How to Make the Most of Your Portable Storage Shed
A storage shed is a significant investment. Whether you’re using it to stow away gardening equipment, complete passion projects, or relax with friends, you want it to last and add value to your property for as long as possible.
Our team has a few tips and tricks for how to maintain and make the most of your unit. Read on to find out how to get the most life out of your portable storage shed.
Underpinning
When you set up your storage shed, there’ll be a small crawl space beneath the unit. We recommend covering this space with a simple mesh to prevent animals from taking up residence beneath your shed. Doing this from the get-go will allow you to avoid unwanted furry guests in the long run.
Fill Up Your Space
Smart sheds are known for being very spacious storage solutions, but there are always ways to maximize capacity. We recommend adding shelving and hooks to the walls so that you can store things off the floor. This will help your space feel clutter-free while allowing you to fill it with as many items and supplies as possible.
If you’re using your smart shed as a living space, we recommend purchasing furniture that compliments the size of the area. A love seat instead of a full couch could do the trick!
Prioritize Access
There’s nothing more frustrating than a crowded storage space. To make the most out of your shed, maintain a clear walkway through your belongings so that you can access everything in it, not just a few items at the front. An overflowing area will only make you less likely to take out those gardening tools and fix up your yard, defeating the purpose of having a great place to put everything.
We also recommend keeping the space clean. Having a broom by the door to sweep away excess dirt, grime and cobwebs can make a massive difference in the use and enjoyment of your space.
Clean Up the Exterior
A smart shed can add significant value to your property and boost curb appeal, but only if you keep it in tip-top shape. Our experts recommend hosing your shed down or taking the pressure washer to it every season.
Adding a fresh coat of paint every few years can also go a long way!
Reorganization
With time and activity, your shed will get a little messy. Setting aside some time to go through your shed and reorganize is a great way to maintain your space. It’s all too easy for your shed to become a dumping ground for things you don’t know what to do with, so having a seasonal clean-out every spring and fall can go a long way!
Keep Things Dry
Moving yard equipment in and out of your shed could result in a few puddles on the ground. While this may seem like no big deal, excessive water can have a detrimental impact on your shed's overall safety and longevity, especially if your shed has a wooden floor. We recommend keeping an eye on your shed floor and cleaning up wet messes before they’re left to stagnate and rot away the flooring.
Protect the Floors
Another excellent strategy for increasing the longevity of your smart shed is painting your floors with a coating that will protect them against regular wear and tear. There are even paints specially designed for floor protection that you can invest in.
Use Gutters and Downspouts
The smart shed design is inspired by a regular home building. Therefore, most smart sheds are equipped with a gutter system and downspout to navigate water off your roof and down to the ground. Just like on your home, it’s important to keep your shed gutters clear of debris so they can do their job correctly and protect your building from water damage.
Address Immediate Fixes
Like anything else, it’s essential not to neglect problems when they arise. If a bad storm has damaged your shed, you should replace the window or fix the door latches before the issues become too bothersome.
We recommend inspecting your shed seasonally for any issues with:
- Windowpanes and seals
- Wall structure and support
- Roof integrity
- Door latches
- Floor integrity
- Corner cleanliness and repair
- Foundation condition
Make It Pretty
One of the many attractive things about smart sheds is that they’re aesthetically pleasing. Many sheds sport beautiful window boxes, mini porches, and details that make them stand out on your property. If you’re changing your home’s siding, why not paint your shed to match? Maybe add a little garden around the shed, or at the very least, keep your grass trimmed up around the perimeter.
A little bit of love can go a long way, and you have the power to ensure that your smart shed is an asset to your property in more ways than one.
Switch It Up
If you’ve been using your shed as a garden shed for the last few years and you’re not into gardening anymore, don’t let this space go to waste. Fill it up with your Christmas decorations and make room in your basement for living space. Or clear out the shed and turn it into a living space of its own. Over the years, we’ve seen dozens of smart sheds transformed into dens, workshops, home gyms, and everything in between.
A smart shed doesn’t have to be used for your typical storage needs, it can be anything you want, and being able to move it around between locations only adds to the flexibility and possibility.
Bring It With You
Are you moving properties? Don’t leave your smart shed behind! Instead, move it with you. You can switch up the exterior to match your new home and allow the space to suit your unique lifestyle in whatever way you see fit.
If you’ve taken the time to care for your smart shed, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t last for years into the future and come with you wherever you go.
Smart Shed: Your Next Best Investment
Smart sheds are easy to maintain and boast a range of opportunities and benefits for your property. To learn more, we invite you to contact the experts at Smart Shed today!