Outdoor Storage Solutions for Tiny Homes

The tiny home lifestyle is a great way to simplify your existence and even reduce your bills. At the same time, there’s no escaping the fact that this also means you’ll have less space to play with. While many people are perfectly happy to downsize their belongings, even the few things you have remaining may require a little creative thought when deciding how to store them.

Keeping everything indoors is not your only option. You can maximize your property and keep your extra items accessible by investing in some appropriate outdoor storage solutions. There are various approaches you can take to this, so why not take a moment to look closer at some of the most common?

Using Sheds

As a tiny homeowner, you have relatively limited storage space. However, many people who choose this lifestyle purchase a property with a little extra land. If this is the route you’ve taken, one of your outdoor storage options is a shed.

Naturally, your first consideration here is finding a shed that fits onto the land you have available. You don’t necessarily have to buy one that takes up a large proportion of the area for it to be an effective storage space. Many storage sheds are designed to be tall rather than wide. Their vertical storage enables you to maximize the available land while still holding a range of items. You can also make good use of these smaller outbuildings further by installing utility hooks and shelves on the walls so you can organize the shed neatly.

Another consideration when investing in a shed for your tiny home is what you intend to keep in it. Just the usual yard equipment and outdoor resources may not require anything too complex. Well-organized sheds can be good food storage spaces, too, but you’ll need to make some smart choices. For example, a metal shed necessitates you to install passive air vents, allowing greater humidity control. Good-quality insulation can also help you maintain consistent temperatures to protect the viability of your food. Alongside some tiered racks for easy access, you can have a shed that keeps your food safe while freeing up space inside your tiny home.

Installing Compact Storage Cabinets

A full storage shed isn’t necessarily right for every tiny homeowner’s space or budget. This doesn’t mean you can’t use outdoor storage to free up room in your house. One alternative you might consider is installing compact storage cabinets against one of the external walls of your home.

These units are designed to fit into small spaces while also offering secure and easy access to your items when you need them. They can be used for tools, gardening supplies, and even for seasonal sports equipment when it’s not in rotation. Some people even use them for pet food, as their easy-to-access but expansive dimensions make them perfect.

There are various designs and materials you can choose from here, including metal locker-type cabinets and wooden lean-to structures. Consider upcycling a used bookcase or china hutch to meet storage needs and the aesthetic you want to achieve with your property.

It’s important to prioritize safety when taking this approach. If you have tall storage cabinets, mount these securely to the wall of your tiny home. Doing so prevents them from falling over and causing damage or injuries during extreme weather conditions.

Additionally, outdoor cabinets may attract pests, which could make nests or affect the integrity of what you’re keeping inside. Knowing the ideal pest prevention by season can empower you to take effective preventative measures. For instance, termites are often a problem in the spring, particularly for wooden cabinets. In the fall, you might get visits from mice looking to make your storage their home. Wherever possible, use humane pest control methods, such as mechanical traps and strong-smelling plants to keep animals away from your storage.

Embracing the Multifunctional

One of the common aspects of tiny home living is learning to embrace the multifunctional. The more ways you can utilize the items in and around your property, the more likely they are to have a positive influence. This applies to outside storage solutions, too.

For the most part, outdoor furniture that doubles up as storage should be your focus. Modular yard seating is available, and each chair has a hollow base. You simply lift the cushions to place your excess items inside. Similarly, outdoor ottomans can be great as footrests and more space to organize your tools and other belongings. You can get creative here, too. If you have an outdoor table in your yard area, consider placing a storage box underneath it and concealing it with an all-weather tablecloth or installing cabinet doors.

Among the challenges of having multipurpose furniture outdoors is the potential for security and safety issues, particularly if your tiny home is in a city. The last thing you want is for your furniture and the items you’re storing to be stolen, damaged, or cause injury. Installing motion-sensor lights offers various benefits, as doing so improves visibility when the sensor is activated. The sudden triggering of bright light can deter unwanted animals or intruders that may want to take or damage items in your yard. Making the multipurpose furniture fully visible also means that you can easily find stored items if you need them at night.

Conclusion

Outdoor storage can be the ideal solution to keep items you don’t have space for inside your tiny home. You need to be strategic about this by choosing appropriate solutions for the types of belongings you want to store alongside adopting measures to keep them safe and secure. It can be challenging, but remember that this is part of the art of tiny home living. Finding creative ways to navigate a smaller space can empower you to fully embrace a simpler way of life.

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