IKEA's New Outdoor Storage Solution Can Replace Your Old Backyard Shed

Your trusty backyard shed has likely been through a lot and served its purpose well; if you're looking for an upgrade without spending a fortune, you don't have to purchase a new shed at all. The KOLBJÖRN shelving unit is an outdoor storage unit from IKEA that can replace your old backyard shed entirely.

Retailing for $649.99, the KOLBJÖRN shelving unit with two cabinets is a sizable storage solution. It measures 67 ⅜ inches wide, 14 ⅝ inches deep, and 63 ⅜ inches high, and is made from powder-coated galvanized steel, so it's entirely suitable for outdoor use. With both a small and large cabinet that can hold tools, gardening supplies, and lawn care products, and a shelving unit for exposed storage of items you need more regularly, this piece shows a lot of potential in replacing your traditional backyard shed. Product specifications do state that this unit must be anchored to the wall to prevent tipping, which is especially important when loading the KOLBJÖRN up with heavy items.

Currently, this specific unit has only one review. Since this model is a combination of three individual storage units, however, it's easy to track down performance details from its various parts. The included shelf unit has a 4.7-star average from more than 140 reviews, the smaller cabinet has a 4.3-star average from more than 700 reviews, and the large cabinet has a 3.9-star average out of over 60 reviews. Buyer feedback states that the units work well and look nice, though the large cabinet was docked slightly due to some mentions of a difficult assembly. 

While the KOLBJÖRN provides a physical place to keep your items protected from the elements, it still needs to be organized or else it may become messy and a poor fit for your purposes. Instead, you'll want to optimize this storage unit so that it truly rivals your shed. Start by decluttering your shed inventory to maximize space in the KOLBJÖRN. Next, designate which cabinet will be used for what purposes to maintain order. The smaller cabinet and lower shelves of the larger cabinet are perfect for children's outdoor toys, hoses, and supplies that you need on the regular — such as potting soil, gardening tools, and pots — while the top shelves may be better suited to less commonly used items or things you need out of reach — such as chemicals or bug spray.

To store items that you want to stay dust and pest free, consider purchasing sealed containers from IKEA or elsewhere. A good option is the SAMLA line of bins, which are clear, making it easy to see the contents; they also stack and come in a variety of sizes. If you find you need more storage space, you can always pick up another model from the KOLBJÖRN line. The KOLBJÖRN cabinet ($339.98) features two cabinets — one on top of the other, with an empty space in between — that offers more concealed storage and can be positioned right next to the larger storage unit for a cohesive look. Lastly, since the unit is metal, you can add magnetic hooks to the side, which are ideal for hanging garden tools like hand shovels or garden forks.