Looking for a way to keep your backyard neat and organized? We’ve gathered 24 of our favorite garden storage tips to help you conquer the clutter and keep your outdoor essentials safe and easily accessible.
Garden Storage for Small Backyards
1. Use a Hanging Storage Organizer for Garden Tools
Hanging organizers are a great way to keep shovels, rakes, hoes, and other tools off the floor and out of the way. You can find pre-made kits of all sizes online or at your local department store, or make your own from wooden pallets or a few 2x4s.
2. Use Furniture for Seating and Storage
If you have limited floor space, consider furniture with built-in storage. Look for console tables or benches that open up so you can store your tableware, small tools, and extra cushions. Remember to use the space beneath sofas and tables too—slim rolling totes or bins that match your decor would work nicely.
3. Look For Multifunctional Storage
Is your HOA asking you to keep your garbage cans out of sight? Try side-by-side garden storage cabinets that can hide your trash bins on one side and store your recycling, firewood, or garden supplies on the other.
4. Install a Storage Shed
If you have little space in your backyard, build a storage shed to store your lawn mower, wheelbarrows, bikes, or garden tools. It’s also a great place to protect outdoor furniture and accessories during the winter months.
5. Take Advantage of Stylish Deck Boxes
Deck boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you’ll easily find one that complements your outdoor aesthetic and storage needs. Some designs can double as accent tables or extra seating—just be sure the manufacturer rates them for such use. For even more flexibility, look for models with wheels or castors for portable coffee tables or seats you can easily scoot around your space.
Storage Areas for Your Kitchen Garden
6. Set Up an Outdoor Kitchen Workstation
Keep your alfresco area organized with a kitchen workstation to hold accouterments, give the chef more workspace, and add extra elbow room at meals. Consider a Murphy-style station that folds out from the wall to save floor space or one with wheels you can move from counter to table when dinner is ready. Storage underneath holds bowls and containers, while the inside compartments are perfect for hot mitts, table linens, and tableware.
7. Add an Accent Wall
Take inspiration from stylish interiors and install an accent wall in your outdoor entertaining area. An accent wall enhances privacy and is the perfect place to grow a vertical garden, hang floating shelves, or add hooks to display art and decor.
8. Keep Seeds Safe Year After Year
If you’ve saved seeds from this year’s harvest, protect your bounty in a storage box. Pick a container with built-in compartments that will keep your seeds cool, dry, and organized. For extra protection, use small resealable envelopes.
Pro tip:
A tackle box is an excellent option for seed storage.
9. Store Cooking Utensils in Standing Shelves
Standing shelves are ideal for stashing small items or grilling tools while keeping everything within easy reach. Want more versatility? Go for a wheeled unit or a wall-mounted option. Just be sure your set of drawers is rated for outdoor use.
10. Lock Your Storage Unit
If you have small children, consider a lock for your shed or storage unit to keep sharp objects and adult beverages out of reach. This is also a good idea if you own a short-term rental property—just a little extra peace of mind knowing your outdoor items are safe and secure.
Workspace for Garden Prep Storage
11. Create a Garden Workspace to Store Potting Tools
A durable outdoor counter- or bar-height table is tall enough to double as a greenhouse workbench, allowing you to stand comfortably while prepping seedlings or repotting plants. Bonus, there’s plenty of space beneath the table to store bags of soil, large pots, and other items.
12. Hang Tools on a Pegboard
Keep your outdoors cute and clutter-free with an old-fashioned pegboard. They’re handy storage spaces for small tools and accessories and can bring plenty of charm to vintage, industrial-style, or farmhouse aesthetics.
13. Keep Your Garden Hose Out of the Way
Having easy access to your garden hose is convenient, but constantly stepping over it is a hassle (and a tripping hazard). Invest in a portable hose reel you can move wherever you need, or try a garden tap hose hanger to keep it neatly stored at the spigot.
14. Store Firewood as a Feature
Who says firewood storage can’t be stylish? A stainless steel basket or chic wire rack keeps kindling organized and off the ground, all while enhancing your outdoor aesthetic.
15. Turn Your Garage Into a Potting Shed
If you don’t have room for a shed, turn part of your garage into a potting shed. Hang shelves and a pegboard on one wall and place an outdoor table below it to create the perfect space to prune and propagate.
Patio Storage for Uncluttered Floor Space
16. Turn a Bookshelf Into Outdoor Storage
If you have limited square footage, upcycle a tall, narrow bookshelf into outdoor storage. Keep it upright if you need to fill a tight space on your patio or turn it on its side to create cubbyholes for pool toys, shoes, books, and other patio accessories. Just be sure to apply a weatherproof finish first and anchor it to a wall to prevent tipping.
17. Build a Coffee Table With Storage from Pallets or Crates
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to add storage to your patio. Give yourself a weekend DIY project and craft a coffee table with storage compartments using wooden crates or pallets. You can buy the wood or possibly get it for free from a local business.
18. Add Shoe Storage
If you come inside through your backyard or garden door, chances are that you’re bringing in debris and dirt from working outdoors. To prevent this, add shoe storage, like a shoe rack or a shoe storage bench, just outside your door. This way, you can leave the dirt outside, and keep your floors clean inside.
19. Outdoor Pillow Storage
Everyone wants to be comfortable when relaxing on the patio. Keep large baskets or console tables stocked with cushions, pillows, and blankets that guests can easily grab and return when they’re finished.
20. Wicker Baskets Make Great Tabletop Storage
A wicker basket can serve as both a functional and beautiful tabletop accent. It’s great for storing small items like silverware, napkins, or sunscreen.
21. Create an Entertainment Space with Storage
Designing your dream outdoor space? Incorporate storage to ensure no one ever trips over clutter. Keeping outdoor accessories or children’s toys in designated areas means you don’t need to buy extra storage furniture or worry about clashing styles with your existing decor.
22. Keep Power Tools Out of Kids’ Reach
Power tools, sharp garden tools, and fertilizers should not be left out where kids and pets can get to them. Install shelves or cabinets high up on the wall so children can’t reach them.
23. Upcycle Old Furniture
Before tossing out old furniture, try upcycling it for garden storage. Wardrobes, dressers, shelving units, or desks are ideal candidates. Apply water-proof exterior paint that complements your garden decor to wooden pieces for a functional and stylish storage solution.
24. Turn Wasted Space into Storage
Get creative with unused space. Look for areas under stairs, raised decking, or in crawl spaces. Smaller spots are ideal for hanging aprons or grilling tools, while larger areas can accommodate folding chairs, umbrellas, or even your grill.
