25/05/2025
This Weekâs Challenge: THE GARDEN SHED
The perfect decluttering challenge for the the bank holiday weekend and the weather too! This one might sound like a big job (and for some, it absolutely is), but stick with me â itâs going to be worth it. The garden shed is one of those spaces that can quietly become a dumping ground for all sorts: half-empty paint tins, broken tools, plant pots we might use one day, and a tangled mess of garden string.
But once decluttered, your shed can become a really functional, even pleasant, space. So take a deep breath, put the kettle on, grab your gardening gloves â and letâs get started.
SNAP â Take That Before Picture
Even if you have to force the door open first, itâs all part of the story. You'll be amazed at the transformation. And donât forget to post your before and after pictures here to inspire others â we love seeing your progress!
REVIEW â Empty It Out
Yes, really. Take everything out of the shed. I know it sounds daunting, but you canât declutter what you canât see. Lay it all out in zones â tools, pots, chemicals, furniture, random bits of wood, mystery items youâve ignored for five years... all of it.
Take stock. What do you have? What do you actually use? Whatâs just been shoved in there because it "might come in handy"?
ACTION â The Clear Out
The Easy Wins:
Broken items youâve meant to fix but havenât? Let them go.
Rusted or duplicate tools you never use? Same.
Out-of-date or empty chemicals, paint, or compost? Check with your local recycling centre for proper disposal â these canât go in the regular bin.
The Be Honest Items:
Plant pots: Keep the ones you actually use. Let go of the cracked, mismatched, or âmaybe somedayâ ones.
Old furniture, BBQs, or kidsâ toys that havenât seen daylight in years? Time to move them on.
Tools youâve not used in multiple seasons? Ask yourself if you even need them.
The âWhat Even Is This?â Stuff:
If youâre not sure what it is or when you last used it, the answerâs probably that you donât need it.
ORGANISE â Time to Put It Back, Smartly
Now that youâre down to the essentials, letâs make it work better for you.
Group Like With Like:
Gardening tools
DIY tools
Chemicals & treatments
Pots and trays
Seeds & compost
Outdoor toys
Seasonal items
Smart Storage Ideas:
Hooks or pegboards on walls = vertical storage win.
Shelving or stackable boxes (clear if possible) make finding things easier.
Use labels â future-you will thank present-you.
Old jars, ice cream tubs, or takeaway containers are great for small items like screws, cable ties, seeds, and string.
The Floor Rule: Try to keep it clear. You want to be able to get in and out without risking life and limb. If the floorâs packed, the shed wonât stay usable.
Bonus Tip: If itâs something you only use once or twice a year, store it higher up or towards the back.
GOING FORWARD â Keeping It Tidy
Decluttering is half the job. Keeping it that way is the real win.
Put things back after use â even if youâre in a rush.
Replace, donât duplicate â if you buy something new, check youâre not already storing its twin.
Seasonal check-ins â once at the start of spring, once at the end of summer. Quick tidy, quick check.
Be realistic â donât keep âjust in caseâ items unless you know when and how youâll use them.
Donât forget to post your before and after pictures here to inspire others. Itâs amazing what a little motivation can do for the next person tackling theirs!
Need help turning chaos into calm in your outdoor spaces? Book a consultation and weâll come up with a plan that works for your garden and your storage style.
