Guide to garden shed organisation

There’s nothing like a weekend spent on garden shed organisation to keep home and garden tasks in check. More than just a clear-out, an annual audit is a practical way to maintain your tools, ensure safety and even save some money — plus, your future D.I.Y. self will thank you!

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Quick guide to garden shed organisation

• Empty your shed completely to review what is in there.
• Dispose of anything that’s broken; recycle old batteries.
• Do a maintenance check on your tools.
• Add some clever storage solutions, like wall mounts, to free up space.
• Sweep the floor and give the inside a spring clean.

Tip: Have power garden tools that need cleaning? Maintain them properly with these tips.

Empty and audit what’s inside

Start by removing everything from the shed to give yourself space to work. This is the perfect time to do a full inventory of your tools and garden equipment. Ask yourself: which tools do you use regularly, which ones need some maintenance and which are no longer useful? Sorting items into ‘keep’, ‘repair’ and ‘dispose’ piles will make the next steps much easier.

Check your tools and replace old batteries

Once you’ve identified what tools to keep, give them a simple maintenance check — clean blades, lubricate moving parts, tighten screws and sharpen edges. Also be sure to swap out ageing batteries – but don’t throw them in the bin as they are a major fire risk and environmental hazard. Instead, tape the terminals of household and power tool batteries with a clear or non-conductive tape to prevent sparks and drop them off at a Bunnings battery recycling unit. Note that car batteries or products with embedded batteries are not accepted at Bunnings battery recycling units.

Tip: Be sure to read our guide on what you need to know about lithium-ion battery safety.

Add storage and organise loose bits

A clutter-free shed often requires clever storage solutions. Wall-mounted racks, pegboards and shelving units make tools easy to find and free up floor space. For small items like screws, nails or plant labels, consider clear bins. This can help make your shed more functional, can prevent accidental damage and also help you spot missing items before they become a problem. Plus, it will prevent you doubling up and buying items you already have.

Dispose and recycle

Old tools and plant pots should be recycled or disposed of responsibly to reduce environmental impact. Check with your local council for e-waste collection points or commercial recyclers for power tools. While council recycling bins usually can’t take plastic pots, Bunnings can. All sizes of plastic plant pots, labels and stakes marked PP5 can be dropped off at participating stores to be recycled into new items. Tap out any soil beforehand to help make the recycling process cleaner. You can also take home pots from the collection bins for re-use, free of charge.

Clean the floor and shelves

Once your items are sorted, give your shed a thorough clean. Start by sweeping the floor and dusting shelves and corners. Wipe down surfaces with a suitable cleaner to remove dirt and grime, making sure to get into nooks where tools or equipment are stored. Keeping cleaning supplies on hand will make ongoing maintenance easier, and allows you to quickly tackle dust or spills as they happen. Your newly organised and clean shed will not only look better, but will also help protect your tools and make it easy to find what you need, when you need it.

Safely dispose of old paint products

Disposing of leftover paint and tins safely can be tricky. Before buying paint, estimate how much you’ll need to minimise leftovers – or use up leftover paint on other D.I.Y. projects. Any small amounts can be poured onto absorbent material and left to dry. Never dispose of paint in the household bin; instead, take leftover paint and empty tins to a Paintback drop-off point for free and safe recycling. Wipe off drips and seal tins tightly before dropping them off.

Keep in mind…

• Store all garden chemicals and cleaning products out of reach of children and pets, and wear a mask and gloves for serious cleaning tasks.
• When using power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and mask are also recommended), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.

Keen for more ideas to makeover your shed?

Find out how to turn outdoor storage into the ultimate potting shed.

Photo credit: Louise Roche, Jonny Valiant.