Whether you’re storing tools, seasonal décor, lawn equipment, or family keepsakes, a well-organized storage building can make all the difference. At BMC Storage Buildings, owner Michael Banks has spent 28 years helping customers throughout Southern Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama create custom wood and metal storage structures that fit their needs—and organizing those structures is key to making the most of your investment.
If you’ve recently purchased a storage building from BMC, or you’re planning to, here are some smart ideas to help you best utilize the space for maximum efficiency and accessibility.
1. Go Vertical with Shelving
Don’t let your valuable wall space go to waste! Vertical storage is your best friend when it comes to organization. Install adjustable shelving units to house bins, boxes, and tools. You can also use wall-mounted brackets to store items like paint cans or power tools, freeing up your floor for larger equipment.
Pro Tip: Use clear bins or label each container so you can quickly find what you need without a scavenger hunt.
2. Pegboards for Custom Tool Organization
Pegboards are a must-have for anyone storing tools, gardening supplies, or crafting materials. They allow you to keep your tools visible, accessible, and off the floor. You can easily customize pegboard layouts with hooks, baskets, and shelves to accommodate your specific needs.
Whether you’re storing screwdrivers or garden gloves, pegboards make it easy to keep everything in order.
3. Use the Ceiling for Overhead Storage
The ceiling is often overlooked in storage planning, but it’s a goldmine for storing long or lightweight items. Install ceiling-mounted racks or even DIY wooden frames to hold items like lumber, seasonal decorations, camping gear, or sports equipment.
Just be sure to properly anchor any ceiling racks and consider the weight of stored items for safety.
4. Add a Workbench or Foldable Table
Even if you’re using the building purely for storage, having a dedicated work surface can make it easier to sort and organize items. A small workbench or a wall-mounted foldable table can help when going through boxes, labeling bins, or repairing stored items.
A foldable option gives you flexibility—tuck it away when you need more space.
5. Create Storage Zones
Divide your building into zones based on item categories. For example:
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Garden and lawn tools in one corner
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Holiday decorations in another
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Automotive supplies near the entrance
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Home project supplies on a back wall
Using zones keeps your building neat and saves time when you’re looking for something specific.
6. Invest in Stackable Storage Bins
Stackable plastic bins or totes are a great option for maximizing space. Choose bins of the same size for a cleaner, more stable stack. Place frequently used items in bins at waist or eye level, and rarely used items higher up.
Bins are especially useful for protecting contents from dust or pests while keeping things organized.
7. Use Storage Furniture
Cabinets, lockers, and small dressers can be a great way to store smaller items. Repurpose old furniture or buy inexpensive second-hand pieces to help you keep things tidy. This method adds charm and functionality to your BMC building.
8. Keep a Clear Path
It might be tempting to fill every square inch of your building, but resist the urge. Keeping a walkway free ensures you can move around safely and access everything without stress. It also helps with ventilation and reduces the chance of damage to stored items.
9. Don’t Forget Lighting and Ventilation
Proper lighting helps you find things quickly, especially in the back corners. Consider battery-powered or solar lighting if your building isn’t wired for electricity. Good ventilation helps protect your items from moisture and mildew, so consider vent fans or simple screened vents.
BMC Storage Buildings: Built for the Way You Live and Store
With decades of experience and a wide variety of buildings available to view on-site, Michael Banks and the team at BMC Storage Buildings can help you create the perfect custom structure. Whether you’re in Lawrenceburg, Columbia, Pulaski, or even Killen, Alabama, your ideal storage solution is just a phone call away.
Let us build it. You make it work for you—with smart storage solutions that stand the test of time.