Whether you use your shed primarily to store items, or you use it as your own personal workspace, it's important to keep it clean and tidy at all times. Sheds tend to become messy because people don't have the time or the inclination to organise them as well as they should, but taking care of your shed doesn't have to be onerous work that you put off until some future date in your schedule. Here are 10 tips for cleaning your shed so that it stays neat and organised, and is always ready for whatever project you need to tackle.

1. Remove old items

One of the first things you should do when cleaning out your shed is to remove all of the old items that you no longer need or use. This will help you declutter the space and make it easier to clean. To do this, start by making a pile of all the items you want to keep and another pile of all the items you want to get rid of. Then, go through each item in the latter pile and decide whether you want to throw it away, donate it, or sell it. If you choose to throw it away, give some thought as to how you would like to dispose of the item, if it's something small, consider putting it in a plastic bag and then recycling it.

2. Locate your junk

If you want to get rid of the junk in your shed, the first step is to locate it. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's easy to overlook things when they're hidden away in a dark corner. Once you've gathered all of your junk, sort it into piles based on what can be recycled, what can be donated, and what needs to be thrown away in skip bins. Locating all of your junk will help you decide which piles to work on first. 

3. Clean up rust spots

Are there any rust spots in your shed? If so, you'll want to clean them up as soon as possible. Rust can spread quickly and cause extensive damage if left unchecked. Here are a few tips for cleaning up rust spots:

  • First off, you will need the right materials. You'll need vinegar or lemon juice (or both), hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and water. 
  • After gathering the materials needed, mix all of the ingredients together in a bucket. 
  • Dampen some cloth with the mixture and rub it over any rust spots that need to be cleaned up until they're gone then wash down the entire surface with a damp cloth to remove any leftover residue.

4. Hire a skip bin

A quick and efficient way of getting rid of your shed waste is through a skip bin hire. They are available in a variety of different sizes and can be rented for one or multiple days. Make sure you check with your provider what you can and cannot put in a skip bin. Some items are extremely hard to recycle and need to be disposed of in special plants. Having said that, most skip bins in Perth allow you to dump certain items like mattresses and tyres for an extra fee.

5. Fix anything broken

Before you start cleaning, take a look around and see if anything needs to be fixed. A broken shelf or a cracked window can make the whole shed look unkempt. If you have the time and the supplies, fixing these things can make a big difference. You might also consider installing shelving units to maximise storage space in your shed. After you fix any broken items, it's time to get down and dirty with some serious spring cleaning.

6. Hang things

Organise your space by hanging things on the walls or from the ceiling. This will free up floor space and make it easier to find what you need. Plus, it'll make your shed look neater and more put-together. Place frequently used items at eye level: Put those items that you use most often in a place where they're easy to reach. That way, when you need them, they're close at hand. If you have children, this is especially important.

7. Make an inventory

Inventory is an important part of any clean-up project. It helps you get rid of things you don't need any more and it makes sure that the things you do need are easily accessible. Create a to-do list: Prioritise tasks and break them down into manageable steps to ensure that everything gets done in a timely manner. Start with the most difficult or unpleasant jobs first, then move on to easier tasks. Tackle each task at its own pace without multitasking.

8. Use overhead storage solutions

Using overhead storage solutions can free up floor space and make it easier to organise the items in your shed. When you have too many things on the floor, it's hard to know what you need to clean first. It can also be dangerous if there are hazards lying around. You may also want to use these storage solutions as a way of keeping some of the larger tools off the ground so they're not exposed to dirt and debris that accumulate over time.

9. Make use of vertical space 

Vertical space is the best space in a shed. Use it to store things you use infrequently. A few good examples are extension cords, ladders, and old tools. You can use this space to store these items by leaning them against a wall or tucking them behind a shelf. If you have rafters in your shed, hang objects from them as well! Not only will they be out of the way, but they'll also add some style to the interior of your storage space.

10. Clean up the windows

The first step is to clean up all the windows. You don't want to be leaving any fingerprints or smudges behind. A good way to clean them is with a microfiber cloth and some vinegar. Just wipe down each window, inside and out, until they're sparkling clean. It's best to do this while the sun is shining so you can see any spots that need more attention. It's also important to check the screens in between two panes of glass on top of the window frame.

Conclusion

If you follow these 10 tips, you'll be on your way to a clean and organised shed in no time. Just remember to be patient and take things one step at a time. Before you know it, your shed will be the envy of the neighbourhood.