Purchasing the perfect patio furniture for your outdoor space can be satisfying and exciting for homeowners. This is why keeping that furniture in great condition is so important. As we begin to prepare ourselves for the cold winter months, we must remember that there is more to do than decorate the house for the holidays.

Learning how to protect patio furniture during winter is necessary if you want to keep your furniture looking new and lasting longer. The sooner you make winterizing your outdoor space a part of your transition into the cold months, the more time and money you will save in the future. 

Skip Ahead:

• How To Store Patio Furniture Over the Winter
• Cleaning & Coating Outdoor Furniture Based On Material Type
• 3 Ways to Store Patio Furniture

How to Store Patio Furniture Over the Winter

Many people wonder what to do with patio furniture in the winter. Oftentimes, we think all we need to know is how to store patio furniture over the winter. However, there are steps that should be taken before you begin the storage process. Preparing your patio furniture for winter can be broken down into 3 steps:

1. Clean
2. Coat
3. Store

This process will vary depending on what material your outdoor furniture is made of. Properly preparing your winter patio furniture has many benefits in the long run. Doing this will allow your furniture to stay intact for years to come. 

Cleaning and Coating Outdoor Furniture Based on Material Type

The first step in learning how to protect patio furniture during winter is knowing how to clean it. There are multiple methods to use when cleaning your patio furniture, but each depends on the type of material it is made from. For example, after your furniture is clean, it may be beneficial to add a coat or sealant for certain materials. This will help protect your furniture from cold temperatures, as well as rain and snow. 

Wood Furniture 

Wood furniture must be sealed in order to keep moisture out of its cracks and ridges. If moisture seeps in, it may freeze when temperatures drop, causing the wood to crack. 

Using furniture oil and protective sealants can help prevent this from happening. Before applying sealants, it’s important that you thoroughly clean your furniture. To clean wood, simply: 

• Mix warm water with a couple of drops of an oil-based soap.
• Gently scrub with a soft brush or rag in the direction of the wood grain.
• Allow it to air dry or dry with a towel.

Once your wood furniture is dry, you can proceed to do any work to prepare for the Spring season, such as sanding, painting, or staining. This is also when you will add your furniture oil for wood or an effective wood sealant. 

Teak Furniture

While teak is a type of wood furniture, it requires some extra care when cleaning. It is more weather-resistant and durable, but oftentimes it attracts mold and mildew. To clean teak furniture correctly, follow the steps below:

• Combine 1 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water.
• Use a soft brush to scrub the wood. 
• Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
• Allow to air dry or dry it with a towel. 

After the furniture is dry, you can apply Linseed oil or Tung oil to keep your teak furniture in the best condition. 

Plastic Furniture

Plastic furniture can become brittle when exposed to freezing temperatures. Repeated changes in temperature wear down the plastic making it crack or break. Before storing your plastic furniture, follow these easy steps:

• Rinse off furniture with a hose.
• Mix ¼ cup of mild laundry detergent in a gallon of warm water.
• Gently scrub the furniture with a soft brush or sponge. 
• Rinse again, and allow to air dry or dry with a towel.

Make sure your plastic furniture is completely dry before storing. This will keep it ready for the Spring when it will make an appearance again. 

Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture can either be made of natural rattan or synthetic material (known as resin wicker). It’s important to know which material your furniture is made of because it will depend on how you clean it.  

Natural rattan wicker furniture needs extra care when washing because it tends to chip over time. True rattan should be washed as infrequently as possible to avoid any splintering or chipping. To wash, simply:

• Mix a few drops of mild oil-based soap in a gallon of warm water.
• Dampen a soft cloth and gently scrub the furniture.
• Use a spray bottle to lightly rinse the soap off. 
• Dry immediately with a soft towel. 

Synthetic or resin wicker is usually more durable because it has UV and weather-resistant coatings. You can clean this type of wicker by simply spraying it down with a hose. If it’s very dirty, you can follow the steps above. 

Aluminum Furniture

While it is mostly rustproof, aluminum furniture often contains holes to help drain water, which ends up allowing water to get in. This becomes an issue when winter temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing because the water inside will freeze and melt, making the frames weak. To clean your aluminum furniture properly and avoid this issue:

• Mix a few drops of mild laundry detergent with warm water. 
• Scrub your furniture gently using a soft brush, rag, or sponge.
• Allow to air dry or use a towel to dry. Make sure furniture is completely dry before storing.

After your aluminum furniture is dry, keep an eye out for any scratches. You can touch them up with paint, and you can apply a coat of wax for extra protection. 

Wrought Iron Furniture

Since wrought iron furniture is known to rust, you should not leave it exposed during the winter months. While some iron furniture has rust-resistant coatings, other elements such as bird dropping can also damage the coating because of their acidic properties. 

Before cleaning your iron furniture, use fine-grit sandpaper to remove any rust. Follow the steps below to make sure you’re continuing the cleaning process correctly.

• Mix mild soap with warm water.
• Scrub the furniture, wiping it clean of any rust residue.
• Allow to air dry or dry with a towel.

As you finish cleaning, you can touch up any paint scratches, as well as add a rust-neutralizer and thin coat of car wax for extra protection. 

Natural Stone Furniture

Most stones are porous, meaning they allow water to seep in. As temperatures freeze, the water will also freeze, causing cracks and fractures in the stone. The steps below will help you clean your natural stone furniture properly before you cover or coat it.

• Rinse the stone with water to remove any dirt.
• Mix a few drops of mild detergent with water. 
• Scrub with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Allow to air dry.

Once the stone is dry, you can apply a stone sealer to protect your furniture from stains, salt, and moisture seeping into its pores and freezing. 

Outdoor Fabrics

While outdoor fabrics are designed to be weather-resistant, they can still be damaged by rain, snow, and ice. To clean your fabrics before storing them:

• Mix ¼ cup of mild laundry detergent with 1 gallon of lukewarm water.
• Use a soft brush or rag to get out tough stains.
• Allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with a hose.
• Allow the fabrics to air dry in the sun and do not store until completely dry.

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing. Some curtains and removable covers can be machine washed in cold water. Make sure if you do machine wash any of your outdoor fabrics that you do not place them in the dryer. 

3 Ways to Store Patio Furniture in Winter 

Cleaning and coating are the first two steps in learning how to protect patio furniture during winter, but you must also figure out how you would like to store them. While some of the more durable furniture can be left exposed to the cold, it’s usually best to keep them protected. Here are three simple ways you can choose to do this. 

1. Plastic Wrap or Tarps

Plastic shrink wrap is an easy and common way to protect your patio furniture. You can either buy the plastic wrap and do it yourself, or you can hire a team to cover it for you. Keep in mind that plastic isn’t breathable. This means if water gets through it won’t have anywhere to escape. Mold and mildew are often a result of trapped water. 

Using a tarp, you will face the same breathability issue as the plastic wrap. The water that may enter won’t be able to evaporate. In order to avoid this, you will need to use multiple bungee cords or ropes to secure the tarp. Make sure you are not using too large a tarp either, otherwise it could catch air and blow off your furniture. 

2. Patio Furniture Covers

Patio furniture covers for winter ensure that rain, snow, ice, road salt, debris, and more will not ruin your outdoor furniture during the cold months. You also are able to leave your furniture in the yard making it easier and less of a hassle when preparing for winter. 

In order to avoid mold and mildew issues, choose a cover that is made of breathable fabric and includes mesh vents. Make sure your cover also has 1-2 inches of space between the bottom hem and the ground. Doing this will help airflow and allow any moisture to evaporate. 

Keep an eye on your furniture during the winter months, brushing off any snow or water build-up that appears on your covers. Pooled water has a harder time evaporating and proves to be more of a risk when it comes to mold and mildew. 

3. Indoors, Garage, or Shed

Bringing your outdoor furniture inside is not a necessity, but if you have room in your garage or shed, the extra protection won’t hurt. Even if you bring your winter patio furniture inside, you should keep some kind of covering on it. Doing this will keep it safe from water leaks and dust. There are simple steps you can take to winterize your shed, making it easier to use for storage in the cold months. 

It may require some effort, but properly protecting your patio furniture during the winter is worth it. By cleaning, coating, and storing it properly, you can prolong its lifespan and keep it looking like new. Additionally, it will make it easier for you to ready your patio for spring.

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Conducting regular swing set maintenance at the change of each season, especially before and after winter, is a great way to ensure optimal safety and play. It’s also one of the best ways to make sure your outdoor playset looks great and stays functional for many years to come. 

With spring in full swing and the kids playing outside more, it’s the perfect time to take another look at your swing set and check out any damage from the winter.

If you’re unsure of where to start, here are some helpful tips and tricks for inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining your outdoor swing set or play structure.

Protecting Your Swing Set Over the Winter

Before we dive into swing set maintenance, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your swing set even in the months it’s not in use. We recommend removing detachable parts, placing them in storage, and applying a fresh coat of sealant as you begin to approach winter. If you’re finding your garage short on the extra space, we wrote a blog on garage organization tips to help you get started.

You may also consider covering the swing set with a tarp/canopy to protect it during the colder months. This is especially important for a wood swing set, as it deters rot and allows you to restain the wood less frequently.

How to Inspect Your Swing Set

Before your kids start climbing all over the swing set again, conduct a thorough inspection of the entire structure. Pay special attention to the roofing, hinges, bolts, screws, ropes, cables, chains, and anything that could be a potential safety hazard. If you notice loose boards, fraying ropes, or rusting metal, be sure to address this ASAP.

If you put any of the swing set’s accessories in storage over the winter, be sure to inspect them when you go to reattach the parts. If you’re reattaching a slide, swing, or climbing wall, be sure to secure each piece with the appropriate bolts and screws. If you misplaced the bolts or screws from last year, just head out to your local hardware store and they’ll help you out.

How to Fix a Wooden Swing Set

It’s possible your wooden swing set maintenance may require a little more TLC than just a standard reassemble. Here are some of the top repair issues and our solutions for fixing them.

Choosing the type of wood is just as important as fixing them. If you want to learn more abut the best wood for outdoor swing sets, read our guide to playground lumber.

Repair Boards

Loose boards? No problem. Simply locate any loose boards, remove the screws, and place them in a different section of the wood. This redistributes the tension on the wood and can actually help straighten boards and planks that have warped slightly due to time and weather.

Remove Wooden Boards

If the boards are warped or splintered beyond a simple repair, remove them and replace them before allowing your kids to play on the swing set. If replacing wooden boards seems daunting to you, don’t stress about it! 

Locate the boards that need replacing and remove them one at a time with a power drill. From there, grab a quality set of wood screws and start replacing them one at a time.

Reassemble the Playset

Swing set maintenance may sound like a lot of work. But the more consistently you maintain your structure (about once a season), the less you’ll have to do at any one time. You can try working it into your yard work routine, even doing a quick quality check every time you mow the lawn or maintain the garden.

How to Clean a Wood Playset

After you’ve fixed any loose boards and reassembled your structure, the next step of swing set maintenance is cleaning. But before you tire of spring cleaning overload, we’ve assembled some tips below to get the job done quickly (and have a bit of fun doing it).

Power Washing a Swing Set

Power washing a swing set is a great way to remove any hard-to-clean build-up that may have accumulated over the colder months. If you opt for a power washer, just be sure to set the spray-wand to low and start with a PSI of 1300-1700. From there, you can adjust as necessary based on how much dirt your swing set has collected. You should also wear protective glasses to make sure dirt and debris do not get in your eyes.

You can also look for a power washer that has a no splashback hose so you can clean the swing set without getting your clothes all wet (unless it’s a hot day and you’re looking to cool off).

Stain and Seal

After you’ve washed your swing set and removed the dirt and grime, you’ll want to think about playset stain and sealer. Applying fresh stain and sealant at the correct times — after you’ve cleaned it and given it ample time to dry — helps your wooden swing set look as good as new for years to come.

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals of how to refinish a swing set, you want to make sure you prioritize consistency. We recommend restaining your wooden swing set about every 2-3 years and resealing the wood a little more frequently, about every 1-2 years.

Vinyl Swing Set Maintenance

If talk of the durability and low upkeep of vinyl swing sets piques your interest, you’re not alone. Vinyl swing sets are popular for their low maintenance and longevity. A vinyl swing set consists of vinyl-covered wood and is typically treated to prevent decay and insect damage.

How to Ensure the Safety of a Vinyl Swing Set

The one thing to look out for in a vinyl swing set is the condition of the wood underneath the vinyl, which can prove a little tough when you can’t directly see it. 

To inspect a vinyl swing set, you can test the sturdiness of the boards by carefully and gently placing your body weight across the entire structure. We also recommend applying force across each part of the structure with your hands, attempting to move and shake each section.

If your vinyl swing set passes the sturdiness test, then you should be good to go. Like a wood swing set, a quality vinyl swing set will last you many years without too much upkeep, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Cleaning a Vinyl Swing Set

Similar to a wood playset, power washing is a great way to remove dirt and grime from a vinyl structure. If the structure is relatively clean (congratulations, you’ve been performing regular swing set maintenance!), a garden hose may suffice.

For tougher to reach places, you may want to opt for a soft-bristled brush, surface cleaner, and a bucket of warm water.

Vinyl Step-By-Step Cleanup

1. Fill a bucket with warm water.
2. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of natural surface cleaner/dish liquid. We recommend sticking with a non-toxic, biodegradable dish liquid.
3. Scrub the entire surface of the playset, applying firm pressure by scrubbing with a circular motion.
4. Empty and refill the bucket as needed.
5. Rinse the playset with a garden hose.

How to Keep a Metal Swing Set from Rusting

Rust isn’t just the enemy of metal, it’s also dangerous for your children. Rusty metal swings are dangerous for kids to play on, as the rust corrodes iron and causes it to become thin and brittle. 

If you’re looking to purchase a metal swing set (though wood and vinyl are typically more popular for their longevity), we recommend at least buying a galvanized swing set. A galvanized swing set has a layer of zinc or magnesium that protects the metal from being exposed to water and oxygen.

Another way you can prevent rust on your metal swing set is by painting it. This is essentially like doing your own galvanization process, and a good metal primer can work just as well as purchasing a professionally applied one. Be sure to paint the nuts and bolts as well, as these small parts are just as likely to attract rust as the rest of the swing set.

How Long Do Wooden Playsets Last?

The average wood swing set lasts between 15-20 years, and a vinyl swing set can last anywhere between 25-30 years. The most important factor when looking to make the most of your swing set is purchasing a high-quality swing set and engaging in regular swing set maintenance.

Swing Set Longevity

Taking the necessary steps to preserve your swing set is a vital part of swing set maintenance, and making sure it’s clean is only the beginning. At the end of the day, proper maintenance is about keeping your kids safe and giving them a gift that will help create lasting memories. If you’re consistent with the upkeep, your swing set is likely to last as long as your kids are willing to play on it! 

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When winter is in full swing, it’s easy to forget about your patio. But spring fever is here, and it’s time to trade in those days of comfort food and curling up on the couch streaming your favorite show (again) for warmer weather and outdoor get-togethers.

And while the hibernation was fun, we’re sure you’re just as ready for spring as we are. With this in mind, we’re here to share some helpful tips on preparing your outdoor living space for spring.

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Clearing the Space

Before you do anything else, the first thing to focus on is clearing your patio space of any debris that may have built up over the winter months. You can use a broom or rake to easily sweep away debris like sticks and leaves, which you can later use to fuel your fire pit for some springtime gatherings.

Pressure Washer

Another great way to clear your patio space is with a pressure washer. Not only is it fun to use, but it’s a great way to get rid of the build-up that may have made its way on your patio space during those wetter fall and winter months. Most pressure washers have a ‘fan’ setting which is great for general cleaning, as it won’t be too tough on your wooden or vinyl patio. You may even be able to find one with enclosed brushes and a nozzle to avoid splashback.

Checking the Space

Besides cleaning and clearing hard to remove dirt, another benefit of using a power washer is that it exposes any areas on your patio that may have cracks or holes. Cracks are more likely to occur in concrete, but imperfections can appear on wooden and vinyl patios, especially if you live in a harsher climate. 

Even with a high-quality structure that will last you for years, it’s still important to do your due diligence and make sure you’re catching any minor deficiencies before they get out of control. If you find any imperfections that need touching up, you can pick up some mortar at your local hardware store and fix them up in no time!

Loose Boards

If you find some loose boards while preparing your patio space for spring, it’s best to address them and tighten them up before they become a safety hazard. Over time, even the best wooden patio will have boards loosen because of weather and consistent use. An easy way to test your patio for loose boards is by leaning your body weight on each board to feel if it is sturdy or not. To tighten up any loose boards, you’ll need the following supplies:

• Drill
• Wood screws
• Hammer
• Nails

Once you identify any loose boards, remove the loose screws or nails and drill new holes to replace them. Wood screws or nails both work, but wood screws are likely to hold for longer. If you’re finding some of your boards are warped, you can loosen the screws or nails on the original board and place the screws or nails through a different part of the wood. This places the tension on a different part of the board and can relieve warping issues.

If you’ve found an individual piece of wood to be warped beyond repair, simply replace it with a new piece, and you’ll be good to go.

Cleaning the Space

Once your patio’s foundation is clear and ready for use, you’ll want to focus on cleaning your furniture. It’s time to grab some supplies and roll up your sleeves!

Best Patio Furniture Cleaner

Before you start spraying any home cleaning products on your outdoor patio furniture, you want to think of what cleaning products are best for the type of furniture you have. 

Plastic

Plastic and resin furniture is a popular choice because it’s inexpensive. For plastic furniture, skip the abrasive cleaners and opt for an all-purpose cleaner and a damp cloth or sponge. This should do the trick and will keep your furniture looking as good as new for the coming spring.

Metal

Iron and stainless steel are popular choices for outdoor furniture due to their durability. Another benefit of metal patio furniture is the ease with which it can return to looking brand new. To clean wrought iron and stainless steel, we recommend adding a quarter cup of dish soap to a gallon of water and using a sponge to clean the surfaces.

Quick tip: The enemy of metal is rust. That’s why it’s important to purchase outdoor metal furniture that is rust-resistant. If you detect rust, steel wool helps remove oxidation if you’re considering preparing your metal patio furniture for painting.

Wood & Wicker

Remember what we said about power washing your wood patio? Ignore that information here! Since your wooden furniture is likely to be much less sturdy than the boards making up your patio, we recommend using soap or soapy water with a soft brush or sponge to remove dirt and grime.

Cleaning Mildew off Outdoor Cushions

Cushions and pillows look great but get dirty quickly. More than that, rain and humidity can cause mold and mildew to accumulate on your outdoor furniture. Before you start cleaning mildew off outdoor cushions, first determine what type of cushions you have.

Fabric Cushions: Dilute a ½ cup of bleach into 1 gallon of water, add it to a spray bottle and use it on your cushions. From there, you want to make sure you scrub vigorously. For deeper mildew issues, you may have to repeat this process several times. Once clean, leave the cushions out in the hot sun to dry — the heat will also help kill remaining bacteria.

A word of caution, not all cushions can handle bleach, and it may end up staining or stripping the material. When you can, consult the manufacturer’s directions on cleaning and proceed accordingly.

Acrylic Cushions: These are a bit easier to clean than fabric. Simply mix 1 cup of bleach and 2 cups of detergent into a gallon of water and use a spray bottle. After letting it sit for 30 minutes, you can come back and rinse it with water.

Curating the Space

Okay, you’ve cleared the space, cleaned your furniture, and now you’re wanting to do some spring decorating. And for those of you who want to try your hand at some outdoor design, we’ve got some helpful tips to steer you in the right direction.

Choose Your Colors Wisely

Cohesion is the king of design when preparing your patio space for spring. The main thing you want to focus on is making sure your color choices are aesthetically pleasing, seasonally appropriate, and match with one another. Some popular spring colors include:

Gold and dark tones: Gold or yellow helps add a splash of vibrancy to your outdoor setup and are right in line with warmer weather and longer days. Try pairing these with darker tones like black and grey for an easy combo that isn’t too distracting.

Pastels: It’s tough to think of spring and not think of pastels. To match the Easter egg hunts coming up, blues, pinks, yellows, and greens are an easy-on-the-eyes choice. You can also experiment with adding a bolder color here and there, like bright sky blue pillows or a dark green patio umbrella.

Eggplant and tangerine: For a more sophisticated look, opt for deeper, richer colors and a simplistic design. A popular, modern choice includes colors like dark purple, navy, and white. 

Whatever your preference, it’s a fun idea to match your flowers with your outdoor furniture!

Bring in the Blooms

Speaking of flowers, seasonally appropriate plants and flowers are a must-have when preparing your patio space for spring. Some of our favorites include:

• Pansies
• Lilacs
• Daffodils
• Crocuses
• Tulips

Finding yourself quality patio table flower planters is another great way to spruce up the communal area with some of your favorite flowers. We recommend sticking with earth tones and more neutral colors to not distract from the beautiful flowers planted in them.

Painting

If you’re finding the weather to have been exceptionally tough on your patio this year, or you simply want to switch it up a bit, staining or painting your patio is a great idea. You’ll want to make sure you purchase the correct stain or paint to match your patio’s material and follow the appropriate steps before applying the paint or stain (some of which you’ll already have completed if you’ve been following our tips). Before you can apply paint or stain to your patio floor, you first need to make sure you:

• Remove all dirt and build-up (sand and scrape if needed).
• Allow the wood, vinyl, or concrete to dry.
• Replace damaged boards.

Update Your Furniture

If the furniture from the last few years just isn’t cutting it, it may be time to update and upgrade. When preparing your patio space for spring with new furniture, the most important element to remember is to choose materials and brands that are durable and built-to-last. The last thing you want to worry about is your furniture every time a couple of clouds start rolling through your area.

If you want a complete guide on how to further decorate your patio, check out our in-depth blog on patio decoration tips and tricks.

How to String Outdoor Lights on a Patio

Okay, so you’ve cleared your patio space, cleaned it up, added some flowers and new furniture, and it’s looking great! Well, when you can see it. But it’s dark out, and those earth tones are blending right in with the night.

Fear not, because if you’re wondering how to string outdoor lights on a patio, we’ve got you covered. Here are some supplies you might need:

• Hooks
• Zip ties
• Carabiners
• Extension cords

There are a few different ways you can decide how to hang your patio lights, but a few popular options are:

• Square or Grid: this involves hanging patio lights in straight lines across the length and width of your space or outlining just the perimeter of your space in a square shape.
• Zig zag or W: this pattern is good for fully illuminating your space with a more interesting design.
• The Horizon Point: this is similar to the V but requires at least four locations to attach your lights to. This is typically the design used in professional installations for events and restaurant settings.
• Tent or Maypole: This setup features multiple light strings anchored in a wheel arrangement from one central point. This one can be tough and may require professional installation.

Your choice of lights depends on personal preference, but typically a bulb-style light works better and looks better for lighting your patio than your typical Christmas lights. That way you continue relaxing in your outdoor space on a comfy seat into the night too!

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Remember when you were dreaming of nothing but adding on a new garage for extra storage? Once you’ve added one, it’s all too easy to find yourself on the other end – knowing you need to declutter your garage, but feel overwhelmed at the prospect. If you’re not sure how to organize a garage or where to begin, we’ve put together these helpful garage organization tips to assist you in finding the motivation to get started.

Garage Organization Planning Tip #1:  Start with a Plan

The first step to figuring out how to organize a garage is to create a plan, so you can determine your goals and hold yourself accountable. Otherwise, you’re in danger of procrastination as you start weeding through your possessions.

Make sure your plan includes:

• Setting aside a day or two you can devote to sorting and organizing
• Recruiting help from family members or others in your household
• Listing how you’d like to use the space once it’s clean
• Planning how you’ll discard unwanted items

When you have a framework in place, you’re much more likely to stay on track and clean up your clutter. If you need to get specific, don’t be afraid to make a granular to-do list to keep yourself accountable. Plenty of studies show that writing down your plans can boost your ability to execute them. 

Garage Organization Planning Tip #2: Sort Your Possessions

Once you’ve determined your goals, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get busy. To declutter your garage, you’ll want to first start by sorting the items currently in it.

Step 1: Clear the Items Out

Begin sorting through your items and keep a running list either mentally or on paper of what you’re finding. You may have an idea, but there may be some surprise items you find hidden in hard-to-reach corners. Move all items out of the garage to an open area or space so you can comb through them thoroughly.

Step 2: Sort Your Items & Take Inventory

Perhaps the easiest way to sort through your items is to use a four pile system. Create four separate areas to place items you plan to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Then start sorting your items piece by piece until they’re all assigned to a pile. 

Step 3: Make a Plan How to Sell or Donate Items

If you have nice items you’d like to make a profit from, consider setting up your own garage sale. Alternatively, you can try listing your items online through platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

However, if you’d like to clear items out faster, consider donating them instead to a local group nearby. One of the perks of donating items is that it ultimately can benefit others in your immediate community. Plus, it reduces environmental waste. 

Step 4: Properly Dispose of Items

Perhaps you have old household cleaning chemicals or other reactive items you’d like to get rid of. Make sure you follow these EPA guidelines to carefully dispose of any hazardous materials. 

Additionally, review your trash collector’s plan details to determine what items they will or won’t take. If you have large items to throw out, consider taking them to the dump yourself or calling up an independent collector who specializes in removing assorted items.

Garage Organization Planning Tip #3:  Clean out Your Garage

Just like routinely cleaning out and maintaining your shed is key to keeping it in good shape, cleaning out your garage ensures it stays like new. When it’s emptied out, you should inspect it to look for any damage or problems.

First, you can deep clean and sweep floors, clean windows, get rid of unwelcome occupants, and add pest control supplies if necessary. While doing this, keep an eye out for signs of serious damage so you can make sure to repair it yourself right away or find a repair professional that can help.

Garage Organization Planning Tip #4: Decide What’s Safe to Store

Now that you have a clean garage, it’s important to make sure the items you plan to put inside it are safe to store. Here are some items we recommend putting elsewhere in your home:

• Pet food (which can attract rodents)
• Paint (extreme temperature fluctuations can ruin it)
• Propane tanks (can be a fire hazard)
• Canned foods (they can freeze over winter)
• Paper products (which can attract pests like roaches or bugs)
• Electronics (they can be damaged from temperatures and moisture)
• Sentimental items (items like photos or records can be damaged by moisture)

Aside from these items, you’re fine to store plenty of other items in your garage like tools, recreational vehicles, or workout gear.

Garage Organization Planning #5: Research & Pick from Garage Organization Ideas

The top key to any successful garage organization is to group like items together and to store items you use more frequently in easy-to-reach spots. Then you can keep seasonal or rarely used items in the harder-to-reach areas since you only need to access them on a limited basis. Apart from that, here are our favorite garage organization ideas to help you clean up your space.

Shelves & Shoe Racks

Vertical shelving is a great place to start when organizing your garage, as it adds some structure to your space. You can certainly install shelves directly mounted onto the wall, but if you’re looking for a quick solution try simply visiting your local hardware store for some stand-alone shelving.

Additionally, if you like keeping outdoor shoes, work boots, or winter boots in your garage, consider adding a shoe rack. You may find it works well for other small items you like to keep close at hand.

Clear, Labeled Bins

Once you have shelves in place, you’re likely thinking about how to store items on them. We recommend investing in clear plastic bins instead since they’re durable against moisture and also have easy visibility in case you forget what’s inside. 

When you’re placing items in the bins, also consider taking time to carefully label them with a small label maker. By doing so, you’re more likely to adhere to your organization system over time.

Hanging Ceiling Storage Solutions

After you pick shelving for the vertical spaces, don’t forget to utilize your ceiling space too! Hanging shelving is a great way to store those seasonal items you don’t need to access frequently. You can find ceiling mount shelving at your hardware store, or you can even follow this simple tutorial to make your own ceiling storage!

You can also try adding a hanging bike pulley system or hooks to your garage ceiling, to keep bikes out of the way. That way you’re not left stumbling over them or having to move them to access other parts of your garage.

Solutions for Odd Shaped Items

Items like power tools may be the hardest to store, considering they often have an odd shape. Don’t let this deter you from finding a solution though! You can find different sized garage hooks and hangers to hang along the walls of your garage, so these items are not in the way. 

Peg Board & Hooks

Items like power tools may be the hardest to store, considering they often have an odd shape. Don’t let this deter you from finding a If you don’t already have one, consider installing a pegboard in your garage for all your assorted tools. It’s a great way to make sure you’re never stuck missing the right one for whatever job you’re working on at the moment. Best of all, you can always reconfigure the board to fit your storage needs as your tool collection grows. 

Bungee Cord Holder

Need to store oddly-shaped equipment like footballs, soccer balls, or round children’s toys? Consider creating your own DIY sports equipment storage area. With a few pieces of lumber and some bungee cords, you can ensure these items are never rolling around and getting in the way while they’re in your garage.

A Locking Cabinet

Need to store oddly-shaped equipment like footballs, soccer balls, or round children’s toys? Creating your own DIY Storing lawn fertilizer or other garden and household items considered toxic or dangerous? Or just items you want to keep out of reach? While you can certainly put them on a shelf, keeping them in a locking garage cabinet may be a safer option if you have young children or pets.

Garage Organization Tip #6: Consider Adding Additional Storage 

If you find your garage is still too full after getting rid of items and revamping your organization system, consider buying a new shed to increase your outdoor storage space. Or if you’ve continued collecting more equipment or automotive items, adding another garage could be a worthwhile investment to keeping your assets safe. 

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Garage Still Doesn’t Have Enough Space?

Penn Dutch Structures has a variety of storage options to meet your needs. From sheds to backyard barns, we’ve got you storage needs covered.

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There’s a lot that goes into choosing and building a log home, and the same can be said for maintaining it. Like any structure, it requires some routine care to stay in good shape. However, maintaining log cabins looks very different from other types of housing. Below we’ll take a look at tips for log cabin maintenance so you can keep yours as good as new. We’ll also provide a helpful log cabin maintenance checklist you can use to make routine care easier.

Skip ahead to a section in our log cabin maintenance list:

• Maintenance Issues
  • Moisture Damage
  • Insect & Animal
  • Sunlight Damage
• Log Cabin Maintenance Checklist

Log Cabin Maintenance Issues & Ways To Solve Them

Since a log home is made entirely of wood, there can be some unique challenges in comparison to vinyl or metal siding. Below are the top three common log home maintenance issues owners face along with some tips on how you can combat them.

Moisture Damage

It’s a well-known fact that wood doesn’t handle moisture very well if it’s exposed for a long time. Wood absorbs the surrounding moisture and if left untreated, it can grow mold or mildew and eventually rot.

Your log home is designed to handle rain. However, if you don’t keep up with certain maintenance practices, you may unknowingly allow moisture to start collecting on parts of your home’s exterior.

The Fix:

If you have a garden surrounding your home, it’s important to plant your flowers and shrubs away from the sides. Plants naturally retain moisture which is good for them, but bad if they’re planted directly against the side of your wooden home. 

You should also make sure that you’ve built up topsoil around your foundation, so it helps drain water away. Even if you’ve already done this before, the soil will settle over time. So it’s a good idea to monitor if you have enough topsoil placed around your home’s foundation.

Lastly, just like a regular house, you should always add in sealing where necessary and take time to clean your rain gutters of any debris. If you let cracks or old seals go, you risk expensive repairs down the road. And when rain gutters stop working, they allow moisture to just sit next to your home, wreaking havoc on your siding.

Insect & Animal Issues

You may like having a wood home, but plenty of insects and animals like your wood home too. A handful of pests look for dead or rotten wood to eat or nest inside.

If you see beetles, termites, carpenter ants, or carpenter bees, it’s important to act quickly so they don’t weaken support beams and other structural components.

Additionally, you may find that woodpeckers are attracted to your log home’s siding. While it can be exciting to see a woodpecker in the wild pecking a hole into a tree, it’s not a thrilling sight on the side of your house.

The Fix:

Always keep dead or rotting wood away from your home, especially any fallen debris. Also, opt for stone or rubber mulch for your garden. If you ever notice increased ant activity or spot carpenter bees hanging around, invest in products from your local hardware store, or hire a professional to make sure they’re exterminated immediately.

As for birds, there are lots of methods to keep woodpeckers away from your home. However, one of the easiest and most effective solutions is to install reflective tape or reflective streamers to scare birds away from your exterior. Additionally, if you have bird feeders, set them up away from your home.

Sunlight Damage

Over time, UV rays from the sun can cause serious damage to wood apart from just discoloration. The rays begin breaking down wood fibers, potentially causing the wood to crack or warp. This is where practicing good log home maintenance can make a huge difference in how long your structure lasts.

The Fix:

If your wood siding looks faded, it’s time to update the stain on your exterior. The right type of stain won’t just refresh the color of your home. It will also finish the wood and safeguard it from mold, mildew, rot, and more. This is one area of log home maintenance you won’t want to skimp on, so make sure to choose a reliable log home wood stain that offers good coverage. 

Check out our blog on ways to create outdoor shade using plants and landscaping as a secondary way of reducing sun damage. Placing trees or shrubs strategically to absorb some of the UV rays can help your stain last longer between applications. 

Log Cabin Maintenance Checklist

Caring for your log house is a lot easier if you help yourself get into a rhythm. To make your work easier, we’ve created this handy log cabin maintenance checklist you can use to ensure you don’t miss any important maintenance steps.

• Inspect your exterior every Spring and Fall for damage. Pay special attention to see if there are any holes, moisture issues, cracked seals, or insect damage. Then make a list you can use to address those problems.
• Wash the cabin to clear it of dirt (focus on bottom logs). Use a mixture of water and wood-friendly detergent to wash your home. Avoid power-washing the logs since that can cause damage to the wood. 
  
• Stain your log cabin about every 3-4 years. Apply a good quality stain to protect your exterior from UV rays. Make sure to purchase a durable, high-quality stain that will provide lasting coverage.
  
• Apply a sealer as needed or every 4 years. Check how the sealant (a type of caulk) is holding up in between the joints and gaps of the logs and around your windows and doors. Repair as necessary if you notice holes. 
  
• Clear out the gutters. Look inside your gutters and carefully clean out debris, leaves, and other buildup, so they can continue to properly funnel moisture away from your siding.
  
• Take care of any other repairs needed. Take care of any other fixes you noticed from your inspection. If you’re not comfortable doing them yourself, contact a professional who can assist you with maintenance.

On average, it costs around $14,000 for log homeowners to replace wood siding. Simply using the checklist above to create a routine maintenance schedule can help you mitigate the costs of owning a log home. Plus, you can enjoy your beautiful home for many more years to come.

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Want to Learn More About Log Homes?

Get in touch with our team of experts if you’d like to explore this type of structure or our available log home models. 

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As the leaves change color and crisp air arrives, there’s no better place to catch the Fall season than from your patio, after you’ve cleaned up your lawn furniture from the Summer. It’s important to transition your patio from Summer to Fall since you’ll be using it differently now that the days are cooler and daylight is shorter. That’s why we’ve put together some Fall patio ideas for you below, so you can make the most of your outdoor space.

Skip Ahead:

Tip 1) Add Fall Planters

Tip 2) Set up An Outdoor Heater or Fire Pit

Tip 3) String Up Lights & Use Lanterns

Tip 4) Decorate With Outdoor Pillows & Throw Blankets

1. Add Fall Planters

Perhaps one of the best ideas for Fall patio decor is to add a beautiful array of Autumn flora. While you might think flowers are just for Spring and Summer, there are a handful of options to choose from for Fall too.

Fall plants that can withstand the cooler temperatures include:

• Chrysanthemum (mums)
• Flowering Kale
• Dianthus
• Aster
• Osteospermum (African Daisy)
• Pansy
• Petunia
• Dusty Miller
• Sweet Alyssum
• Purple Fountain Grass
• Creeping Jenny
• Sedum

You can also add fun fillers to your planters to make them pop, like different sizes and colors of pumpkins. Or if you like a natural, rustic look, keep an eye out for sticks and different sized pine cones you can use to create height and visual interest. Your local craft store also has plenty of fun, Fall-themed artificial fillers from signs to decorative sticks, so it’s worth checking their selection out as well.

Once you have all your supplies, including a planter container that fits your style, putting together the materials is easy. Just keep in mind that a good arrangement has 3 components:

1. Thrillers (these are vertical plants that stand tall)
2. Fillers (these are the horizontal plants that fill the pot)
3. Spillers (these are plants that spill over the edges)

Once you’re happy with the end result, don’t forget to also care for your Fall planter throughout the season. Check it weekly to deadhead spent flowers or cut back diseased plants.

2. Set Up An Outdoor Heater or Fire Pit

Another great way to transition your patio from Summer to Fall is to beat the chill. One practical way to beat the weather is to purchase an outdoor patio heater. You can get one that operates on gas, propane, or electric depending on your preference. The key is to learn about the styles of patio heaters and then choose a type that fits your patio set up the best.

However, if you want a source of heat that also brings people together in a fun way, an outdoor fire pit is the way to go. Before you consider adding a fire, make sure that your patio doesn’t have an overhang or low-hanging branches, otherwise, it can become a potential fire hazard.

There are lots of different types of fire pits to choose from, but once you find a type you’re comfortable with, you can set up furniture around it and get ready to enjoy sitting around your new fire pit making memories together.

3. String Up Lights & Use Lanterns

There are a lot of ways to upgrade your backyard space and impress visitors, but if you haven’t installed special lighting yet, it should be at the top of your list. You may already have an outdoor light or some landscaping lights out in your garden. However, the best Fall patio ideas incorporate mood lighting as well, since it can help create that special atmosphere in your space. Plus, it allows you to continue using your patio during those Fall evenings when the sun sets earlier each day.

One easy way to add lighting is to place different sizes of lanterns around your patio. And a quick online search will show you that your style options are endless – modern, chic, rustic, or traditional. You can find a variety of outdoor lanterns to suit every style. And if you want something safer than one that uses a candle, you can find lanterns that are solar-powered, battery-operated, or even electric.

In addition to lanterns, a string of outdoor lights can also breathe fresh life into your Fall patio space. There are plenty of great outdoor string light options, you just need to choose what matches your patio space the best.

Make sure you factor in considerations like how many outlets you have and their location, any trees or shrubs around your patio, and other structures you can use to hang the lights. If you have an outdoor structure like a pergola, you’ve already got a great place to install them.

Some other ways to hang your lights include installing posts into the ground or the planters. No matter how you put them up, make sure they cast light evenly around your patio and provide a soft, warm light to brighten your Fall patio. 

4. Decorate With Outdoor Pillows & Throw Blankets

The final touch to transition your patio from Summer to Fall is to add in some decorative accents to fit the season. A warm blanket is a perfect accent, as it can be decorative and useful at the same time. Huddling under a warm blanket will turn a crisp Fall evening into a relaxing retreat from the day.

When you go to purchase throw blankets for your outdoor space, make sure to find ones made of waterproof fabric, as they will stay drier than those labeled as water-resistant. You can find a lot of great options online, but our favorite is this soft L.L. Bean waterproof blanket that comes in a cute plaid pattern perfect for Fall.

Also keep an eye out at your local home goods store for any cute, decorative Fall pillows you can add to your chairs. A cute print can complement your Fall planters nicely and also bring out the autumnal colors around your patio.

If your patio needs a complete redesign, check out our guide on how to decorate a patio for year-round enjoyment.

If you still feel like your patio space is missing that final touch, consider if you need to include more cozy furniture around your space. More seating means you can host more of your family and friends and new seating means everyone will be comfortable, too.

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Want to completely revamp your patio?

Consider adding some new lawn furniture. Get inspired by browsing our selection of beautiful and low-maintenance lawn furniture.

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Have you noticed that your patio furniture is beginning to look worn and shabby after another season of outdoor use? Thankfully, you can do more than just protect your patio furniture in the winter to continue getting good use out of it. There are plenty of steps you can take to restore outdoor furniture so that your outdoor space looks anything but drab.

Read this guide for tips on restoring your wood or plastic and poly furniture. Or skip ahead to the end for instructions on how to reupholster patio furniture if you want to give your pieces a fresh, updated look. With our easy DIY outdoor furniture restoration ideas, you can restore outdoor furniture to its former glory so you can maintain your beautiful, relaxing outdoor space.

How to Restore Outdoor Wood Furniture

Wood furniture can become worn and weathered from years of being in harsh sunlight. One way to slow down this type of wear is to add outdoor shading solutions around your seating area. However, regardless of shade, wood will still require maintenance over time to keep it looking like new.

When it comes to learning how to restore outdoor furniture that’s weathered wood, it’s actually a simple process. You’ll just want to devote enough time to follow the steps below.

1. Remove the Old Finish

Over time, the weather will loosen the original finish on your wood furniture. Fortunately, this makes it easier to remove when you’re ready to restore your pieces. 

Start by using a power washer or pressure hose to remove dirt, debris, and any large flaking pieces of the original finish. Let everything dry out completely and then move on to sanding. Sand with the grain when possible. 

You can do it by hand or to speed up the process, try using an orbit sander. Once you’ve completely removed the old finish, wipe the furniture with an old damp rag to remove leftover dust.

2. Add A New Coat of Stain or Paint

Next, assess if you want to stain or paint your outdoor furniture. Both are excellent options, it just depends if you want to make your furniture a certain color or enhance the natural beauty of the wood.

If you’re wondering how to re-stain outdoor furniture, it’s as easy as following instructions on the back of the stain you choose. It’s best to try wiping stain onto the wood with a rag and only use a brush for small corners and tight spaces. By applying most of the stain with a cloth, you can ensure you achieve a smooth finish with no drips or runs.

Maybe you want to achieve a bolder look than a stain. If that’s the case, painting your pieces is probably the better choice. Make sure before you add any color that you begin with a primer to make your paint job last longer and adhere better to the furniture. Your local hardware store can likely provide you recommendations on what primers and paints work best on outdoor furniture for lasting results. 

3. Air it Out

Let everything thoroughly dry and once it’s finished, admire your handy work! Your furniture will look and feel like new, making your outdoor oasis look beautiful again.

How to Restore Poly & Plastic Patio Furniture

Your plastic or poly chairs may have seen better days, but with a little bit of care, you can revitalize them for another outdoor season. Plus, it’s one of many easy, affordable backyard upgrades you can make to boost the curb appeal of your property.

1. Clean It Off

Grab an old, soft brush or dry rag and start removing cobwebs and dirt from your furniture. Once you’ve removed loose debris, grab your hose and put it on the “jet” or any other high-power spray setting. Then spray dirt loose from tight corners and other hard to reach spots.

2. Break Out The Baking Soda

If there are still areas where dirt won’t come off of your furniture, you can boost your cleaning efforts with a little help from some baking soda. First, wet your furniture and scrub it all down with a nylon scrub pad of your choice. Then take a sponge and sprinkle some baking soda on top and proceed to wipe the furniture a second time. 

There may be tight corners or hard to reach spots, so you can use an old toothbrush or a scrub brush sprinkled with baking soda to clean those areas. Afterward, rinse the furniture again. One of the best perks of using baking soda is that it isn’t a harsh chemical, so you don’t have to worry about it harming the plastic or poly material and damaging your pieces.

3. Opt For A Power Wash

Sometimes dirt may be deeply ingrained and none of the above steps can get rid of it. So your best option may be to power wash your furniture. Start with a gentle setting and then test a few settings to find which one removes dirt best without damaging the plastic or poly. 

Make sure you don’t use a setting that’s too powerful though or you may accidentally cut grooves in your furniture. To find the right setting, you can test them on the underside of your furniture so any damage that occurs is out of sight.

Also, if you find a rough area when you’re finished, it just means the power wash removed a little bit of plastic from the top layer. You can easily fix that by sanding your furniture with a fine-grit piece of sandpaper.

4. Try Adding Wax Over Top

In an effort to protect your furniture from damage, you can add a car paste wax once it’s dried from being washed. Simply pick up the kind you want from any hardware store and apply it according to the directions listed on the product. Once the wax has set, you’re good to continue enjoying your furniture!

How to Reupholster Patio Furniture

If you’re still looking to add a fresh new look to your outdoor pieces, it’s time to learn how to reupholster patio furniture. It’s an easy way to refresh your outdoor space and dress up your old pieces. And if you’re not handy with a sewing machine — no need to worry. You can easily reupholster your furniture without sewing at all. This might just be the easiest way you can restore outdoor furniture!

1. Take Measurements

Take measurements of the seat or existing cushion and add on a few inches extra, so you purchase enough fabric. If you’re having trouble figuring out what you need based on your measurements, simply take them to your local fabric store and ask for help selecting the right amount.

2. Choose Your New Fabric

Picking out your new fabric is possibly the most important and most fun part when you reupholster patio furniture. Just make sure that you choose an outdoor fabric at the store. It’s designed to handle moisture and other weather thanks to its special chemical treatment.

3. Cover Up The Old Fabric 

If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can certainly sew a new cushion. However, if you’re not, all you need to reupholster patio furniture is your fabric and a glue gun.

First, if you’re able to remove the old fabric, carefully pull it off the old cushion. Depending on how your cushions were made, you may find that some of the old glue is still sticking to the cushion. It’s okay to leave that as is if you can’t peel it off.

Next, plug in your glue gun. Once it’s ready to use, wrap the fabric around the cushion in the same way you’d gift wrap a box, tucking in the edges and then gluing them down. The only difference is that you want to have enough fabric that you’re only gluing everything on the bottom side of the cushion, so it’s not visible when you’re using the cushion.

Once your cushions are reupholstered to your liking, you can sit back and enjoy your furniture and its new look! If you want to add a finishing touch, try some outdoor throw pillows and a blanket to create a cozy atmosphere in your outdoor space. 

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Furniture Beyond Repairs?

Check out our collections of wood and poly patio furniture and consider investing in a new set. Our patio furniture is durable and easy to maintain, so you can enjoy using it for many years to come!

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Nothing is more frustrating than walking into your shed and fumbling to find a tool at the start of a project. But thankfully with a little bit of work, you can find a new and better way of organizing your shed. Check out our shed organization tips below on how you can maximize your storage in your outdoor shed using shelves, hooks, and other materials.

What Can You Store in an Outdoor Shed?

Generally, there are three things you should consider before storing something in your outdoor shed. 

1. Is the item temperature sensitive?
2. Will it be damaged from humidity or moisture?
3. Can it attract pests or be damaged by them?

If the answer is no to all three questions above, then your shed is the perfect place to store it. Since it’s outdoors, people will typically devote that storage space to lawn care items or they’ll store lawn furniture in their shed over winter. 

Some common smaller items you can store in your outdoor shed include:

• Outdoor equipment (lawnmowers, weed whackers, etc.)
• Gasoline
• Lawn & garden chemicals (although you should check if they have temperature restrictions)
• Power tools (while storing the batteries for them inside so they are not exposed to heat)
• Seasonal outdoor decorations
• Outside toys or games

What Not to Store in a Shed

If you answered no to any of those three prompts above, then it’s likely not a good idea to store the item in question inside your shed. Some items can’t handle high or low temperatures, high amounts of humidity and moisture, or they may be too attractive to rodents and pests.

Items not advisable to store in an outdoor shed include:

• Chemicals with storage temperature constraints
• Canned goods (they’ll explode if exposed to lots of heat)
• Wooden furniture (it can be damaged by moisture)
• Appliances (they’ll rust from moisture)
• Pet food and treats
• Any paper items or documents of value
• Paint (the temperatures can ruin its consistency)

Ultimately, you want your shed to last. That’s why it’s important to make sure you pay attention to what you’re storing so that those items don’t cause damage. 

Shed Organization Tip #1: Start with Cleaning Your Shed Out

Before you begin organizing, you first need to properly clean out your shed. In fact, now is the perfect time to remodel your shed with a few easy, affordable upgrades. 

Take time to:

• Take all items out & inventory them
• Deep clean your shed
• Fix any damaged boards
• Paint or clean up cosmetic damage
• Measure the dimensions of your shed

Once you’ve taken care of those details, now you have an idea of what items you need to organize and the space you’re working with. Next, it’s time to move on to adding in shelving and other solutions.

Shed Organization Tip #2: Pick Shed Shelving Ideas That Fit Your Needs

There’s no better way to maximize the space inside your shed than with shelving. And the two most popular choices for sheds are floating shelving units or freestanding shelving units.

Visit your local store to see if you can find a type of floating shelving that will fit inside. Or you can also build a shed shelf yourself with some plywood and 2x4s to create simple storage. Then you can add the shelves along the back and / or sides depending on the dimensions of your structure.

Freestanding shelves are another great option and are easy to install. Just make sure that the material they’re made of (metal, wood, plastic) can handle the conditions inside your shed. 

Lastly, don’t overlook the opportunity to install shelves in creative places. For example, the door can be a great spot to possibly mount smaller shelves and keep compact items. Or, if you have an a-frame or chalet style shed, you can use the high ceiling to your advantage by adding a small loft above.

Shed Organization Tip #3: Find the Best Way to Hang Garden Tools

Once shelves are in place, it’s time to figure out the best way to hang garden tools and smaller items. Below are three of the most popular methods you’ll see almost every organized shed owner using!

A Metal Magnetic Strip

A simple search online shows some of the best magnetic tool holders you can find to put inside your shed. A magnetic tool holder is great for smaller items like screwdrivers, scissors, clippers, or pliers. It keeps tools together, easy to access, and a breeze to store. Plus, the easier it is to store an item, the more likely your shed will stay orderly over time.

A Long Handle Organizer

It can be hard to figure out how to store tools like rakes or shovels, thanks to their long handles. And nothing is worse than opening the door to your shed and having one fall on your foot every time. 

You can certainly make a shovel rack on your own if you’re handy and enjoy DIY projects. Or if you’re looking to bypass the work, there are certainly plenty of long handle tool organizers for sale. With this type of hanger, you won’t have to worry about a handle falling on your foot ever again! Plus, you can quickly identify the long-handled tool you need without having to grab and pull them all up to check.

A Pegboard

You may only think of adding a pegboard to a garage, but they work great in sheds, too! Once you’ve made and customized a pegboard for your space, it offers flexible storage. You can always rearrange how you hang items on it or adjust the pegboard as you accumulate more items over time.

Shed Organization Tip #4: Look for DIY Shed Organization Ideas

After hanging shelves and tool organizers, there may still be some items you need help with storing. Here are a few creative DIY ideas you can use for those leftover items:

Store Small Hardware in Jars

With a piece of wood, brackets, and some jars, you can easily create your own mason jar holder for small items, like nails or screws. Or simply use the jars as is, label them, set them on a shelf, and use them to sort and store loose hardware. That way when you need a screw or nail, you know exactly where to look.

Create a Bucket Holder for Your Hose

Hoses can be tricky to store without a holder, but if you have a five-gallon bucket handy you’re in luck. Find space along a wall of your shed’s interior and mount the bucket vertically. Then loop the hose around the outside. You can certainly just use hooks instead, but with a bucket holder, you can use space inside the bucket to store extra items, like a sprinkler attachment or hose nozzles. 

Add Storage to the Shed’s Exterior

After you finish organizing the inside, don’t forget about the outside of the shed! It offers plenty of storage for items that can withstand being outside. 

For example, a kayak takes up a lot of space. But with some large, sturdy hooks it can easily be suspended along the outside. This works well for other weather-tolerant items like ladders or canoes. Just make sure your shed has a slight overhang so it can offer some protection.

Once you’ve finished, take a step back and assess your work. And simply repeat the process if you find you need to tweak your organization system down the road as you accumulate new tools and equipment.

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