It may not seem like it, but the backyard is often the most neglected part of the home. Homeowners regularly drop thousands of dollars to renovate kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, and no one bats an eye. But we’re less likely to be as generous towards investing in a new garden or a shed. Backyards provide a quiet and private pocket of much-needed greenery, and we stand to benefit from maximizing their use.
For instance, it seems like there isn’t enough storage for all our stuff. If we collected everything we own, we would be surprised to find that we managed to fit everything in the limited space. If that’s the case, then we can always build a storage shed in our backyard.
But sometimes, even outdoor storage is an issue. If you’re like me, you keep everything in the garage. Gardening tools, bicycles, lawnmowers, and power tools were all kept in a space designed to house a car. Yes, a garage has lots of space, but should we really use it as a storage room? Maybe we need to rethink the way we store our stuff.
Here are a few simple and practical outdoor ways to make the most of our backyard. Some can be purchased outright, while the others require some construction work, so bring your tools out and roll up your sleeves. Let’s get started.
1. Storage shack
A storage shack is a great way to make our backyards work for us. We can store all sorts of items that wouldn’t otherwise fit in a garage, such as lawn care and sports equipment. It also allows us to free up some valuable space in our home.
For instance, are you the type who keeps their bicycle in the garage? I’m sure it’s just resting next to some cabinet, or worse, chained up outside. Give your bicycle a proper home by turning your storage shack into a bike garage as well. You can also use the shack as a makeshift gardening station.
2. Basket organizer
Tools are strewn around, random boxes gathering dust in random corners; the garage is probably the last place you want your guests to see. It might be a smart idea to place a wicker basket by the garage door for easy access to frequently used items such as shears, trowels, and gloves. Your garage may not look great inside, but it is certain to look great from the outside.
3. Potting bench
If you enjoy gardening work but always find yourself doing most tasks on a table or workbench, you need a dedicated space for your hobby. If you have spare construction materials lying around, you can always make a potting bench out of old pallets. There’s ample storage for pots and gardening tools, and now you have an area dedicated to your favorite hobby.
4. Hose holder
We all love our garden, but the hoses can be a pain. They’re almost impossible to keep clean, and they easily get tangled up. We’ve all thought of many ways to keep them neat and arranged, but sometimes all we need is a simple hose holder. You can easily buy one in a home improvement store. It even comes in a variety of designs to ensure it looks great
5. Storage containers
Once you start your first DIY project, you’ll never go back. DIY has given a lot of people me a great deal of fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment. But sometimes, nothing beats the convenience of store-bought storage.
Good storage containers are a dime a dozen online, and they’re extremely durable. You can keep anything inside: throw pillows, picnic blankets, toys, sports equipment, even snacks for your kids and pets. Place a few near garden rooms, and you’ll never want for storage again.
6. Storage shed
Make sure to search online for plans if you want to build a storage shed. Instead of buying one from the store, you can source the materials and build it yourself. Best of all, a shed costs around $300 and is built to last. Some plans are pretty detailed, with step-by-step instructions. If you need a high-quality outdoor shed, skip the trip to the big box store and build one yourself.
7. Recycling area
The recycling bin is probably the last thing you’d expect to fix up. We throw our garbage in, someone collects the garbage, repeat. However, even the humble recycling bin can be spruced up. A dedicated area for recycling bins not only looks great but can also improve your home’s value.
A final word
These are just some of the ways you can make better use of your backyard space. Make sure to read up on local laws before doing any major construction or renovation work. The last thing you want is a strongly worded letter and a fine from your HOA or city hall.
