15 Tools You Can Store in Your Small Outdoor Sheds

Maybe yours looks more like the second one. Small outdoor sheds aren’t exactly spacious. But don’t underestimate them. With the right setup, even the tiniest sheds can store more gear than you think.

And why does this matter?

Keeping your outdoor tools and gear in one place helps clear up valuable garage and yard space. It stops you from tripping over the lawnmower or kicking gardening gloves into the bushes every weekend. Plus, putting your equipment under shelter protects it from harsh sun, rain, and snow, making it last longer.

We'll take a look at 15 practical tools perfect for storing in your wooden small garden shed. Because let's face it, a little organization goes a long way.

1. The Mighty Lawn Mower

When you think about what goes into a backyard shed first, it’s usually the lawn mower. And for good reason. It’s bulky, awkward, and not something you want cluttering up the garage. The good news is that even compact sheds handle smaller mowers just fine.

If your space is extra tight, consider models with folding handles or upright storage. Your back will thank you later.

2. Basic Garden Tools (and How to Hang Them Right)

Rakes, shovels, hoes—these are essential, but leaving them scattered across your yard is a recipe for frustration. A simple fix is installing hooks or a pegboard on the Outdoor Living Today 12×12 Sunshed Garden Shed walls. It keeps tools off the ground and right where you need them. Pro tip: group tools by how often you use them.

Place your go-to items at eye level and keep specialty tools tucked neatly away higher up or in the corners.

3. The Garden Hose That’s Always in the Way

We’ve all tripped over a tangled hose left lying on the grass or driveway. It’s frustrating, messy, and eventually damages the hose. So why not store it inside your shed?

A simple wall-mounted reel or hook can solve the chaos instantly. Plus, storing your hose inside the Outdoor Living Today 8×8 Sunshed Garden Shed means less UV damage, extending its lifespan. 

4. Power Tools You Don’t Want Rusting Outside

Drills, saws, sanders—these aren’t cheap. Leaving them outside in damp conditions or exposed to the weather is a quick path to rust and damage. Storing power tools inside an outdoor garden shed keeps them dry, secure, and organized.

Use sturdy shelves or labeled bins to avoid tangled cords and misplaced tools.

Here’s another quick tip: toss a few silica gel packs or a small moisture absorber inside the Outdoor Living Today 12×16 Double Door Space Master Storage Shed. It helps reduce humidity, keeping everything in great shape.

5. Extension Cords (Coiled, Not Crumpled)

Coil your extension cords neatly instead. Hang them on hooks or cord reels mounted inside your Outdoor Living Today 12×16 Sunshed Garden Shed to avoid knots, kinks, and frustration. If you own several cords of different lengths, label them clearly. It takes seconds but saves endless headaches later.

6. Bags of Soil, Mulch, or Fertilizer

These are the heavy hitters of garden storage. But when left outside, they don’t just look messy. They can tear open, get soaked, or attract unwanted visitors.

A small garden shed wood gives you the chance to keep them dry and tucked away. If you're worried about moisture or pests, sealed bins or plastic containers do the trick. Just don’t stack the light stuff on top.

Always keep the heavier bags at the bottom, unless you like the sound of toppling stacks mid-summer.

7. Buckets, Bins, & Tubs That Pile Up in the Yard

These things tend to multiply. You start with two, and before you know it, there's a whole colony of them hiding behind the garage. Instead of letting them collect dirt and leaves outside, stack them neatly inside your Outdoor Living Today 8×12 Space Master Storage Shed.

Nesting them saves a surprising amount of space. Even better, you can repurpose a few to sort out smaller tools so they’re not rolling around underfoot.

8. Potting Supplies (Without the Dirt Trail)

Gloves, pruners, seed packets, and that one tiny shovel you always lose, they all need a spot. Tossing everything into one bin is an easy fix. But if you want to take it a step further, add a shelf and set up a basic potting station. You don’t need much room, just a flat surface and a bit of order.

Bonus: no more mystery soil piles by the back door.

9. Extra Fuel — If You’re Careful

Gas cans and trimmer fuel need a home, too, but they come with rules.

Before anything else, check your local safety guidelines. Some places have limits on storing fuel in sheds. If you do store it, make sure the space is ventilated. Metal shelves or storage trays work better than wood, especially for spills. And always keep fuel away from anything that sparks or overheats.

Common sense goes a long way here.

10. Folding Chairs or Outdoor Furniture Cushions

Off-season gear tends to wander. Folding chairs and outdoor furniture sets lean against fences. Cushions get stuffed in the garage. It’s not ideal. Storing them in a shed helps them last longer and keeps them out of the weather.

Stack the chairs vertically to save space. Store the cushions in clear bins or vacuum bags to protect them from bugs, dust, and damp air. 

11. The Trusty Wheelbarrow

Wheelbarrows are useful, but they take up space. Instead of parking it right in the middle of the Outdoor Living Today 12×4 with Sliding Doors SpaceSaver Storage Shed, turn it upright and lean it against a wall. That alone gives you a little more breathing room. You can even toss gloves, small tools, or watering cans inside the tub when it’s not in use.

If your small wooden shed is especially tight, look into foldable wheelbarrow models. They’re not just a gimmick. Some of them fold flat and still handle serious garden work.

12. Kids’ Outdoor Toys

Swings, buckets, water guns, jump ropes—kids leave them everywhere. One solid bin inside your Outdoor Living Today Maximizer 6×6 Wooden Shed can help get things under control. Keep it labeled so it’s easy to spot. Better yet, let the kids decorate it with paint or stickers. 

If they feel like it’s theirs, they’re more likely to use it.

13. Bags of Ice Melt or Rock Salt

You don’t think about these until you’re slipping down the driveway. Keep a couple of bags tucked into your shed for winter, but don’t leave them on the floor. A pallet or plastic bin keeps moisture out and the contents dry. It’s also smart to stash a scoop nearby, so you’re not reaching into a torn bag with your bare hands when the temperature drops.

14. DIY Supplies: Paint, Brushes, Drop Cloths

These things always end up shoved in a closet or forgotten in the garage. Storing them in your Outdoor Living Today Garden Chalet clears up space and keeps everything in one place. Just make sure the containers are sealed tightly, especially the paint.

And don’t let anything sit directly on the ground. A low shelf or crate works well to keep things safe from moisture and from freezing in colder weather.

15. Outdoor Holiday Decorations

Big plastic snowmen. String lights tangled like spaghetti. Wreaths that never sit flat. Holiday decorations are bulky and rarely used, which makes them perfect candidates for wooden garden shed small storage.

Pack them into clear bins so you can see what’s inside without digging. Label everything. Stack the bins vertically to save floor space. And keep them up high, top shelves are great for stuff you only reach for once or twice a year. That way, your everyday tools stay within arm’s reach.

One Last Thing Before You Close That Shed Door

You might be surprised by just how much you can fit into a small outdoor shed. With a bit of planning, even a modest space can hold more than you think. The trick is making the most of vertical space. Shelves, hooks, racks—they’re your friends. Get tools off the floor, stack containers neatly, and suddenly your shed feels twice as big.

But here’s a gentle reminder: not everything belongs inside your shed. Items like propane tanks or paint thinners are better stored carefully or somewhere more ventilated. Delicate electronics probably won’t thrive out there, either. Use common sense and prioritize safety and practicality.

Now you’ve got plenty of ideas to turn your small shed from cluttered chaos into organized calm. The hard part is starting. Open that door, take a look around, and get inspired.