by Dakota Storage Buildings, on April 12, 2022
Shed buying is a multi-benefit solution for homeowners who could use more storage room.
It’s a common homeowner lament: “We need more space for our stuff!” In spite of your best attempts at organizing (plus multiple trips to GoodWill), the clutter seems to be winning. The trend of downsizing has made the issue more pressing for some, along with the reality that — no matter how many Marie Kondo books you read, there’s simply not a magical solution to creating more space.
But take heart, you’re not alone in the battle of having a full house and lack of storage solutions. Perhaps it’s time to think out of the box. Is it time to buy a shed and reclaim some space in your home?
Could shed buying positively impact your health?
Well sure, buying things in general gives you a hit of dopamine (in fact, dopamine is released even before a purchase is made, so you may be positively impacted simply by researching sheds!). Buying a shed offers an even greater benefit than retail therapy: Reducing clutter is important for your health.
Clutter makes it more difficult to clean your home, which can lead to physical health concerns. It can also wreak havoc on your mental wellbeing. Many people don’t realize how much overflowing cabinets, closets, and clutter-corners may negatively impact their health. Conversely, finding a place to store your overflow can have positive effects.
Lower your stress:
- Studies show that people with cluttered living spaces have higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
- It’s more difficult to relax and feel at ease in a cluttered environment.
- Living with a lot of junk in your life can lead to exhaustion and simultaneously affect your quality of sleep.
Increased mental focus:
- A cluttered home can lead to a scattered mind, mental frustration, and losing important items. (“Where did I put that check I was going to deposit yesterday?”)
- It can make it difficult to focus because your mental landscape can start to mirror your physical surroundings.
- Overstimulation caused by clutter can negatively impact your cognitive skills.
Improved social life:
- Many people who live in cluttered homes, don’t want to invite friends over, and may even isolate themselves from relationships in fear that someone might drop by.
- It can feel embarrassing to have a messy living space, which affects your overall sense of confidence.
- Disorganized closet spaces can make it more difficult to keep clothing wrinkle free and it’s harder to find your favorite shirt when you need it, so you might wind up settling for a fashion choice that should have stayed in 2010.
Is it the right time to buy a shed?
Perhaps you’re sold. The extra storage space provided by shed buying would be a great solution. But is it affordable and worth the cost? The answer to this query is personal, but there are several considerations that may help you decide.
1. Identify your level of need
Assess where your biggest areas of overflow are and how they are impacting your life. Walk around your space and take inventory of what doesn’t have a “place.” If you can declutter by getting stuff you no longer need out of the road, great! Afterward, take a step back and see what’s left. Do you need extra storage for seasonal clothing and linens, rarely used tools and appliances, crafts and holiday decor, extra mattresses for guests, unused furniture? If the idea of buying a shed for all of this feels like a relief, it might be time!
2. Do your research
Good news! You’re already accomplishing Step #2 by reading this article. Next, you’ll want to research the available solutions (Tip: read our comparison of Storage Posts, Storage Units, or Storage Sheds). Be sure to compare pros and cons, including costs, of your favorite options.
3. Have fun exploring
Explore our Shed Collection to see what fits your needs and available space. The sheds in our collection are semi-customizable, which means you can choose the size, roofline style, and siding material and color. Here are a few options that could work for you as you think about storing household items in a backyard shed.
- Basic Backyard Shed: Our Basic Backyard Shed solves age-old storage problems at a price that's easy on the wallet. It’s basic, but it’s solid.
- Classic Backyard Shed: This shed is the quintessential storage solution with a sharp appearance and plenty of storage space.
- Backyard Shed XL: This shed is bigger than the average shed, including our Classic Backyard Shed and Modern Backyard Shed. It has a built-in loft and an internal storage kit that fits into the vertical space between studs.
Additional Shed Buying Bonuses
“I really wish I had less storage space!” Said no homeowner. Ever. The desire for a shed isn’t really the question, but it often comes down to financial concerns. DIY shed kits can range from $100 to $2,500. Prebuilt sheds average $1,500 to $4,000. And custom sheds run from $2,000 to $8,000. So there’s a shed buying option for every budget.
However, not all sheds are created equal. Consider whether you really want to build a shed and whether it would beautifully enhance the look of your property with special touches and high-quality materials. Many prospective homebuyers see a handsome backyard storage building as a real bonus.
Space, the Final Frontier
The long and the short of it is that buying a shed is an affordable, smart option for homeowners looking for a little more space and breathing room in their lives. After all, you can store almost anything in it, if packed properly, so the possibilities are endless. After weighing the benefits against cost, it’s easy to see that a shed is both a space-saving solution and a worthy investment.
If you’ve shed some clutter but find yourself in need of a place to store things you want to keep, maybe it’s time to invest in a longer-lasting kind of shed. Our Shed Buying Workbook will help you work through the best-fit size, materials, and personal touches to meet your budget.
