites neatly upside down on the wellie rack so you don't trip over them.
“A stylish boot rack made of galvanized metal or treated wood near the entryway keeps shoes organized while adding a rustic, chic feel,” says Lund.
Solutions for garden cushions
If you have a large garden set and don't want to store the cushions in the attic in winter, a waterproof storage box is probably the only solution. But make sure it's as invisible as possible, by placing it on the side of your house or under a window, where it won't be immediately visible.
“Special cushion storage bags and boxes are designed with the sole purpose of protecting your cushions when not in use, preserving their quality and enhancing the aesthetics of your garden by combining functionality and style,” says Mairi Devlin, Outdoor Manager at B&Q.
“Some garden furniture sets offer built-in storage compartments, providing convenient and secure protection for cushions, which are just as effective as special bags and boxes,” he continues.
“Before you start looking for a place for them, you might want to invest in some vacuum-sealed bags,” advises Vlatka Lake, storage expert at self-storage operator Space Station.
“Not only will these protect your furniture from moisture, dust and pests, but they will also help you save valuable storage space by keeping clutter and bulky items to a minimum.
“Once you’ve done that, find a dry, cool, dark place, such as a shed, garage, or indoor storage room, and place the sealed items on shelves or pallets that don’t touch the ground. This helps protect them from potential water or animal damage.”
Garden furniture
Garden furniture has come a long way, with garden benches, seats and tables designed to accommodate cushions and other soft furnishings.
There are also more weather-resistant materials available, but to keep things tidy, invest in a good cover that fits your furniture and can be easily protected during the winter. Stackable chairs that can be covered are also a space-saving option.
Hiding toys
Lund says: “For storing garden toys, low-profile wooden benches with hidden compartments work wonders. Not only do they provide extra seating, but they also keep things tidy.”
“When it comes to storing garden toys, a patio box is a practical solution,” suggests Lake.
“These durable containers can hold a surprising amount of clutter and are usually made of plastic or resin that makes them waterproof – perfect for hiding items, whether it’s a tricycle or a pair of tennis rackets.
“Their small size also makes them a great option for those who want to teach their little ones to tidy up, as children can put them straight back into the box once they’re done playing.”
Organizing the shed
“Garden sheds are typically among the most cluttered spaces in any home and quickly become filled with tools, appliances and miscellaneous items.
“To keep your floor clutter-free, it’s important to consider what storage solutions can be implemented in your shed. Installing hooks or magnetic tool holders on the walls of your shed frees up much-needed floor space,” says Devlin.
“Similarly, depending on the size of your shed, you can also use freestanding shelving to help keep the area neat and tidy. Essentially, by maximising vertical space, it becomes easier to keep a shed tidy and make room for floor storage bins – another great storage solution that can be used to compartmentalise smaller items.”
Store frequently used items, such as gloves and string, at eye level for easy access, suggests Darren Craven, furniture buyer at British Garden Centres.
For heavier items, like fertilizer or grass seed, opt for ground-level storage and place seasonal tools on higher shelves. Glass jars are perfect for organizing small hardware items, seeds or bird food, she adds.
