The Smart Solution That Makes Outdoor Trash Cans Way Less Of An Eyesore

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Outdoor trash cans, the type for curbside garbage or recycling pickup, can be a huge eyesore. They are often large, sometimes brightly colored, and anything but inconspicuous, detracting from your home's overall curb appeal. Complicating matters is that storing garbage cans inside your garage is not only an easy way to stink up the space but also among the biggest mistakes that attract mice to your home and garden. But such a solution could easily eat up a weekend or two, and who has time for that? Luckily, there's a more straightforward fix that will allow you to quickly get them out of sight — just purchase and unpack a premade shed with a lockable door to place against your house or in your yard. Easy peasy! Rather than say goodbye to the eyesore of outdoor trash cans with a sleek DIY solution that steals a ton of time, you can easily assemble a manufactured shed in an hour or two.

These premade enclosures offer so many extra benefits. For starters, many are made of weather-hardy materials that will stand up to almost anything that Mother Nature throws at them, whether it's heavy rain or UV exposure. Get one with a lockable door, and you have your own mini Fort Knox to keep critters like raccoons out of your garbage. Choose a model that's spacious enough for your bins with room to spare, so you can store overflow trash and large recycling items, gardening supplies, and other tools. A suitable outdoor trash can shed will protect your bins, add utility, and control funky odors, all while enhancing the look of your property.

A shed is one of the best budget-friendly ways to hide outdoor garbage bins to make them less of an eyesore. They come in various sizes and price points, so you should be able to find one within your budget to neatly house your garbage and recycling bins and keep them out of sight. And you won't even have to trek to a big-box or hardware store to get one! Many models can be purchased online and shipped directly to your door.

Be sure to check the dimensions of your bins before shopping for a shed. Most list their size in width, depth, and height, so measure carefully. Remember to include their height with their lids open so you don't have to roll them out to fill them. If you have more than one bin, confirm they'll all fit comfortably. Buying a shorter shed (where your bins will only fit with their lids closed) could stretch your budget, with some costing around $100, such as this Greesum Outdoor Storage Shed. You may even find a shed with ample room for extra features like shelving, while certain units, like the Suncast Plastic Storage Shed, include a hinged lid that lets you load your bins without having to roll them out. 

Whatever you choose, leave a few extra inches on all sides so it won't be hard to roll your bins in and out. Also, consider ventilation. Built-in vents will help reduce odors, while features like a slanted roof to allow water to roll off and rust- or UV-resistant materials can be essential benefits. All things considered, you may find a modestly sized shed is an affordable solution to keep your trash and recycling tucked neatly out of sight.