Ideas to keep your garden tidy and in tip top shape

ant to free up some space in your garden so you can actually see the grass? While also protecting your items from getting damaged in the rain, wind or sun? A garden storage box is a simple solution.

Whatever your garden size – a small patio space to acres of green grass – a practical, well-designed storage box can house your belongings neatly and keep them safe and secure. There are all shapes and sizes available with varying capacities, designs from rustic to contemporary, and features to make them easy to use. Some are even multifunctional - doubling up as a side table or a seat if you add a cushion.

Size: Consider how big you need your storage box to be and where it will fit in your garden. Do you have a lot to store away and need expansive space for all your items? Or would a small one be enough and slot nicely onto your patio? Or maybe it would suit your garden to have a couple of little ones dotted around? Choose wisely and ensure you have enough space to fit your selected one.

Design: Choose between wooden or plastic, square or rectangular, white or natural green coloured – there’s plenty on the market to pick from, so shop around until you find the best for you. Consider the material, shape and colour and look out for the pros and cons – e.g. wooden ones may need treating from time to time with varnish, a plastic one may be more weatherproof, and a long length box might fit along your back fence better.

Features: Look out for storage boxes which are weatherproof – that’s waterproof, rust-proof and UV resistant. A high-quality box should keep its shape, colour and shell intact while protecting your items and keeping them dry. Some are also lockable to add extra security.

This is up to you and depends on your outdoor set-up. You could pop straight outside the back door so the contents is within easy access, in a corner at the end of your garden to keep discreet, or on the patio so you can double up the top as a seat when needed. You call the shots.

Ideas of what to store in your garden storage box

We’ve rounded up the best storage boxes to keep your garden tidy and your garden accessories safe…

Kettler is known for its durable designs in outdoor furniture and this modern-looking storage box will make a great addition to your exterior space all year round. It’s rust-proof thanks to its powder-coated aluminium design and has a zipped waterproof liner inside so will keep things dry and protected whatever the weather – rain, wind and frost.

Lift the lid with ease (it has gas pistons to assist) and fill the box with cushions, blankets and any other outdoor accessories. Keep it in one place or use the wheels on one side to move it around. A contemporary look which succeeds in its purpose.

The high-density polyethene construction of this large box makes it a sturdy and durable option to store your garden essentials. It’s water, rust and UV resistant so can withstand all weathers and will pack a lot in with a capacity of 439.11 litres.

It has handles on the sides if it needs to be manoeuvred around and can be locked up with a padlock at the front of the lid. Pop on your patio or at the bottom of your lawn and keep your garden in tip-top shape.

This smart storage box will add instant style and sophistication to your garden while neatly piling away your kids’ toys and garden tools. Choose from grey, dove grey or slate grey – all are made from a synthetic rattan (an imitation of natural rattan but weatherproof) and a powder-coated aluminium frame. This means the box doesn’t just look stylish, but is built to last with high-quality, durable materials.

Items in the Chatsworth collection from Cox & Cox are designed to look distressed to create a shabby chic vibe. Choose this outdoor storage unit from the range, which is made from untreated fir wood, natural spruce and a distressed galvanised metal top on hinges to save space in your outdoor area while creating a vintage feel.

Available in small or large sizes, the box is strong and sturdy and will add character to your garden. Top tip: use wood treatment on it to protect and prolong its life.

This sweet and small 83-litre storage box doubles up as a comfy seat – pop in the corner of your garden or outside on the patio, and it won’t take up much space but opens up the possibilities for hosting. Its durable resin construction makes it fit for all seasons and super easy to clean, with the panelled look keeping it smart. Perfect for any garden size, this is a practical storage solution, available in light taupe or stoney grey.

Built-in handles and wheels make this a very user-friendly design to manoeuvre with ease around your garden. With a generous 270-litre storage capacity, load up with garden equipment, toys and outdoor cushions, then lock up and use the top as additional seating for up to two adults when entertaining. The sage green colour paired with its wood panel finish is an attractive look, while also keeping things safe and dry inside with its weather-resistant properties. It also has an affordable price tag.

All-black and compact, use this classic cubical storage box to store away any garden tools, cushions or toys. It is weather-resistant to stick out all seasons come rain or shine and multifunctional – simply shut the lid and use as a side table or outdoor seat. A cheap and cheerful option to help tidy up any garden clutter while standing discreetly at the side of your patio or grass.

A top product on Amazon when it comes to garden storage – Keter’s Capri model in anthracite takes up to 305 litres in its long rectangular-shaped chest. The woven wicker-effect look made from polypropylene provides UV and water-resistant protection and has integrated wheels and handle grips to transport it across your outdoor space with ease. Lock the lid shut then use as a seating bench or place objects up to 240g on top of the box to get the most use out of it.

Neatly store away your garden tools and accessories in this deep storage box, with a large capacity of 270 litres. The neutral colour with a grey top will suit any garden décor and smarten up any unnecessary mess scattered around outside, while protecting your items from getting damaged. Its moulded polypropylene panels provide a durable and long-lasting design, resilient to all weather conditions and there’s a sturdy lid to keep anything unwanted out.

Open up Kingfisher’s medium-sized chest, pop your cushions, wellies, planting accessories and whatever else inside and seal shut securely for guaranteed protection. The fresh white colour will blend against walls nicely and add some style to your garden, while the rectangular design will fit a lot of different-sized objects inside to free up your garden space. Watch as your items remain dry, and if you decide to relocate the box, it’s simple – the lightweight construction and built-in handles do the work for you.