How to Organize a Shed

Nathan Gilbert goes on a road trip to Texas where he helps a homeowner organize her garage. After the homeowner explains that she has six kids’ worth of toys in her garage space, Nathan decides to set up a track system with adjustable storage. The pair get to work attaching brackets for shelving, bikes, ladders, and tools, helping to organize the space for its best use.

Getting organized can feel overwhelming when toys and tolls start piling up in the shed or garage. Rather than letting that mess keep you from using the space to its full potential, get organized with a smart adjustable storage system. Gilbert shows us exactly how it’s done on this house call, while he helps a busy mom of six clean up her shed.

Steps for Organizing a Shed

Step 1: Clean and Empty the Garage

Before you can organize the garage, it’s important to eliminate the items that might be getting in the way. Clean out the bikes, toys, large tools, and other items lying around. Be sure to throw out or recycle anything that’s no longer of use to avoid storing garbage.

Step 2: Locate and Mark the Wall Studs

The shelving unit installed must hang from screws driven into studs. Use the stud finder to locate the studs and mark them on the wall. Be sure to mark both edges of the stud rather than simply the middle. This allows for more room for error.

Step 3: Measure the Rail Height

Determine how high you’d like the rail to sit. Generally speaking, it should be as high as you can reach comfortably. Mark this height on the wall.

Mount the Rail to the Wall

Hold the rail up to the wall at the predetermined height. Use the drill driver to drive a screw through the rail and into the stud behind it on one end.

Place a level on the rail, adjust it until it’s level, and drive another screw through it. Check for level again, and then continue driving screws into the studs.

Test the Rail

With all of the screws installed, tug on the rail to ensure it’s snug and sturdy. If so, attach the plastic cover over the rail.

Repeat the Process for the Other Rails

Repeat the process of attaching the rails to the studs, leveling them, and checking that they’re secure for any additional rail kits.

Install Hooks and Attachments

Install the hooks and attachments to the rails. Be sure to adjust them, so there is enough space between large items like ladders and bikes for easy storage. For shelf rails, position them so they hang directly in front of studs and attach them with screws. Then snap the shelf brackets into place.

Hang Tools and Toys

The last step is to hang the toys and tools from the storage racks. These systems can hold sports equipment, bikes, garden tools, ladders, and other equipment from the included hooks and hangers. Additional storage hooks are available for purchase as well.

You can also use rivet shelving, which is sturdy and easy to assemble, or corrosion- and rust-proof wire shelving to store toys, tools, and other items in your shed.

Resources

Nathan installs a storage track system in a shed for a Texas homeowner. Nathan explains there a many organizational track systems available on the market. He suggests considering what you’re storing and how often you’ll need to access the items being stored before deciding on a system.

Tools