Our gardens are extensions of our homes, so keeping them looking neat and tidy requires clever storage solutions, just like our interiors. From bijou boxes for stashing seed packets to balcony basics and built-in ideas for spacious backyards, these clever ideas will help keep your outdoor area organised no matter its size. 

Click or scroll to discover the best storage ideas to maximise your plot...

Make alfresco entertaining a breeze with a handy hostess trolley. Store everything you need for a smooth soiree, including condiments, spare plates and cutlery, so you don't have to keep running back and forth to the kitchen. If you prefer, why not create your own mini bar on wheels?

Featured trolley available from JYSK.

Think about a wall-mounted solution like this sturdy wire basket rather than carrying a caddy up and down the garden. Fix to a fence or wooden post and stash gardening gloves, twine or small tools so they're on-hand when needed and don't get lost among the flower beds.

Featured storage basket available from Dibor.

Whatever you enjoy growing in your garden, keep your seed packets clean, dry and organised by storing them in a specially designed tin. Opt for one with multiple compartments so you can separate flowers and vegetables, and remember to clearly label any envelopes of seeds you've collected yourself.

Featured Burgon & Ball seed packet tin available from B&Q.

Save money on an expensive purpose-built potting table by making your own planting station from pre-loved furniture. Create a vertical storage board to add to an old table using an offcut of wooden cladding or even reclaimed floorboards nailed together with a batten. Screw in hooks for hanging tools so they're always in reach.

Although a shed is probably the most common form of garden storage, unless it's properly organised, it can become a dumping ground of all sorts. And, once crammed, items are harder to access.

Ensure there is a place for everything in your shed by fitting practical shelves in a lightweight but strong material so you can rearrange your items as needed. This wire-framed shelving racking is ideal for smaller gardening equipment like string, secateurs and seedling containers. 

Featured storage rack available from Agriframes.

Portable storage is ideal for keeping smaller garden tools and items together. A metal trug like this will make a charming vintage-style addition to potting sheds and greenhouses.

Plus, there will be no more going back and forth between the shed and the flower beds while gardening. This will benefit your (many) garden tasks and improve your organisation when it comes to tidying up. 

Featured garden caddy available from Annabel James.

When it comes to practical garden storage, nothing beats the traditional wooden shed or summerhouse. Safe and secure, they can be filled with patio furniture, outdoor toys and garden tools.

As for the style factor, a stained finish looks rustic and organic, natural tones are calming and in keeping with the surroundings, bright colours stand out and black is urban and Scandi cool – the finish choices are endless. We love this uplifting blue shed complemented with chalky white French doors and trim.

Featured shed available from B&Q. 

A roomy garden bench has a practical dual purpose with box storage underneath. Lift the seat to reveal space for outdoor cushions, gardening or laundry drying equipment.

Positioned by the back door, a garden bench with added storage will offer the ideal spot to perch when putting on garden shoes or wellington boots. Once you're done, simply pop them back inside the bench, ready for your next outing. 

Featured storage bench available from B&Q. 

Wooden pallets have so many uses for garden upcycling and they are ideal for creating rustic-style outdoor storage ranging from seating with drawers to tables with cubbies. And the best part is that the humble pallet looks more interesting with age, so it shouldn't need upgrading for years. 

This simple garden shelving solution has been created by mounting a pallet to a wall with what looks like bicycle wall hooks. Decked out with various hooks, the structure holds plenty of garden tools as well as pretty plant pots.

Shelves might not be the first garden storage idea that comes to mind for your outdoor space. But, mounted to exterior walls, the easy addition can create practical display storage for plants, lanterns and attractive tools while adding a homely vibe to outdoor terraces and patios. 

Why not create a vintage look by making your own garden shelf using reclaimed scaffold boards and basic shelf brackets? This elongated shelf looks endearingly rustic set against a brick wall.

An outdoor terrace dressed to the max with layered cushions and textiles looks enchanting, but where to store all those soft furnishings when the weather changes?

A built-in bench with secret storage space under the seating creates ideal compartments to put everything away after an alfresco evening or unexpected downpour. Ensure the design is weather-tight when building to prevent leaks and mould forming.

Featured lighting available from Lights4fun.

Make planting and seeding a doddle by turning an area of your garden or outbuilding into a potting corner. A potting table with a galvanised worktop offers plenty of storage solutions for all kinds of tools and gardening essentials.

Look for units with drawers designed to store loose soil and shelves to keep larger items, such as watering cans and big containers, safely tidied. Complete the organised space by installing shelves and hooks for larger equipment.

Featured potting table available from Garden Trading.

Build stylish wheelie bin storage to hide unsightly but necessary bins in a front garden. There is now a good range of ready-made versions available that come either flat pack or fully assembled.

Or, if you fancy taking on an upcycling project, take inspiration from this idea by Claire Douglas Styling. Claire made her bin store complete with cubbies for smaller bins and a top planter, which she filled with plants to mask odours and soften the hard lines.

Painted fruit crates assembled on top of one another can be transformed into thrifty cottage-style storage. Give the crates a lick of colourful paint and once dry, drill the boxes together to secure and make them home for rustic items such as terracotta pots, wicker baskets and galvanised watering cans.

You can tuck these stacks into corners in even the smallest garden, instantly maximising the space.

Featured wood paint in Slade Green available from Thorndown.

So, you've organised the inside of your shed with plenty of garden storage options, but have you thought about optimising the shed exterior? If your shed or summer house is not butted up against a fence or exterior wall, then why not use the façade for storage, too?

Take advantage of the unused space by mounting a shelf or two and using them to store weatherproof items such as plant pots and garden tools. This will free up more space inside for items that need more protection from the elements.

Featured wood paint in Bishop Blue available from Thorndown.

Add structure to your garden with statement storage that looks ultra stylish. This house-shaped wood store looks ultra chic, made from black coated metal. Angular compartments keep wood sizes arranged and organised.

When looking for log storage for contemporary or urban gardens, a modern alternative with angular lines will add attention to detail and enhance the simple yet sophisticated style that's required.

Featured log storage available from Ivyline.

You can never have too much tool storage in the garden. These budget-friendly DIY hooks are useful for hanging tools with long handles, as the heads slot in perfectly at the top.

Not only is this slatted storage handy for holding tools, but hoses, lanterns, festoon lights and lightweight foldable outdoor furniture can be lifted off the floor, too, if needed.

Add a shot of colour to a Mediterranean-style garden with a vibrant plant stand that doubles as a multi-purpose trough that is also ideal for holding pots, vases and garden tools. 

Why not wipe it down and bring it inside during colder months to store and display house plants, magazines or even kitchen equipment?

Featured plant box available from Nordic Nest.

Here's another upcycling hack that's both handy and handsome. Give an old hallway storage shelf a new purpose by painting it with weather-proof paint.

Mounted to a wall, the new structure looks smart, laden with garden tools hanging from the hooks beneath. Matching plant pots, outdoor lighting and a decorative lavender wreath on the shelf above finish the stylish garden storage statement.

Featured garden lighting available from Lights4fun.

Greenhouses aren't just for those with a lot of outdoor space. This Victorian-style timber greenhouse painted in a pretty pink not only creates an attractive garden feature but also provides adjustable shelving space for potted plants both large and small.

You can lean it against a wall or fence without losing a lot of space in the garden, which you make up for with all that storage. Double doors are perfect for easy access to store larger items during winter, too.

Featured wall greenhouse available from The Range.

Basic box storage makes a quick and convenient garden storage solution. Recycled plastic versions are budget-friendly and are usually purchased as flat packs. Wooden and wicker styles look smart but can be more expensive. 

Although waterproof, mould can creep in, so here's a tip: add some silica gel packets to help absorb any moisture. But be careful to keep them secure from children and pets.

Featured storage box available from B&Q.

Declutter the boot room or porch by moving wellington boots outside. A wall-mounted welly rack will look charming while storing outdoor shoes in country style.

Placing boots upside down ensures water and moisture are kept to a minimum. A handy shelf protects wellies from all weather conditions and will look pretty with potted plants placed on top.

Featured well rack available from A Place For Everything.

Looking for a tall, contemporary planter to decorate your urban garden? This linear slatted version makes excellent use of its height with a discreet storage section at the base.

The pull-up door lifts to reveal a neat compartment with plenty of room for watering cans, secateurs, fertiliser and more.

Featured planter available from Forest.

Rescue an old console table or chest of drawers from heading to landfill by giving it new value as garden storage. All that's needed for it to last well in its new home is a coat or two of exterior wood paint to withstand the elements.

This upcycled console table has been transformed into a potting table with the help of a pallet wall storage unit installed above to house pretty plants and tools.

Featured image from Wayfair.

Avoid repeated trips to the kitchen while alfresco dining with outdoor kitchen storage cabinets set next to the barbecue. Closed cupboard, weatherproof storage can be used to house picnic tableware, barbecue tools and condiments.

Raise the dining experience another level by completing the look with open storage mounted above to display herbs, wooden chopping boards and melamine glasses.

Featured image from Garden House Design.

An outdoor sofa or dining suite makes a luxurious garden patio feature. This clever design has the added benefit of an underseat storage box that's ideal for stashing seat cushions when not in use.

As cold weather returns, transfer the cushions to a damp-proof place, such as the garage, and ensure the investment suite is stored under protective covers.

Featured garden sofa set available from VonHaus.

Outdoor furniture that doubles up as garden storage makes practical sense in smaller spaces. If your outdoor space isn't the biggest, you can easily find multipurpose pieces to save on space.

These contemporary iron box stools will suit various backyard styles and can be filled with logs or garden tools, while cushions make them soft to sit on. Bring a few together and you've got yourself a seating area to enjoy the great outdoors.

Featured stools available from Garden Trading.

Give your garden an interior decorator's touch by turning an old console table into an outdoor display piece. Load up a table with spare pots, planters and containers in various colours and sizes, combining plants in different shades and textures. Using woven and wicker baskets as plant pot covers lends a bohemian touch.

Featured rug available from Weaver Green.

Encourage little ones to keep outdoor toys tidy with garden storage ideas just for their playthings. Purchase a low-level, outdoor storage box that opens out for easy access.

Alternatively, try upcycling an old shoe rack like this one and create a backyard storage bench with various compartments for sports or playtime equipment.

Loved this? See more garden ideas to save time and money