It’s easy for the outdoor space to become messy. Toys, cushions, and gardening tools can quickly take over, making your property look cluttered. That’s why, between outdoor furniture, sports gear, firewood, and other hardware, smart outdoor storage solutions are a must-have for well-organized outdoor living spaces.
But innovative outdoor storage solutions don’t just make outdoor living mess-free and improve curb appeal. They can also make your exterior an extension of your indoors, thus boosting the property value. This is especially important if you are planning to list the property since curb appeal is one of the biggest considerations for home buyers–according to 96% of NAR members.
So, if you are ready to take on the project, here are seven practical ways to increase your home’s worth with aesthetic and space-saving solutions:
A Storage Shed
A storage shed is ideally used to keep all your items–garden tools, gear, awnings, holiday decor, lawn supplies, cleaning equipment–neatly tucked away. However, modern storage sheds give you a variety of designs and styles.
You can easily get one with ample capacity to solve all your storage issues while complementing your home’s overall exterior. But make sure to choose a storage shed made with weather-resistant material, like high-density polyethylene or stainless steel. You can also go for the treated wooden shed to add rustic charm to your property.
Detached Garage
Think of a garage, and a dark, dusty place comes to mind. While that is the case with many basement garages, detached garages tell a different story. Along with parking your vehicle, they also serve as a multi-functional structure–boosting your home value.
A separate garage is a versatile storage solution, providing flexibility in terms of design, functionality, and location. You can strategically place these in your outdoor space. Plus, depending on your need, you can also use the detached garage as a home office, rental unit, or guest house.
Dual-Purpose Furniture
Outdoor furniture adds functionality and style to your outdoor space. And what’s better than furniture items–like benches, ottomans, and coffee tables–that also serve as a storage unit?
Furniture with built-in storage is a simple yet effective solution to outdoor storage issues. You can use them to keep anything from throws to coasters and even ambiance candles to illuminate outdoor movie nights.
A Deck Box for Poolside
Pool supplies also need a home, and a deck box dedicated to them adds a touch of elegance to the poolside while storing all the essentials. The box will allow you to keep pool accessories and your swimming gear orderly at all times.
Ideally, a 100-gallon deck box is perfect for storing pool supplies, outdoor cushions, throws, and entertainment essentials. Plus, with multiple design options, you can always find the perfect box that seamlessly blends in with your outdoor decor.
However, if you want a more permanent structure, you can switch this with a custom bench with built-in storage in your pool area. It’ll help hide clutter while also providing additional sitting space.
Wall-Mounted Garden Tool Racks
Scattered garden tools are one of the biggest culprits of messy gardens and yards. Not only do they create visual clutter, but are also a safety concern in homes with children, pets, and the elderly.
Fortunately, the clutter can be easily managed with strategically installed wall-mounted racks. You can install the tool rack in your storage shed, detached garage, or even along the fence. The racks are a smart and durable way to organize items like hoes, shovels, and pruning shears.
Under-Deck and Patio Storage Cabinets
Space under decks and patios is often overlooked. However, this wasted space can easily be transformed into functional storage solutions.With hidden compartments, drawers, and custom-built waterproof cabinets, you can increase property value while also optimizing space. This added feature could even make your property more attractive to those looking to generate extra income from your rental property.
The storage solution would be ideal for storing everything from gardening tools and barbecue equipment to outdoor furnishing and pool accessories.
However, before building, make sure to choose:
- Waterproof and weatherproof design
- UV-resistant materials
- Custom storage options
- Durability and strength
DIY Personalized Storage Solution
While all the above options are great (and some crucial) – sometimes the best solution is the one that you create with your own creativity and elbow grease. DIY storage solutions are one such affordable and customizable option.
Put on creative lenses, and you’ll see how everyday materials can be transformed into eco-friendly storage solutions. These include:
Repurposed Pallet Shelving: Stacks pallets for shelving outdoor tools or gardening supplies. Even better, cut holes in the top pallet to create compartments for storing smaller items like towels, gloves, etc.
Pegboard Outdoor Kitchen Organizers: If you have a lavish outdoor kitchen, an old pegboard can become the perfect organization tool for handling cooking tools, BBQ utensils, and small herb pots.
DIY Potting Benches: Get unused shelving units or reclaimed wood, add shelves, hooks, and drawers, and your potting bench is ready. This will be your gardening workstation that also doubles as a storage unit for supplies like pots, fertilizers, and soil.
The Next Move is Yours
Outdoor storage solutions are not just about optimizing storage. It’s also about uplifting your outdoor lifestyle and property’s aesthetic appeal and value. That’s why the right solution can make all the difference.
So, incorporate one or more of the above solutions into your home and transform your outdoors into a functional and visually striking oasis.
