Ditch The Shed: IKEA Has An Easy Solution For Instant Outdoor Storage

Sheds are storage powerhouses, but sometimes they fall flat. Whether yours is in a state of disrepair that has you dreading using it or you simply don't own a shed at all, you might be looking for another storage solution for your outdoor essentials. IKEA's RUNMARÖ shelf unit could be a good option for those who are short on room, unwilling to suffer through complex assembly of an entire shed, or in need of a new favorite IKEA find for patio storage.

Retailing for $99.99, the RUNMARÖ is a sturdy-looking piece of furniture made from polypropylene plastic components that fit together without any screwing or complicated steps. The unit is 15 ¾ inches deep, stands 71 ⅝ inches tall, and measures 35 ⅜ inches wide, with a maximum load per shelf of 40 pounds. With five shelving surfaces, that's a decent amount of weight capacity overall. When the unit gets dirty — as it will from time to time — it can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth, or even hosed down.

Customers have given the piece a 4.6-star average based on around 17 reviews. The bulk of the praise for this piece hinges on its straightforward assembly. "You don't need screws or anything like that to assemble it; you simply snap the pieces together. I recommend trying this if you want to build a sturdy shelf easily," explains one reviewer on IKEA's website.

If the RUNMARÖ is going to serve as your outdoor storage, it will be important to outfit it with the right bins or containers to enhance its performance. Items that need to be protected from moisture should go into sealing bins. The UPPSNOFSAD storage boxes with lids are a good option for the RUNMARÖ; they are the perfect size to slide onto the shelves, even stacked one on top of the other if you're in need of extra compartments. Make your life easier by storing items according to purpose and labeling the opaque bins; gardening supplies, for example, could be kept in one bin, while grilling supplies can live in another. Keep in mind that only items that can handle being stored outside for months on end should have a home on the RUNMARÖ; otherwise, consider putting them in your garage. Larger or bulky outdoor essentials can be stored in a stylish deck box available on Amazon, and items that aren't sensitive to moisture can go in open bins or wooden crates, the latter being able to elevate the appearance of the unit. 

If you're wanting to shield the unit and ensure it lasts for years, consider tucking the shelf under your home's eaves in the corner of your patio — while polypropylene can withstand plenty of moisture, it will deteriorate significantly with prolonged exposure to harsh UV rays. Regardless of where you place it, make sure to anchor the shelf into the wall using the included safety device to prevent tipping. If you love the idea of the RUNMARÖ but are looking for something with a slightly different appearance, IKEA's budget-friendly outdoor storage solution — the HYLLIS shelf unit — can replace bulky bins.