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Choosing the Best Location for Your Portable Storage Shed

Overview

Choosing the right location for your portable storage shed is key to maximizing convenience, functionality, and longevity. Whether for home or business use, proper placement ensures easy access, enhances aesthetics, and protects your shed from the elements. In this blog, Smart Shed covers essential factors like accessibility, zoning regulations, and weather considerations to help you make an informed decision. With the right approach, your shed will be a practical and seamless addition to your property.

Highlights

• Keep your shed accessible
• The aesthetic impact of your new shed
• Proper shed placement can add weather protection
• Think about zoning regulations
• Preparing the ground

Introduction

Have you been thinking about adding a storage shed to your property but are unsure where you might place it?

Join Smart Shed as we provide practical advice on how to choose the best location for your portable storage shed, considering factors like accessibility, aesthetics, zoning regulations, proximity to the home or business, and other key considerations.

Understand Your Purpose and Needs

Before deciding on the location of your shed, it’s important to understand exactly what you need from it. What will the shed be used for? Do you plan on using the shed as a workspace or a storage area? Are you storing heavy equipment or light tools? The intended purpose will influence your decision in several ways, such as the required size, accessibility, and proximity to other areas on your property.

For example, homeowners may need a portable shed for seasonal storage, lawn equipment, or as a workshop for hobbies. This could influence the choice of a quiet, tucked-away location near the backyard or garden. On the other hand, business owners may need extra storage for inventory, tools, or equipment. In this case, accessibility and proximity to business operations are key factors.

Many people, during the planning stages, make a list of the items they intend to store and how frequently they’ll need to access them. Doing so will help you visualize the best spot on your property.

Keep Your Shed Accessible

Accessibility is one of the most important factors when choosing the location for your portable shed. You want to be able to easily get to your shed without any hassle, especially if you plan on storing large or heavy items.

Do You Want Your Shed Near Your Home or Business?

When placing a portable shed, consider how close it should be to your home or business. For homeowners, placing the shed too far from the house could make it inconvenient to access, while placing it too close might make it feel cramped or intrusive.

Ideally, the shed should be within a short walking distance from your home but not so close that it becomes detrimental to your experience of your property. Consider placing it at the back of the property, near your garden or backyard, where it’s easily accessible without obstructing the view from the house.

If you’re placing a shed for business purposes, such as storage for equipment or inventory, it should be in a location that facilitates easy access and organization. Think about the flow of work on your property—keep the shed close to high-traffic areas like parking lots, loading docks, or workspace areas to save time and effort.

If you plan on using the shed frequently, place it in a location that makes sense for your daily activities—close enough for convenience but far enough to maintain a tidy and organized property. For example, if it will hold lawn care equipment, place it close to your lawn.

Pathways and Driveway

If you plan to use your shed for heavy machinery, choose a location that’s easily accessible by vehicle. Ensure there’s a well-maintained driveway or pathway between the driveway and shed, especially if you need to move large items in and out.

From a professional’s perspective, we suggest you place your shed near your driveway or close to an entry point on your property to ensure easy access, especially for larger items.

Leave Extra Space for Maneuvering

Consider the available space around the shed for maneuvering. If you plan to park a vehicle near or in front of the shed, ensure ample space for turning around, unloading, or loading items.

Avoid Obstructions

Keep the path clear of:

• Large trees
• Bushes
• Waste receptacles
• Any obstacles that might impede access

Think about future growth, too—make sure the shed location will remain accessible long-term.

Consider the Aesthetic Impact of Your New Shed

While a shed’s primary function is providing usable space for storage or work, it’s still important to consider how the shed will look on your property. A well-placed portable storage shed can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard or business, while a poorly chosen location can detract from the overall look.

Here are some tips:

Make Sure Your Shed Blends With Your Landscape

If the shed is going to be a permanent feature on your property, choose a location where it will blend seamlessly with your landscape. This may mean placing the shed in the shade of trees, near a fence, or in a corner of the property to keep it out of direct view.

Design and Color

Consider the design and color of the shed in relation to your home or business. Opt for a location where the shed complements your existing structures. For example, if your property has a farmyard look, you can select a barn style for your shed. Many portable sheds offer customization options so you can match the shed’s color and design to your property’s existing aesthetic.

One more thing: If you want the shed to be a focal point of your property, position it in an open space where it can complement surrounding elements like gardens or patios.

Sunlight, Shade, and Weather Protection for Your Shed

Environmental factors like sunlight, wind, and moisture play a significant role in choosing the right location for your shed. A shed exposed to extreme sunlight or constant rain may experience wear and tear more quickly. Protecting your shed from the elements will ensure it lasts longer and stays in better condition.

Consider the Sunlight Exposure

Consider the amount of sunlight the location will receive throughout the day. A location with direct sunlight can heat up the interior of your shed, especially in the summer. To prevent overheating, choose a spot with some shade, like near a tree or a tall fence, or install window coverings to block out the sun.

Avoid Low-Lying Areas

If your property is prone to flooding, avoid placing your shed in low-lying areas where water might accumulate. Water damage can compromise the integrity of your shed and its contents. Similarly, if your area experiences harsh winters, place your shed on higher ground to avoid snow accumulation around the structure.

Wind Protection

If you live in an area with strong winds, position the shed near a natural barrier, like a tree line or a fence. This will help protect the shed from gusty winds and reduce the risk of damage.

Zoning Regulations and Storage Building Permits

Before placing a portable shed, it’s essential to check local zoning regulations and any necessary permits. Many areas have rules regarding the size, placement, and construction of outdoor structures, including portable sheds.

Here’s what to check for:

Local Regulations

Some areas may have restrictions on the size of structures, the distance they must be from property lines, or the height of the shed. Be sure to review local building codes or consult with your local municipality before placing your shed.

Property Line Considerations

Make sure the shed is positioned within the property boundaries, and avoid placing it too close to your neighbor’s property line. Many areas require a minimum distance from property lines for structures, so check the rules to ensure compliance.

The Final Step: Preparing the Ground

Once you’ve chosen the best location for your portable shed, it’s time to prepare the ground. A level, stable surface is essential for ensuring your shed remains secure and functional over time.

Follow these steps:

1. Make sure the area you select is flat and level to avoid structural issues with your shed. A level foundation will ensure the doors and windows open properly and prevent issues like warping or shifting.
2. Remove any debris, rocks, or vegetation from the area before placing the shed. A clean, level surface will help ensure a smooth installation and prevent potential issues with drainage or pests.
3. Consider placing your shed on a gravel or concrete foundation to add stability and prevent moisture damage over time.

Reach Out to Smart Shed for All Your Portable Storage Shed Needs

Choosing the best location for your portable storage shed is essential for maximizing its functionality, longevity, and aesthetic appeal. By considering factors like accessibility, aesthetics, proximity to the home or business, weather protection, zoning regulations, and proper ground preparation, you can ensure your shed is a valuable addition to your property.

Before you can select the shed spot to place your shed, you need to find the right company to build it. As many have come to learn, Smart Shed offers reliable portable storage sheds with many customization options. Call us at (706) 405-4637 to learn more!