Shed Sizing Guide
Published March 12, 2026
Choosing the right size of shed for your need.
Buying a shed is exciting — it means more space, less clutter, and a place to put those things that don’t belong in your living space. But one of the biggest questions people face is deciding what size shed to get.
So how do you decide what size to get?
Buying a shed is exciting — it means more space, less clutter, and a place to put those things that don’t belong in your living space. But one of the biggest questions people face is deciding what size shed to get.
So how do you decide what size to get?
Start with the big items first, things like lawn mowers, ATV’s, wheelbarrows, bicycles etc. Determining the layout of these items will help you discover your minimum space requirement.
A handy tip is to set/park your large items on your driveway as you will want them in the shed and measure the length and width of the space they occupy.
Once you have accounted for the big items, you can plan the rest of the space around them.
Next tackle your smaller items. Do you want shelves? Will you be stacking totes or boxes? Will your Christmas decorations be living out here? Decide how much smaller storage will be joining your large items and how you will organize it.
Don’t forget wall storage! Do you want to put in a row of hooks to hang your shovels, rakes, hoses, and other gardening tools to keep them from becoming tripping hazards? Leave a little space to be able to walk up to those racks.
Start with the big items first, things like lawn mowers, ATV’s, wheelbarrows, bicycles etc. Determining the layout of these items will help you discover your minimum space requirement.
A handy tip is to set/park your large items on your driveway as you will want them in the shed and measure the length and width of the space they occupy.
Once you have accounted for the big items, you can plan the rest of the space around them.
Next tackle your smaller items. Do you want shelves? Will you be stacking totes or boxes? Will your Christmas decorations be living out here? Decide how much smaller storage will be joining your large items and how you will organize it.
Don’t forget wall storage! Do you want to put in a row of hooks to hang your shovels, rakes, hoses, and other gardening tools to keep them from becoming tripping hazards? Leave a little space to be able to walk up to those racks.
Be sure to leave some room to move around.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is planning a shed where every inch is filled with stuff.
You want room to walk inside comfortably, drive equipment in and out, and reach tools without moving five other things first.
A shed should feel functional, not cramped.
Your final consideration needs to be about the future.
Sheds have a funny way of filling up faster than expected.
Over time you might come to love organized storage so much that you start sending more items out to the shed! Or maybe you decide to get into a new hobby that needs some workspace. Or you love the quiet out there so much that you decide to make a little home gym area.
Many homeowners say the same thing after buying a shed:
“I wish I had gone one size bigger.”
Be sure to leave some room to move around.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is planning a shed where every inch is filled with stuff.
You want room to walk inside comfortably, drive equipment in and out, and reach tools without moving five other things first.
A shed should feel functional, not cramped.
Your final consideration needs to be about the future.
Sheds have a funny way of filling up faster than expected.
Over time you might come to love organized storage so much that you start sending more items out to the shed! Or maybe you decide to get into a new hobby that needs some workspace. Or you love the quiet out there so much that you decide to make a little home gym area.
Many homeowners say the same thing after buying a shed:
“I wish I had gone one size bigger.”
If your yard allows it, choosing the next size up can save you from outgrowing your shed in a year or two.
Reminder: While you are choosing where you would like to put your shed, be sure to check for property setbacks, any community guidelines, and a good access path for the delivery of the shed.
A good shed isn’t just storage.
It’s space that makes your life easier to live, and your work more efficient every day.
With a little planning now, you can end up with a shed that works well for you today and still serves you well in the future.
If your yard allows it, choosing the next size up can save you from outgrowing your shed in a year or two.
Reminder: While you are choosing where you would like to put your shed, be sure to check for property setbacks, any community guidelines, and a good access path for the delivery of the shed.
A good shed isn’t just storage.
It’s space that makes your life easier to live, and your work more efficient every day.
With a little planning now, you can end up with a shed that works well for you today and still serves you well in the future.