From Spotlight: DIY Your Way To a Carefree Summer

3 Handsome Solutions to Handle Outdoor Clutter

No need to stash it all in the garage. Here’s how to create tidy storage in your yard.

A residential backyard shed designed with areas for storing bikes and firewood.
Image: Kezzabeth

"That can go in the garage" is a common solution to just about anything outdoorsy that needs a home.

Instead, think outside the garage. These ideas are great for decluttering your garage — and they'll pay dividends when it comes time to sell. Because clutter never increases a home's selling price.

#1 Tuck Storage Under Your Deck

Custom under deck storage shed with double doors

An elegant solution if you’ve got a that sits up fairly high. You can tuck loads of outdoor tools and equipment under it. And you can even add doors to help keep things out of sight. It's a perfect fix to declutter your garage.

One caveat: This type of storage will protect items from the heat and sun, but not from moisture, so unless you add a ceiling to your under-deck shed, only store items that can handle some wet.

If your deck lacks height: try storage drawers instead.

Store pool equipment, folding deck chairs, yard games, and coolers within easy reach, and you'll hardly break your outdoor-happiness zen when you need to grab something.

#2 Build a Fence With Built-Ins

Outdoor storage sheds built in to a backyard fence

Think of it as the outdoor version of an indoor wall with built-in storage. But outdoors it delivers so much more: privacy, security, and storage. It’s the trifecta of functionality.

#3 Add a Purpose-Built Shed

Image: Kezzabeth

This pup's family obviously loves biking and campfires — and they've got just the right size and configured shed to store the bikes and wood efficiently.

Maximize your outdoor space by noodling on your storage pain points, then building something to fit your purpose. You'll get rid of the clutter, and you'll prevent some prefab shed from taking up too much space and becoming yet another place where clutter accumulates.

Kelly Walters headshot
Kelley Walters

Kelley Walters is a Southern writer and editor. She focuses on interior design and home improvement at outlets from HGTV to Paintzen. She lives in Italy a month every year, drinking Negronis and writing in internet cafes.