Shed Storage Guide: What to Store Outside vs. Inside

Shed Storage Guide: What to Store Outside vs. Inside

March 30, 2025

Spring is the perfect time to declutter, organize, and reclaim your space. But if your garage, basement, or attic is overflowing, you may be wondering: What should I store in my shed, and what should stay inside my home?

Getting outdoor storage right isn’t just about freeing up space—it’s about protecting your belongings and making sure everything is easy to access when you need it. This guide will help you figure out what belongs in your shed versus inside your home, so you can maximize your storage space and keep things neat and organized.

What Should Go in Your Shed?

Your outdoor shed is designed to store items that can handle temperature changes, humidity, and exposure to the elements. Here are the best items to keep in your shed.

Lawn & Garden Equipment

Lawnmowers, weed trimmers, rakes, shovels, garden hoses, watering cans, and potting soil all belong in a shed. Keeping these tools stored properly makes yard work easier and frees up space in the garage.

Bikes, Sports Gear & Outdoor Toys

Bikes, scooters, camping gear, fishing equipment, and sports balls are perfect for shed storage. Keeping them organized and out of the way means they’re easy to grab when it’s time for fun.

Seasonal Decorations

Holiday lights, artificial Christmas trees, inflatables, wreaths, and other seasonal décor can be stored in labeled bins inside a shed. This keeps them safe and frees up valuable closet or attic space.

Home Improvement & DIY Supplies

Power tools, toolboxes, paint cans, extension cords, and scrap wood fit well in a shed, especially if you’re tackling home improvement projects. A designated workshop space inside your shed can make DIY tasks more efficient and keep tools organized.

Outdoor Furniture (Off-Season)

Chairs, tables, umbrellas, sunshades, and fire pits are best stored in a shed during the colder months. This protects them from weather damage and helps them last longer.

What Should Stay Inside Your Home?

While sheds are excellent for storage, some items should stay indoors to protect them from temperature changes, humidity, and pests.

Temperature-Sensitive Items

Electronics, musical instruments, important paperwork, and sentimental keepsakes belong inside. Extreme temperatures and moisture can cause permanent damage, so a climate-controlled space is best.

Food & Perishables

Canned goods, pet food, birdseed, and livestock feed should be stored inside. Outdoor storage can attract rodents and insects, leading to spoilage and contamination.

Clothing & Fabrics

Winter coats, bedding, curtains, and rugs shouldn’t be stored in a shed unless they’re sealed in weatherproof containers. Humidity and pests can cause musty odors, mildew, or damage.

Flammable or Hazardous Materials

Propane tanks, gasoline, fireworks, and cleaning chemicals shouldn’t be stored in a shed. Temperature changes can make these materials unstable, increasing the risk of fire or hazardous leaks.

Valuable or Fragile Items

Jewelry, artwork, antiques, and expensive tools are safest inside your home. If security is a concern, keeping valuable items in a secure, climate-controlled space is the way to go.

How to Keep Your Shed Organized

Once you’ve decided what belongs in your shed, keeping it organized is key to making the most of your space.

  • Use shelving and hooks to keep tools and bins off the floor.
  • Label storage containers so you can quickly find what you need.
  • Install a pegboard for frequently used tools and accessories.
  • Use weatherproof bins to protect seasonal items from moisture.
  • Create dedicated zones for garden tools, sports gear, and holiday décor to keep everything organized and easy to access.

The Key to Smart Outdoor Storage

Knowing what goes in your shed versus what stays inside will help you declutter, organize, and reclaim your space this spring. A well-organized shed keeps your tools, seasonal items, and outdoor gear easy to access while freeing up valuable space indoors.

NuHaus sheds are the perfect solution for storing more and stressing less. Our sheds are built to keep your belongings safe, secure, and organized.