Does your shed look like a chaotic mess? Maybe it’s overflowing with papers, magazines, clothes, sports gear, hobby equipment, and random knickknacks. Getting everything organized starts with putting items in their rightful places and getting rid of things you no longer need. If you’re unsure about letting certain items go, set them aside in a box. If you don’t use them within a month or two, it’s probably time to part ways.
If your shed keeps getting cluttered quickly, it might mean you need a bigger space—or it’s time for a proper decluttering session.
How to Declutter Your Shed
Step 1: Take Inventory
Start by removing everything from the shed. Don’t overthink it—just take out all the items, whether or not you think they’re useful.
Step 2: Organize Your Belongings
Organize Your Belongings
To make sorting easier, use the three-pile method:
Keep Pile: This includes only the items you truly need and use. If you’re unsure, keep it here for now.
Toss Pile: Place anything that’s broken, unnecessary, or unusable in this pile. These are items destined for the dump.
Give Away Pile: Add items that are still in good condition but no longer serve you, like clothes or household goods. These can be donated to a charity or given to friends and family.
Recycle Pile: Create a separate pile for recyclable items like clean bottles, magazines, papers, and old books.
Step 3: Reassess the Keep Pile
If the Keep pile is larger than the space available in your shed, it’s time to refine it further:
First Pass: Ask yourself, “Will I use this within the next six months or during the next season?” If the answer is no, it belongs in either the Toss or Give Away pile.
Second Pass: For sentimental items that you’re reluctant to part with, put them in a separate bin. After six months, revisit the bin—if you haven’t used or missed these items, it’s time to let them go.
Final Step: Remove the Excess
Remove the Excess
Now it’s time to eliminate the Toss, Give Away, and Recycle piles. Don’t sort through these piles again—simply bag them separately and arrange for waste disposal or drop-offs at donation centers.
Maintaining an Organized Shed
Decluttering your shed takes time and effort, but the results are worth it. Once you’ve placed your sorted Keep pile back in the shed, designate a specific spot for future clutter. This way, you can prevent items from piling up again and keep your shed tidy and functional.
