Tips for Keeping Your Storage Shed Organized

Adding storage sheds to your property can be a wonderful way to de-clutter your home and take advantage of the space you have. However, if you're not careful, your storage shed can become the most disorganized place in your home.

According to the Message Media article, "Tips for a Tidy Shed or Garage,"

"A well-organized shed can save homeowners time and energy, as it’s easy to abandon or delay a project if you can’t find that pair of work gloves you stashed."

Most of us don't want to think about the time and money we have poured into projects that we never finished, but if you follow these suggestions for keeping your storage shed well-organized, you will find it easier to follow through on your intentions and finish your projects in one sitting.

1. Tidy Up Frequently -Ideally you should go through your storage shed once a month and put anything away that is out-of-place. By revisiting your organization on a regular basis, messes are way less likely to get out of hand. The first time you do a major organization of a cluttered storage space, you should take everything out and only put items back in the storage shed when they have a proper place.
2. Use Shelves, Hooks and Pegboards - Simple organizational tools like shelves and pegboards will help you find the things you're searching for quickly.
3. Prioritize Your Placements - Analyze what items you use the most often in your storage shed and put them in an easy to reach place near the front of the storage shed. Don't forget that you can hang items on the back of the shed doors for quick access.

If you're looking for a quality built shed that you can count on for years to come, please contact us. We would be happy to build a shed to your specifications to meet your needs.

Storage Sheds Save You Money

Everywhere you look people are using storage sheds in trendy new ways. A simple Pinterest search will show you hundreds of ideas for transforming standard storage sheds into a personal oasis that will make your friends' and family's jaws drop. However, as exciting as the new uses for storage sheds can be, it's important to remember that using your shed simply for extra storage still makes a lot of sense.

A growing portion of the population is paying a fee every single month for self-storage facility rental. It starts out simply enough, a person decides that they need a little more room, just for a little while. Eventually they will take the time to go through their belongings and weed out unnecessary items so that the extra storage is no longer necessary. Inevitably the plan to pay for self-storage for a few months turns into years. When you consider that the average monthly fee for a self-storage unit is $100, (it can be much higher in popular urban areas where space is at a premium) you can easily see that it doesn't take long for a storage shed to pay for itself. 

The only reason most people don't immediately consider a personal storage shed is that they think their storage needs will be short-lived. However, if you happen to be one of the few people who really can cut down on their extra belongings and eliminate their need for storage, then you can actually join the trend-setters that are turning their storage sheds into backyard havens. 

For information on quality, Amish-constructed storage sheds that can help you eliminate your ongoing monthly storage fee, please contact us.

Storage Sheds Become the Center of Creative Pop Culture Trends

It seems like the world is becoming more and more creative. Everywhere you turn someone has taken on a new amazing project and created something unbelievable out of ordinary beginnings. Now that the world has become a global society and social media has made it easier than ever to share our passions and interests, people are building on one another's creativity.

One exciting idea, executed well and shared with photos online, suddenly inspires thousands of similar projects each with their own take on what was already a creative venture.

We have seen people create incredible personal oasis's out of quality storage sheds. We suspect that what we have already seen is just the beginning and it is a lot of fun to look at our Amish-built sheds and wonder what they may one day house in the hands of a DIY genius.

According to the Daytona Beach News Journal article, "Reinvent The Shed Storage: buildings being reimagined as pubs, studios, getaways" by Melissa Kossler Dutton,

"When Morgaine Ford-Workman and Wren Workman bought a house with a backyard shed, they saw the potential for something more than storing garden tools. The couple transformed the 10-by-12-foot building into a bar to use during outdoor parties at their house in Morrisville, Pennsylvania."

A decade ago, before the popularity of sites like Pinterest transformed the internet, no one would have thought of a storage shed as a space to entertain guests, or an expansion of a home's limited recreational space, but now it's clear that the sky is the limit.

If you want to start your incredible backyard shed project with a storage shed that is built to your specifications, please contact us.

Backyard Trends: The Pub Shed, or Man Cave Shed

Want to be the talk of the neighborhood? The place where all the parents want to hang out? Look no further than your backyard storage shed. There's a new trend going around: the Pub Shed and gives you an excuse to have friends over all year long.

Many owners of pub sheds have running water and electricity along with fittings that may be found in a licensed hostelry. A selection of beers in the fridge or even on tap, a TV to watch the game, and friends to go with it...all the comforts of a traditional pub. Some go for the a stately look, while other go for simpler modern decor l

A Pub Shed is simply a storage or garden shed which has been turned into a gathering place behind your home. The great thing about a Pub Shed is the versatility. They can range from plain-Jane with tools still hanging on the walls to a great meeting place with a TV, bar and, if you're getting adventurous a tap, or an espresso machine!

You could clean out that old tool shed in the back, install drywall, French doors, windows, lights, and all your bar supplies and you've got your own version the new man-cave. 

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Or you could have an affordable professionally built shed fully assembled and delivered right to your backyard. Want to revamp your current shed? Make it your next family DIY project! If this is a family affair, add a freezer for some ice cream to sweeten the deal. You know what? That sounds good to me, too!

So what are you waiting for? You pick the beverages to stock, you set your own closing time, and when it's closing time you can retire about 20 ft. from your house. Sounds like a win/win to us.. Contact us to learn about your options and to find out soon yo can have your very own backyard Pub Shed.

Storage Shed Decisions: Always Start with Size

If you're thinking of putting a storage shed in your back yard, you might be amazed to know how many options you have. If you've just seen the generic sheds outside big box stores you might not realize how customized and beautiful your shed can be. The options are so plentiful, they could start to feel a little overwhelming, but if you take your time and make one decision at a time you will soon have a shed that perfectly meets your needs and matches your sense of style.

First you will want to consider the size of your shed. You can have a shed built on site, which means that you can choose from a small shed around 6 x 8 feet to a very large shed around 14 x 40 feet and there are size options for everything in between.

You will want a shed large enough to store everything you had in mind, plus a little extra space for any new lawn or sport items you might add to your collection in the coming years.

However, you do not want a storage shed so large that it overshadows your yard. After all, your personal recreation space is very important, and part of the reason for getting a storage shed was to have a place to store all the stuff that was cluttering up your yard and keeping you from enjoying it in the first place.

To see our options for quality sheds with an incredibly warranty, please contact us. We will help walk you through every decision.

What A Shed Shouldn't Be Made Of

You’re planning a garden for this spring, planning a pool or planning to get extra storage. You’re looking around at what’s available, and you settle on a shed for your gardening and pool tools or extraneous stuff. Your neighbors or those homes you pass on the way to work have one. You like the different styles and colors. However, you want something constructed of good solid materials that will last. You decide the only way to go is Amish built structures. Good decision. Here’s why.

Commercially Produced Goods

Most people aren’t aware that their furniture is constructed of materials like particle board that aren’t solid. Flammable materials cover the frames of the furniture. Gases arise from all of this due to efforts to make the material inflammable. Formaldehyde is often a feature in commercially produced furnishings. Garden sheds are made of resins, plastics, steel or wood, which are much safer to be around. This is where you come into the picture. You chose Amish goods, because you’ve heard how well-made and lovely Amish goods are.

The Amish Way

The Amish don’t use mankind’s inventions like cars, electricity or machinery. They make their own plainly colored clothing, grow their own food, make their own bread and drive buggies pulled by horses. The beauty of the Amish way is that they live simply. When they build something, they do it with their own hands, with their own hammers and with diesel powered generators running their power tools. The Amish don’t deal directly with those outside their community, in order that their values remain pure instead of becoming tarnished by mankind’s bad habits. They deal with wholesalers who then move Amish wares to retailers.

Amish Built Structures

Amish sheds are constructed of wood and have the option to have a wood or vinyl exterior. The buildings come in styles such as Mini-Barn, Quaker, A-Frame and more. The beauty of Amish outbuildings is that they can be customized to suit your needs. Want a small version of your house, complete with gables, siding and flower boxes on the windows? You got it. Could you use a log cabin in which to store your tools and other stuff? We can do that. You might not own a horse, but a barn behind your house would certainly be a conversation-starter. No problem. Customize an existing shed or design your own. Either way, you’ll get a building of excellent quality, beauty and longevity.

The beauty of Amish work is that its heirloom quality construction means it is frequently passed on to future generations. Backyard sheds may not be as ornately carved or polished as Amish furniture is, but the buildings will be contact us for more information.

Constructed and finished as wonderfully as their other items. When you decide what type of shed will best suit your needs, 

The Best Shed... Metal, Plastic or Wood?

If you are feeling a bit cautious about storage garages for sale, maybe you should be. 

What do you do when you run out of storage in your own home? As with any body that has more stuff than room, your options for getting more storage space are limited to adding on to your current house, which is an expense that most of us can't afford, renting a storage unit, which means that only being able to access your stuff whenever they are open and finally a storage shed which you can place on your own property. You're thinking about a storage shed and don't know where to start. There are so many choices out there and so many manufacturers but what is the right storage shed for your needs?

Now for some, adding on to their own homes means that they can build it up any way they want, it might not be just for storage. Extra rooms, a play area, a new bedroom or TV room. Building an addition to your house means planning, paying for permits, getting permission from a HOA (if there is one) and time. Renting a storage space means trusting someone else to look after your own stuff, as well as, having to take time from your busy schedule to run over to the storage facility, hoping that the item or items you're looking for are still there. Building or placing your own storage shed gives you the best of both worlds. You can access your storage anytime you want, build it any way you like and you can choose any style available. Storage sheds afford the home owner several options that they can exercise.

Metal Sheds

These are made from thin sheet metal panels, generally galvanized steel, aluminum or corrugated iron. Attached to a metal frame, metal sheds are good for long-term installations. Useful when fire, rot and pests are a concern. Metal can rust and corrode if you are using non galvanized steel. If you are planning on installing a metal shed, care should be taken when using a concrete floor. Concrete flooring is corrosive and can cause damage to panels that touch it. To over come this, use treated lumber on top of a concrete pad to keep the damage to a minimum.

Plastic Sheds

These are made from PVC and are less expensive than metal sheds. Easily constructed with plastic molded sides and roofs attached to a metal frame, the sheds are less susceptible to dent, weather rot and pests, requiring little to no maintenance and don't have to be maintained with a preservative to keep the rot out. Plastic sheds are also easy to expand, adding lights, sky lights, windows, extra storage and other accessories as you need. You need to also add in a floor such as concrete or wood and it needs to be purchased separately.

Wooden sheds

Wood sheds are a more natural, aesthetically pleasing shed. Stronger and more durable than vinyl or metal sheds, wood sheds need more maintenance than wood or vinyl. Rot, mildew, mold, split wood and other issues can cause problems with the wood shed if it is not treated and maintained consistently. Because wood is such an easy product to work with, adding accessories such as windows, trim, and extra storage is a little easier with wood sheds than metal or vinyl because you can use readily available tools and materials and wood is a renewable resource.

What it comes down to is this. What are your needs for storage? Do you require a large amount? Does it need to have a car port attached or do you just want to store a few things away for the holidays or special times of year? May be you just add a small unit to your yard so you can park your lawnmower and put gardening tools away. Some sheds require building permits because of their size, make sure that you have all the permits and permissions necessary to build a storage shed on your property.

To talk more about this, or anything else, as always, give us a call!  Call Us.

Why Every Man Needs One... A Man Cave

Although they might not admit to the fact, the majority of men would love to have a personal space to call their own. A place where they can put up their own decor, have a comfy chair, and be free to be their manly selves.

The lady of the house usually has dominance when it comes to design, and decoration, which is why the "man cave" is quickly becoming a very popular trend. The idea of having a retreat has many advantages to the average male. It gives them a place to spend time alone, enjoy hobbies, and watch sporting events with their male counterparts.

Psychologists say that a man cave can actually help to keep a marriage on the right track, by providing a much needed break from stressful surroundings. In a way, it's a way for married men to recreate their long lost carefree days of bachelorhood. 

Man caves are often just patched up basements or garages with harsh, fluorescent lights, and a lack of heat or air conditioning. Not the most welcoming of spaces, especially with garbage, and holiday decorations being stored nearby.

More suitable options are available, with much more thought to design, and functionality. Without spending all that much money, a prefabricated man cave can be the perfect way to build an oasis away from home, while still being within the premises.

From fancy upscale sports-themed furnishings, to just a simple recliner, and a homemade bar, your own manspace can be filled with what you love, and be an expression of who you are. If you'd like more information on man caves, please feel free to contact us.

Winterizing Your Storage Shed

Most owners wouldn't think to winterize their Storage Sheds, but taking the time to do so will increase its longevity. Whether your shed will stand idle or be used during the winter season, it is important to prepare for the harsh weather ahead. The more you do, the better your storage shed will withstand the elements and you will avoid any damage that could result. Here is a helpful check list.

Clean

Cleaning the interior is a good place to begin. Empty the shed. This makes it easier to clean away debris, cobwebs, and insect homes that may have accumulated during the summer. Prepare your summer tools for winter.

• Clean gardening hand tools. Store them in plastic totes to keep them clean and ready for spring.
• Drain water out of hoses.
• Empty gas and oil from lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers.
• Cover lawn mowers with tarp to keep off dust and moisture.
• Secure electrical cords to any electrical tools so they do not get wound around other items or get stepped on.
• Store any unused potting soil, grass seed, fertilizer, and mulch in plastic totes to keep rodents from using them for nests.
• Any item that cannot handle freezing temperatures should be stored in a heated garage or basement.
• Throw away anything you no longer need or use. Contact your local disposal company for proper removal of paint, thinners, and oil.

Inspect and Repair Interior

• After you empty the shed, inspect the walls, floors, and ceiling for weakened and damaged areas.
• Check behind and around shelving, hooks, and other wall hangings for hidden weak spots. Test wall hanging supports for durability.
• Focus on seams to make sure there is no separation or holes.
• Examine seals around windows and doors. Shrunken caulk and cracked weatherstripping will let in cold air and moisture, so it should be replaced.
• Replace any broken window panes.
• Check door hinges and openers. Give them a squirt of oil to keep them functioning smoothly in cold weather.
• Repair all damaged areas. You may consider painting the walls for an additional barrier against moisture. 
• Wet winter tools can cause water damage to shed floors. Waterproofing the floor will increase its lifespan.

Inspect and Repair Exterior

• Inspect the exterior for holes and weak spots.
• Examine the roof for weak areas and leaks.
• Reattach curled back shingles with asphalt roof cement.
• Replace torn, rotten, or missing shingles.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts.
• Reinforce loose boards and replace rusted nails.
• Trim away overhanging tree branches as they can cause problems when weighed down by snow and ice.
• If painting, rent a power washer to remove peeling paint. This will save you time and energy so you won't have to scrape. Allow at least 2 days for the shed to dry before painting.

Using your shed during the winter? Move all summer items to the farthest end of the shed. Keep winter tools such as snow blowers, shovels, ice scrapers, electrical chargers, and salt, sand, or grit in easy reach near the door. You may wish to use your shed during the winter for hobbies or other projects. In this case, you should insulate and add a heating source to keep warm.

Winterizing you storage shed may seem like a lot of work, but it will pay off when spring arrives and your shed and belongings are safe and undamaged. For more information contact us.