What Shed Size is Right for You? 5 Important Questions to Ask to Choose the Right Storage Shed Size

Whether you need more space for your tools, you decided it’s time for the perfect “she shed,” or want an outdoor gym area, you’ve decided a storage shed is the right fit.

Now comes the next tough decision: the right shed size.

Just as many other purchases come with plenty of tough choices along the way, so does choosing the perfect shed.

How do you find the right shed size for you? Here are the 5 important questions you’ll need to ask:

• What’s the purpose of your shed?
• What does the future hold?
• What’s going in the shed?
• Where will your shed go?
• What are the building regulations?

1. What’s the purpose of your shed?

Gone are the days where sheds are simply for storage. Homeowners have started getting more and more creative with the endless ways sheds can be used. From a mini livestock shelter to a pool house, the possibilities are infinite.

By first determining how your shed will be used, you’ll get a better sense of both what size and shape shed you’ll need. For example, if you plan to use your shed for a small barn, you’ll need to consider a shed that has plenty of open space and high ceilings for additional attic-like storage.

2. What does the future hold?

Looking to the future is something that’s incredibly important, yet few shed owners think of. If you’re like most of us, you’ll accumulate and acquire more stuff over time. As you well know, all these things need to go somewhere…and your shed is the perfect place for them.

Consider how you plan to use the shed, but also how you plan to use it in the future. Not only will size be affected by the amount that you plan to store, but also the purpose. What once started as “the shed” may very well turn into a “she shed” later on.

3. What’s going in the shed?

It may feel like you already answered this one in #1…but not so fast. Purpose and the actual things that go in your shed are very closely related, but still very different.

More importantly, in order to determine the best shed size for you, this is a question you’ll need to get really honest about in order to get the best size for you and your family.

So what’s going in the shed? Sporting equipment, horse tackle, pool supplies…the list could go on and on. Start by finding the largest item going in the shed – such as a lawnmower or kayak – and measure out the footprint.

Don’t forget that you’ll want to allow for space to walk around and move things around in the shed. (Believe it or not, it’s easy to forget this!) You’ll need plenty of room to maneuver around, depending on what you store. After all, it’ll be useless to have a shed where you can’t get to or move around things easily.

4. Where will your shed go?

Next, you’ll need to figure out where the shed will go and the exact footprint of it. Get creative and use lawn chairs or stick with good, faithful flagging tape to rope off the area you plan on putting your shed. Take in the considerations we’ve talked about already as you plan out your shed footprint: purpose, future use, and what items are going in the shed.

Here’s where many new shed owners make a mistake: you’re not done planning out your shed footprint yet! There are two more things to account for:

Foundation: Plan approximately (1) extra foot on all sides of the shed to account for the foundation.
Height: Don’t forget to look up! Height is an important (and easily overlooked) factor in assessing your shed size. Property lines, drainage, roads, power lines, and treelines (and future growth) are a few things to look for when choosing your shed location.

5. What are the building regulations?

Depending on where you live, you may or may not have to adhere to community or building regulations. It’s important to consult your HOA or community board to better understand any potential restrictions on your shed build.

For instance, you may find that you’re allowed to build a shed on your property, but you’re restricted on things like size or color.

Answer these five important questions and you’ll be well on your way to determining the right size shed for your needs.

Then, once you’ve completed all these steps, it’s time to find the shed of your dreams!