Ditch The Tool Shed: The Space-Saving Alternative That You Already Own

If you've bought a house and are looking at what's left in your bank account, a tool shed may be unaffordable. Others may want to reserve yard space for a vegetable garden, or view a shed as less practical when renting. Before you think about buying a DIY shed kit, consider an overlooked storage solution that provides a clever, space-saving alternative: a trash can. Using a trash can to store tools may seem incredibly odd or unbelievably obvious — perhaps both at the same time. 

When you think about it, garbage cans share many similarities with conventional storage tubs. Thanks to their lids, you can use garbage cans to protect garden tools from outside elements like the rain. You'll definitely want to add this hack to your idea box if you're looking for small space storage solutions. Try holding tools with a trash can in your garage, mud room, or on a patio corner.

To really see the beauty of this storage alternative, you'll want to explore how to use and personalize it. Some gardeners use garbage cans to store flexible items like hoses during winter months. Others place long-handled tools, such as rakes and shovels, into the bins. 

Rather than storing a jumble of garden tools in a trash can, try drilling two-inch holes in the lid, which allows you to securely insert tools. If you know you may be placing wet items in your garbage bins, you can drill a few drainage holes in the bottom of the bin. These drainage holes should measure about 3/8 of an inch. 

Depending on what you store in your trash can, you may need to weigh it down to keep heavy tool heads from tipping the bin. Put some stones or gravel in the bottom of the trash can to help balance hefty tool head weight. While trash cans help those without a shed stow supplies, you can also use this storage solution to declutter your outdoor shed (if you have one), maximizing its space.