Finding Your Perfect Storage Solution

With a little forethought, you can create a unique and useful storage solution that complements your home’s design. Storage sheds free a home from clutter by allowing you to store extra or unused household items.
Before storing items in you shed, make sure they’re protected against moisture and temperature changes. Steel-sided sheds are inexpensive but do tend to rust easily especially if you reside in a coastal area. Sheds made out of wood with or without vinyl siding are strong and construction much like your home.
Local regulations might dictate where a shed can be places, even on your own property so as not to detract from the appearance of the neighborhood. In addition, some sheds may have to be placed a certain distance from property lines or from other buildings.
Storage sheds, while utilitarian in nature, don’t have to have the appearance of such. The storage shed can be a structure to add character or a focal point to your landscape. There are many styles sizes and options available so get something that not only is useful but something that looks great in the backyard.
Don’t confine yourself to any particular style, as there are a ton of beautiful and creative designs to choose from with options like ramps, lighting maintenance free siding and other upgrades.
The thought process of that you actually intend to put in your storage shed is one of the most important. Thinking about this ahead of time will save any disappointments later. If the storage shed is too small this will lead to cluttering and frustration.
Also you may need to consider the items that you intend to purchase later that you would want to add to the storage shed, and new patio set or a snow blower that will need its own storage space.
There are certain elements of a storage shed that you’re going to want, regardless of its overall style. If it’s truly going to be used for storage it needs to be functional. This always starts with making sure it’s big enough for its intended use.
Take note of all times you’re going to want to store, and then take some wooden stakes and string and go in the backyard and physically stake out the size you were thinking of. With you stakes in the ground walk around the space and imagine where things might go.
Don’t forget about shelving and overhead storage space. Many sheds come with the option of loft type storage that will make the utmost of your space. Is the size you’re thinking of going to work for what you need? If not, think bigger in size until it does.
Security can also be a concern if you’re going to be storing valuables in your storage shed. Make sure you select appropriate doors and windows. Locking windows and doors make things far more secure as does lighting – motion detection.
If you have a home alarm, speak to your alarm company about adding the storage shed to the existing security system, it’s easy and costs very little.
You’re going to want to be able to move around and find things in your storage shed, so make sure you add elements like a loft, shelving and hanging hooks. We all know the frustration of not being able to find what we are looking for, so implementing things that will make it easy is crucial.
Often the things we need to store are seasonal, you really won’t need the lawnmower and snow blower at the same time so seasonal items should be grouped together for easier accessibility. Sometimes even the smallest details thought about ahead of time can make things so much easier in the future.
If you do this from the design stage, it’s going to be a whole lot easier to keep things neat and tidy. If your shed is large enough, consider partitioning the space to create zones. Christmas items, bikes, lawnmowers, patio sets, can all have their own sections, making finding and getting to things much easier.
Multiple or double doors can also make things easier to get to, and find. For more information, call 609-884-3381 and ask for Amy.
—Submitted by Amy Litton, Seashore Sheds and Gazebos.