Got a mess in your shed? Join the club. Even the neatest among us toss garden tools, potting mix, and unfinished projects in our sheds and close the door sometimes, leaving the mess blissfully behind. It’s only a shed, right? Wrong! Your storage or garden shed doesn’t have to a big alfresco junk drawer. If you’re tired of tripping over shovels, whacking your knee on piles of stuff, or struggling to find your fertilizer when you need it, it’s time to take charge with a few smart shed organization ideas.

Shed organization is a lot like closet organization: Your best bet is to take everything out first and figure out what should stay or go. Start with the obvious. Dried-up cans of paint you’re never going to use again? Buh-bye! Broken shovel? So long! Leaky hose? Outta here. The same goes for any projects you never got around to. This is a no-judgment zone, but let’s be honest—it’s been three years and you’re never going to restain that bench. There’s no shame in giving yourself permission to let go of something when somebody else might be able to use it.

Next, stack like items together so you can see what you have left: all the tools, all the stuff you need to repot plants, all the lawn equipment. Finally, use shelves, wall hooks, and overhead storage racks (you’ll be surprised how much extra room you’ll gain just by getting things off the floor) to maximize your available storage space. The next time you want to prune your roses, plant some herbs, or repair your garden fence, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to get started. Ready to kick off gardening season and up your organization game? Read on for the best garden shed organization ideas to help you clean up your mess.