Jobs for the Week: Decluttering the Shed

Welcome to this week's 'jobs for the week'. This week we are continuing with the outdoor areas and tackling the shed. If you don't have a shed, work on another storage area instead.

Let me know how you get on.

If You Have 5 Minutes

• Quick tidy: Step into the shed and remove any obvious rubbish, broken tools, or empty containers. Clear the floor so you can move around safely.

• Surface check: Straighten shelves, sweep the floor, and put loose items back into boxes or tubs to make the space feel instantly more ordered.

If You Have 30 Minutes

• Sort by category: Group everything—tools, plant pots, compost, paint, DIY materials, garden furniture. This helps you see what you have and spot unnecessary duplicates.

• Be realistic: Let go of items that are broken beyond repair, rusted, or haven’t been used in years. If you didn’t use it this season, you probably won’t next year either.

• Organise tools: Hang tools on hooks or pegboards, and store small items in labelled containers or drawers. Keep the most-used items within easy reach.

If You Have Longer

• Empty it out: For a full reset, take everything out of the shed. Sweep and clean the inside thoroughly. Check for damp or pests and fix anything that needs attention.

• Rehome or recycle: Donate usable items you no longer need to local gardening groups, schools, or DIY projects. Recycle paint, batteries, or chemicals at your local recycling centre.

• Set up zones: Create clear areas for different uses—gardening, DIY, storage. This makes it easier to find what you need and keeps things organised long-term.

This Week’s Challenge:

Declutter five items from your shed that are no longer useful. A tidy shed saves time, avoids frustration, and helps you enjoy your outdoor space more fully.